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[[File:Mayomap.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
[[File:Mayomap.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
'''Erris''' is a [[barony (Ireland)|barony]] in northwestern [[County Mayo]] in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. The main town is [[Belmullet]]. Erris (from 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western promontory') To its north is [[Broadhaven Bay]] and to its west is the wild [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Blacksod Bay]]. Erris is characterised by spectacular scenery and unspoilt natural beauty, having dramatic cliffs rising almost 900 feet high at [[Benwee Head]] along its north coast interspersed with tranquil white sandy beaches. Due to its remote location and lack of industrial development it has retained links to it archaeological and historical past.
'''Erris''' is a [[barony (Ireland)|barony]] in northwestern [[County Mayo]] in [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. The main town is [[Belmullet]]. The name Erris derives from the [[Irish language|Irish]] 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western promontory'. To its north is [[Broadhaven Bay]] and to its west is the wild [[Atlantic Ocean]] and [[Blacksod Bay]]. There are four [[Catholic]] parishes in Erris: [[Kilcommon]], Kilmore, [[Kiltane]] and [[Ballycroy]]
There are four [[Catholic]] parishes in Erris. They are: [[Kilcommon]], Kilmore, [[Kiltane]] and [[Ballycroy]]


==Gaeltacht==
==Gaeltacht==
[[File:Ellybaywintererris pen belmullet.JPG|thumb|Right|150px|Elly Bay, The Mullet, Erris]]
[[File:Ellybaywintererris pen belmullet.JPG|thumb|Right|150px|Elly Bay, The Mullet, Erris]]
Much of Erris is a [[Gaeltacht]] area. There are significant numbers of first-language speakers of [[Irish language|Irish]] the following areas of the barony: An Fál Mór, Tamhaiin na hUltaí, Glais, Eachléim, Tearmann, Tránn, An Mullach Rua, Cartúr, An Baile Úr, Cill Ghallagáin, Ceathrú na gCloch, Port a' Chluaidh, Ros Dumhach and Ceathrú Thaidhg. The area with the most Irish speakers is Ceathrú Thaidhg.<ref>http://www.celt.dias.ie/publications/cat/e/e2-9.html </ref>
Much of Erris is a [[Gaeltacht]] area, with first-language speakers of [[Irish language|Irish]] in the following areas of the barony: An Fál Mór, Tamhaiin na hUltaí, Glais, Eachléim, Tearmann, Tránn, An Mullach Rua, Cartúr, An Baile Úr, Cill Ghallagáin, Ceathrú na gCloch, Port a' Chluaidh, Ros Dumhach and Ceathrú Thaidhg. The area with the most Irish speakers is Ceathrú Thaidhg.<ref>http://www.celt.dias.ie/publications/cat/e/e2-9.html</ref>


== Topography and Geology ==
== Topography and geology ==
[[File:Bangor Way County Mayo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Bangor Way way-marked walking trail]]
[[File:Bangor Way County Mayo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Bangor Way way-marked walking trail]]
⚫
Much of inland Erris is covered with blanket bog. A triangle between [[Ballycroy]], [[Bellacorick]] and [[Bangor Erris]] is little else. [[Blanket bog]], unlike [[raised bog]], grows slowly across the landscape like a blanket covering the ground, due to a continuous supply of water from rainfall, maintaining waterlogged conditions on the ground. The bog is acidic with a pH of between 3.5 and 4.2. This is Atlantic Blanket Bog and it provides habitats for many species of [[flora]] and [[fauna]] which are not found elsewhere due to drainage of boglands.{{fact}} The oldest rocks in [[Ireland]], some 1.9 billion years old, are to be found on the west coasts of Erris.{{fact}} Pink or orange striped [[gneisses]] are found along the beaches of Elly Bay and Annagh Head where they have become separated from the same rocks on the east coast of Northern [[Canada]] over hundreds of millions of years by the separation of [[tectonic plates]] in the mid [[Atlantic Ocean]].{{fact}}


