History Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway in County Mayo, Ireland, is a 42-kilometer-long greenway rail trail that runs from Westport to Achill. Its history is a tale of transformation, from a Victorian-era railway to a modern recreational trail.
The Railway Era
The story of the Great Western Greenway begins in the late 19th century with the construction of the Achill extension of the Midland Great Western Railway. This line, known as one of the "Balfour Lines" after Arthur J. Balfour, the Chief Secretary for Ireland at the time, was built with state assistance to provide a railway to disadvantaged areas.
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1894: The first section of the railway opened, connecting Westport to Newport.
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1895: The line was completed, extending all the way to Achill.
The railway brought significant social and economic benefits to the region, improving trade, tourism, and the postal system. It's said that over 1,000 men were employed in its construction. However, the railway's success was short-lived. With the rise of motor vehicles and an improved road network, passenger numbers declined, and the service was eventually terminated. Passenger services stopped in 1934, and freight services ceased in 1937. The tracks were subsequently removed and sold.
The Modern Greenway
Decades later, the disused railway line was repurposed, leading to the creation of the Great Western Greenway. The project was a collaboration between local and national entities, with funding from Mayo County Council, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Fáilte Ireland. Crucially, the project's success depended on the agreement of local landowners who granted permissive access for the trail.
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April 2010: The first section of the greenway, between Newport and Mulranny, was opened.
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July 2011: The full 42-kilometer route from Westport to Achill was officially opened.
The greenway has been a major success, attracting a significant number of cyclists and walkers. It has won several awards and is recognized for its positive economic impact on the local area, inspiring similar projects across Ireland.
Achill Island, the largest island off the coast of Ireland, has a rich and storied history spanning thousands of years. From ancient settlements to a prominent role in Irish folklore, the island's past is as rugged and captivating as its landscape.
Early History and Ancient Settlements
Human settlement on Achill Island dates back at least 5,000 years. Archaeological evidence, such as megalithic tombs and promontory forts, points to a Neolithic presence around 4000 B.C. These early inhabitants cleared forests for farming and left their mark on the landscape. During the Iron Age (c. 400 B.C.), the remains of forts along the coast suggest a period of increased settlement and conflict. The arrival of Christianity in Ireland around the 5th century A.D. is also reflected on the island, with ancient church sites and holy wells dedicated to 7th-century saints.
Grace O'Malley and the O'Malley Clan
Achill was once part of the ancient Kingdom of Umhall, and one of its most famous ruling families was the O'Malleys. The most renowned member of this clan was Grace O'Malley (Granuaile), the legendary "Pirate Queen." She was a fearless leader who controlled the waters of the western seaboard in the 16th century, imposing taxes on passing ships. Kildamhnait Castle, a 15th-century tower house on the island, is associated with her family.
The Great Famine and the Deserted Village
The Great Famine of the mid-19th century had a devastating impact on Achill. The "Deserted Village" at the foot of Slievemore mountain stands as a poignant reminder of this era. This village of about 80 stone cottages was abandoned as families were forced to emigrate or move closer to the sea for food. The cottages were later used as "booley houses" for seasonal grazing of cattle, a practice that continued until the early 20th century.
The Railway and Tragedies
In the late 19th century, a railway line was built to connect Achill to the mainland, opening up the island to more visitors. The line was part of a government initiative to aid disadvantaged areas. However, its history is marked by tragedy. A local prophet had foretold that "fire carts on iron wheels" would carry bodies to Achill on their first and last journeys. This prophecy came true when the first train carried the bodies of 32 young Achill people who drowned in the Clew Bay Drowning tragedy in 1894. The railway's last journey in 1937 also carried the bodies of ten young Achill people who died in a fire while working in Scotland.
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Here are some images of Achill Island's stunning landscape
Achill Island is known for its rich archaeological heritage, which includes a number of promontory forts. These forts, dating back to the Iron Age, are a testament to the long history of human settlement on the island.
What are Promontory Forts?
A promontory fort is a type of defensive structure built on a coastal headland or a steep cliff. The natural defenses of the sea cliffs protect the fort on three sides, and a bank or ditch is constructed on the landward side to complete the fortification. This strategic use of topography made them highly effective for defense with minimal construction.
Achill's Promontory Forts
Achill has multiple promontory forts, with one well-known example being the fort at Dun Bunnafahy (Dún Bun na Faiche), near Ashleam Bay. Key features of this fort and others on the island include:
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Defensive Walls and Ditches: At Dun Bunnafahy, a clearly evident ditch and a wall that can reach a height of approximately 6 meters from the bottom of the ditch can still be seen.
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Location: The forts are typically situated on narrow slivers of land jutting into the sea, providing natural protection.
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Archaeological Significance: Promontory forts on Achill and elsewhere in Ireland are a key part of the country's maritime and Iron Age history, indicating a period of expansion and conflict. The name "dún" (or "doon") in Irish placenames often signifies the presence of a fort.
The presence of these forts, along with other archaeological sites like megalithic tombs and the Deserted Village at Slievemore, offers a glimpse into the island's past, from its earliest inhabitants to later medieval periods.
https://barrysguidedtours.com/achill-island-promontory-fort/
https://achilltourism.com/experience-achill/history/
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