⚫
"[[Erris Head]]" (Irish: ''Ceann Iorrais'') is a promontory at the northernmost tip of the Mullet Peninsula. It is used as a landmark by mariners and weather forecasters.{{fact}} It is a scenic viewpoint{{fact}} over the [[Atlantic Ocean]] where the next stop is the East coast of America. It is not served by any road and can only be reached by crossing a number of fields from the hamlet of Glenlara where the road ends.
⚫
Much of inland Erris is covered with blanket bog. A triangle between [[Ballycroy]], [[Bellacorick]] and [[Bangor Erris]] is little else. [[Blanket bog]], unlike [[raised bog]], grows slowly across the landscape like a blanket covering the ground, due to a continuous supply of water from rainfall, maintaining waterlogged conditions on the ground. The bog is acidic with a pH of between 3.5 and 4.2. This is Atlantic Blanket Bog and it provides a unique habitat for many species of [[flora]] and [[fauna]] which are not found elsewhere due to drainage of boglands. The oldest rocks in [[Ireland]], some 1.9 billion years old, are to be found on the west coasts of Erris. Pink or orange striped [[gneisses]] are found along the beaches of Elly Bay and Annagh Head where they have become separated from the same rocks on the east coast of Northern [[Canada]] over hundreds of millions of years by the separation of [[tectonic plates]] in the mid [[Atlantic Ocean]].


⚫
== Islands ==
⚫
'''[[Erris Head]]''' (Irish: ''''Ceann Iorrais'''') is a promontory at the northernmost tip of the '''Mullet Peninsula'''. It is a well known and recognised landmark used by mariners and weather forecasters . It is a very scenic viewpoint over the [[Atlantic Ocean]] where the next stop is the East coast of America. It is not served by any road and can only be reached by crossing a number of fields from the hamlet of Glenlara where the road ends.
⚫
Along the coast there are several uninhabited [[islands]] - home only to grazing sheep, donkeys and visiting fishermen. These include the [[Inishkea Islands]],<ref>http://irishislands.info/inishkea.html</ref><ref>http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4707&Itemid=38</ref> Inisglora,<ref>http://irishislands.info/glora.html</ref> Duvillaun,<ref>http://irishislands.info/moduvill.html</ref>, the Stags of [[Broadhaven Bay]] and many smaller islands. There are several way marked walks throughout the Barony including the [[Bangor Trail]], the [[Western Way]] and way-marked cliff walks along the remote north coastline, for which maps are available from Comhar Dún Caocháin Teo in [[Carrowteige]].


⚫
== The Erris Coast Islands ==
⚫
All around the coast there are fascinating mainly uninhabited [[islands]], home to only grazing sheep and donkeys and visiting fishermen - islands such as the [[Inishkea Islands]] <ref>http://irishislands.info/inishkea.html</ref> <ref>http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4707&Itemid=38</ref> Inisglora <ref>http://irishislands.info/glora.html</ref> Duvillaun <ref>http://irishislands.info/moduvill.html</ref>, the Stags of [[Broadhaven Bay]] and many more smaller islands which can be visited by agreement with local [[boatmen]]. There are many way marked walks throughout the Barony including the [[Bangor Trail]], the [[Western Way]] and way-marked cliff walks along the remote north coastline, for which maps are available from Comhar Dún Caocháin Teo in [[Carrowteige]].


== Natural History ==
== Natural History ==
[[File:Moorland near Bellacorick, north Mayo. - geograph.org.uk - 71273.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
[[File:Moorland near Bellacorick, north Mayo. - geograph.org.uk - 71273.jpg|thumb|right|150px]]
⚫
Erris, in common with most of inland Ireland, became covered in extensive native forestry a few thousand years after the last [[Ice Age]] retreated (approx 15,000 years ago). In Erris, the remains of these huge forests can be seen across the blanket bog landscape in the form of fossilised greying tree stumps which are mainly the remains of ancient [[Scots Pine]] trees. These become most obvious where there has been harvesting of turf ([[peat]]) for fuel. The odd [[bog oak]] can be found too.
⚫
Erris, in common with most of inland Ireland, became covered in extensive native forestry a few thousand years after the last [[Ice Age]] retreated (approx 15,000 years ago). In Erris, the remains of these huge forests can be seen across the blanket bog landscape in the form of fossilised greying tree stumps which are mainly the remains of ancient [[Scots Pine]] trees. These become most obvious where there has been harvesting of turf ([[peat]]) for fuel. The odd [[bog oak]] can be found too.

⚫
[[File:Blanket bog on -glinsc mountain, Kilcommon, Erris, Co. Mayo.JPG|right|150px|Blanket bog mosses, Glinsk Mountain, Kilcommon, Erris]] The inland areas of Erris are covered with vast areas of blanket bog, which provide an important ecosystem for many species of endangered flora and fauna. Many areas are protected under European legislation such as [[Special Areas of Conservation]], Special Protected Areas (Birds Directive) and National Heritage Areas. The boglands, estuaries, salt marshes, coasts, machair and rocky shores and cliffs of Erris are valuable habitats for many species of birds and other indigenous flora and fauna. Species such as the corncrake and the rare Red Necked Phalarope are found in the area. Brent Geese overwinter here feeding along the estuaries and kestrels, gold finches and herons are commonly seen. The last Golden Eagle seen in Ireland was spotted in Erris in 1931. The largely treeless landscape of the barony is a favoured spot for birdwatchers as there is a great deal of clear vision in all directions. <ref>http://www.iol.ie/~bmullets/erris.htm </ref>


[[File:Blanket bog on -glinsc mountain, Kilcommon, Erris, Co. Mayo.JPG|right|150px|Blanket bog mosses, Glinsk Mountain, Kilcommon, Erris]]
⚫
The inland areas of Erris are covered with blanket bog, which provide an important ecosystem for many species of endangered flora and fauna.{{fact}} Many areas are protected under European legislation such as [[Special Areas of Conservation]], Special Protected Areas (Birds Directive) and National Heritage Areas. The boglands, estuaries, salt marshes, coasts, machair and rocky shores and cliffs of Erris are valuable habitats{{fact}} for many species of birds and other indigenous flora and fauna. Species such as the corncrake and the rare Red Necked Phalarope are found in the area. Brent Geese overwinter here feeding along the estuaries and kestrels, gold finches and herons are commonly seen.{{fact}} The last Golden Eagle seen in Ireland was spotted in Erris in 1931.{{fact}} The largely treeless landscape of the barony is a favoured spot for birdwatchers as there is a great deal of clear vision in all directions.<ref>http://www.iol.ie/~bmullets/erris.htm </ref>


== Archaeology/History ==
== Archaeology/History ==
[[File:Gortbreac22may08 017.JPG|thumb|right|150px|A little stone circle at Gortbrack]]
[[File:Gortbreac22may08 017.JPG|thumb|right|150px|A little stone circle at Gortbrack]] During the [[Neolithic]] period, starting about 6,000 years ago, the first people living in Ireland whose ancestors had hunted and gathered along the coastlines of Erris from about 9,000 years ago, began to cut down the forestry to clear land for growing crops and grazing livestock. Because the underlying rock type was ancient [[schists]] the soil was thin and easily weathered. After a couple of years the crops began to fail and the Neolithic people had to clear the native woodlands further and further inland. With minor changes in climate and high rainfall levels the land became blanketed by the bog and remains that way to the current day. When present day turf cutters, harvest the bog for fuel, archaeological remains, mainly from the Neolithic and early [[Bronze Age]], which have become buried under the bog often come to light. More info on the archaeology of Kilcommon parish available from Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo in Carrowteige. Some archaeological sites can be found marked on Ordnance Survey maps.
During the [[Neolithic]] period, starting about 6,000 years ago, the first people living in Ireland whose ancestors had hunted and gathered along the coastlines of Erris from about 9,000 years ago, began to cut down the forestry to clear land for growing crops and grazing livestock. Because the underlying rock type was ancient [[schists]] the soil was thin and easily weathered. After a couple of years the crops began to fail and the Neolithic people had to clear the native woodlands further and further inland.{{fact}} With minor changes in climate and high rainfall levels the land became blanketed by the bog and remains that way to the current day.{{fact}} When present day turf cutters, harvest the bog for fuel, archaeological remains, mainly from the Neolithic and early [[Bronze Age]], which have become buried under the bog often come to light. More info on the archaeology of Kilcommon parish available from Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo in Carrowteige. Some archaeological sites can be found marked on Ordnance Survey maps.


The period of [[Early Christianity]] saw several small churches set up but no major religious houses came to the area, probably because there were no roads through until relatively recent times. During the [[Plantations of Ireland]], there were two major landlords in the area - the Binghams and the Carters. [[Oliver Cromwell]]'s policy (mid 17th century) of sending the native Irish who refused to bow down to him "[[to hell or to Connaught]]" saw an massive influx of population into Erris where the disinherited native Irish tried to eke a living from very poor quality agricultural land under the tenancy of the landlords and their agents. During the [[Irish Famine]] of 1845 - '47 many died in Erris despite the close proximity of the sea, because they could not raise the cash to fund a passage to America.
The period of [[Early Christianity]] saw several small churches set up but no major religious houses came to the area. During the [[Plantations of Ireland]], there were two major landlords in the area - the Binghams and the Carters. [[Oliver Cromwell]]'s policy (mid 17th century) of sending the native Irish who refused to bow down to him "[[to hell or to Connaught]]" saw a large influx of population into Erris where the disinherited native Irish tried to eke a living from very poor quality agricultural land under the tenancy of the landlords and their agents.{{fact}} During the [[Irish Famine]] of 1845 - '47 many died in Erris despite the close proximity of the sea, because they could not raise the cash to fund a passage to America.


== Folklore ==
== Folklore ==
Folklore has always been and still remains an important part of the culture of Erris. Much folklore dates from Iron Age tales and legends.
Folklore has always been and still remains an important part of the culture of Erris.{{fact}} Much folklore dates from Iron Age tales and legends.
[[File:Children Of Lir taken by jaqian.jpg|right|150px|Sculpture of the children of Lir in Dublin]] Many well known folklore tales have their origins here. The [[Children of Lir]], according to tradition, are buried on the island of Inisglora. The children were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother and doomed to spend the next 900 years on lakes and waters in Ireland. When they finally reclaimed their human form on Inisglora, they were so old that they died and were buried there.
[[File:Children Of Lir taken by jaqian.jpg|right|150px|Sculpture of the children of Lir in Dublin]]
Many well known folklore tales have their origins here. The [[Children of Lir]], according to tradition, are buried on the island of Inisglora. The children were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother and doomed to spend the next 900 years on lakes and waters in Ireland. When they finally reclaimed their human form on Inisglora, they were so old that they died and were buried there.
Táin Bó Flidheas is the tale of a cattle raid in which Queen Meabh and her followers came to Erris from her Royal site at Cruachán ([[Rathcroghan]]) at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon to Rathmorgan fort at the south end of Carrowmore Lake in the centre of the Barony. Rathmorgan fort on top of the mountain can be seen from the road below.
Táin Bó Flidheas is the tale of a cattle raid in which Queen Meabh and her followers came to Erris from her Royal site at Cruachán ([[Rathcroghan]]) at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon to Rathmorgan fort at the south end of Carrowmore Lake in the centre of the Barony. Rathmorgan fort on top of the mountain can be seen from the road below.
Line 59: Line 56:
[[Brian Rua U'Cearbhain]] from Inver is remembered in folklore as the prophet of Erris.
[[Brian Rua U'Cearbhain]] from Inver is remembered in folklore as the prophet of Erris.


The small village of [[Glencastle]] has some very interesting very large mounds in the narrow valley that are not naturally occurring. They can be seen on the right hand side, close to the roadside on the approach to Belmullet from the east. These have never been archaeologically investigated but folklore legends recall that this was the old gateway into the Mullet and a toll had to be paid for each traveller who passed through or the traveller may never be seen again. There were no roads through this area of Mayo until less than two hundred years ago. In recent years the beautiful Glencastle Valley has been decimated by extensive quarrying.
The small village of [[Glencastle]] has some large mounds in the narrow valley that are not naturally occurring. They can be seen on the right hand side, close to the roadside on the approach to Belmullet from the east. These have never been archaeologically investigated but folklore legends recall that this was the old gateway into the Mullet and a toll had to be paid for each traveller who passed through or the traveller may never be seen again. There were no roads through this area of Mayo until less than two hundred years ago. In recent years the Glencastle Valley has been decimated by extensive quarrying.{{fact}}


== Water Sports ==
== Water sports ==
[[File:Kite buggying at claggan erris.JPG|thumb|200px|Kite buggying fun at Claggan Island tombola, Erris]] Erris is a popular location for many types of [[watersports]] ranging through [[fishing]], [[sailing]], [[surfing]], swimming, [[wind surfing]], [[kiteboarding]] and [[kite surfing]].
[[File:Kite buggying at claggan erris.JPG|thumb|200px|Kite buggying fun at Claggan Island tombola, Erris]]
Erris is a popular location for many types of [[watersports]] ranging through [[fishing]], [[sailing]], [[surfing]], swimming, [[wind surfing]], [[kiteboarding]] and [[kite surfing]].{{fact}}


== Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail/Walking trails ==
== Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail/Walking trails ==
In 1993 the Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail project was carried out to commemorate 5,000 years of habitation in Co. Mayo. The trail extends through many areas of Erris from the tip of the [[Mullet Peninsula]], through [[Kilcommon]], [[Belderrig]] and [[Ballycastle]].
In 1993 the Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail project was carried out to commemorate 5,000 years of habitation in Co. Mayo. The trail extends through many areas of Erris from the tip of the [[Mullet Peninsula]], through [[Kilcommon]], [[Belderrig]] and [[Ballycastle]].


There are many walking trails in Erris - cliff walks, mountain walks and long distance walks such as the Bangor Trail and the Western Way. <ref>http://www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails/LocalisedLoopWalks/ErrisHeadLoopWalk/</ref> <ref>http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Belmul/walkbook.htm</ref>
There are many walking trails in Erris - cliff walks, mountain walks and long distance walks such as the Bangor Trail and the Western Way.<ref>http://www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails/LocalisedLoopWalks/ErrisHeadLoopWalk/</ref> <ref>http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Belmul/walkbook.htm</ref>


== Natural Resources ==
== Natural resources ==
[[File:GlengadView.jpg|thumb|right|150px|mouth of Sruwaddacon Bay into Broadhaven Bay, Kilcommon Parish, Erris]]
[[File:GlengadView.jpg|thumb|right|150px|mouth of Sruwaddacon Bay into Broadhaven Bay, Kilcommon Parish, Erris]]
Erris has some of the best natural resources in the world in terms of its location next to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and its constant winds from the sea. These resources are very valuable for sustainable renewable energy production for the future. There are opportunities for the development of ocean [[wave power]] projects (one of the best wave energy resources in the world lies off the shores of North Mayo), [[tidal power]], [[hydroelectric]] schemes, and, of course, extensive [[wind farms]] amongst many other clean, alternative energy generation opportunities for which the area is eminently suitable.
Erris has some of the best natural resources in the world{{fact}} in terms of its location next to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and its constant winds from the sea.{{fact}} These resources are very valuable for sustainable renewable energy production for the future.{{fact}} There are opportunities for the development of ocean [[wave power]] projects (one of the best wave energy resources in the world lies off the shores of North Mayo), [[tidal power]], [[hydroelectric]] schemes, and, of course, extensive [[wind farms]] amongst many other clean, alternative energy generation opportunities for which the area is eminently suitable.{{fact}}



== Corrib Gas Field ==
== Corrib Gas Field ==
[[File:Gardaí, Corrib gas refinery, Erris, County Mayo.jpg|thumb|Garda Siochana at Bellanaboy]]
{{main|Corrib gas project |Corrib gas controversy}}
{{main|Corrib gas project |Corrib gas controversy}}
⚫
The discovery of the Corrib gas field in the Atlantic Ocean some 85 kms off Broadhaven Bay has led to the [[Corrib gas project]] and ensuing [[Corrib gas controversy|controversy]]. Raw, unodourised [[natural gas]] from fields under the Atlantic Ocean is planned to be piped through the townland of [[Kilcommon]], to an inland refinery 10 kms inland.<ref>http://www.undergroundfilms.ie/Underground_Films_Site/Films/Entries/2009/12/1_The_Pipe.html</ref>

⚫
[[File:Gardaí, Corrib gas refinery, Erris, County Mayo.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Garda Siochana working for Royal Dutch Shell at Bellanaboy]] The discovery of the Corrib gas field in the Atlantic Ocean some 85 kms off Broadhaven Bay has led to the [[Corrib gas project]] and ensuing [[Corrib gas controversy|controversy]]. Raw, unodourised [[natural gas]] from fields under the Atlantic Ocean is planned to be piped through the townland of [[Kilcommon]], to an inland refinery 10 kms inland. <ref>http://www.undergroundfilms.ie/Underground_Films_Site/Films/Entries/2009/12/1_The_Pipe.html</ref>










== References ==
== References ==
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*http://errisbeo.ie
*http://errisbeo.ie
*http://wapedia.mobi/ga/D%C3%BAn_Chaoch%C3%A1in
*http://wapedia.mobi/ga/D%C3%BAn_Chaoch%C3%A1in



{{coord missing|County Mayo}}
{{coord missing|County Mayo}}

Revision as of 14:25, 19 April 2010

Template:Infobox Place Ireland

Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland. The main town is Belmullet. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western promontory'. To its north is Broadhaven Bay and to its west is the wild Atlantic Ocean and Blacksod Bay. There are four Catholic parishes in Erris: Kilcommon, Kilmore, Kiltane and Ballycroy

Gaeltacht

Elly Bay, The Mullet, Erris

Much of Erris is a Gaeltacht area, with first-language speakers of Irish in the following areas of the barony: An Fál Mór, Tamhaiin na hUltaí, Glais, Eachléim, Tearmann, Tránn, An Mullach Rua, Cartúr, An Baile Úr, Cill Ghallagáin, Ceathrú na gCloch, Port a' Chluaidh, Ros Dumhach and Ceathrú Thaidhg. The area with the most Irish speakers is Ceathrú Thaidhg.[1]

Topography and geology

Bangor Way way-marked walking trail

Much of inland Erris is covered with blanket bog. A triangle between Ballycroy, Bellacorick and Bangor Erris is little else. Blanket bog, unlike raised bog, grows slowly across the landscape like a blanket covering the ground, due to a continuous supply of water from rainfall, maintaining waterlogged conditions on the ground. The bog is acidic with a pH of between 3.5 and 4.2. This is Atlantic Blanket Bog and it provides habitats for many species of flora and fauna which are not found elsewhere due to drainage of boglands.[citation needed] The oldest rocks in Ireland, some 1.9 billion years old, are to be found on the west coasts of Erris.[citation needed] Pink or orange striped gneisses are found along the beaches of Elly Bay and Annagh Head where they have become separated from the same rocks on the east coast of Northern Canada over hundreds of millions of years by the separation of tectonic plates in the mid Atlantic Ocean.[citation needed]

"Erris Head" (Irish: Ceann Iorrais) is a promontory at the northernmost tip of the Mullet Peninsula. It is used as a landmark by mariners and weather forecasters.[citation needed] It is a scenic viewpoint[citation needed] over the Atlantic Ocean where the next stop is the East coast of America. It is not served by any road and can only be reached by crossing a number of fields from the hamlet of Glenlara where the road ends.

Islands

Along the coast there are several uninhabited islands - home only to grazing sheep, donkeys and visiting fishermen. These include the Inishkea Islands,[2][3] Inisglora,[4] Duvillaun,[5], the Stags of Broadhaven Bay and many smaller islands. There are several way marked walks throughout the Barony including the Bangor Trail, the Western Way and way-marked cliff walks along the remote north coastline, for which maps are available from Comhar Dún Caocháin Teo in Carrowteige.

Natural History

Erris, in common with most of inland Ireland, became covered in extensive native forestry a few thousand years after the last Ice Age retreated (approx 15,000 years ago). In Erris, the remains of these huge forests can be seen across the blanket bog landscape in the form of fossilised greying tree stumps which are mainly the remains of ancient Scots Pine trees. These become most obvious where there has been harvesting of turf (peat) for fuel. The odd bog oak can be found too.

Blanket bog mosses, Glinsk Mountain, Kilcommon, Erris
Blanket bog mosses, Glinsk Mountain, Kilcommon, Erris

The inland areas of Erris are covered with blanket bog, which provide an important ecosystem for many species of endangered flora and fauna.[citation needed] Many areas are protected under European legislation such as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protected Areas (Birds Directive) and National Heritage Areas. The boglands, estuaries, salt marshes, coasts, machair and rocky shores and cliffs of Erris are valuable habitats[citation needed] for many species of birds and other indigenous flora and fauna. Species such as the corncrake and the rare Red Necked Phalarope are found in the area. Brent Geese overwinter here feeding along the estuaries and kestrels, gold finches and herons are commonly seen.[citation needed] The last Golden Eagle seen in Ireland was spotted in Erris in 1931.[citation needed] The largely treeless landscape of the barony is a favoured spot for birdwatchers as there is a great deal of clear vision in all directions.[6]

Archaeology/History

A little stone circle at Gortbrack

During the Neolithic period, starting about 6,000 years ago, the first people living in Ireland whose ancestors had hunted and gathered along the coastlines of Erris from about 9,000 years ago, began to cut down the forestry to clear land for growing crops and grazing livestock. Because the underlying rock type was ancient schists the soil was thin and easily weathered. After a couple of years the crops began to fail and the Neolithic people had to clear the native woodlands further and further inland.[citation needed] With minor changes in climate and high rainfall levels the land became blanketed by the bog and remains that way to the current day.[citation needed] When present day turf cutters, harvest the bog for fuel, archaeological remains, mainly from the Neolithic and early Bronze Age, which have become buried under the bog often come to light. More info on the archaeology of Kilcommon parish available from Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo in Carrowteige. Some archaeological sites can be found marked on Ordnance Survey maps.

The period of Early Christianity saw several small churches set up but no major religious houses came to the area. During the Plantations of Ireland, there were two major landlords in the area - the Binghams and the Carters. Oliver Cromwell's policy (mid 17th century) of sending the native Irish who refused to bow down to him "to hell or to Connaught" saw a large influx of population into Erris where the disinherited native Irish tried to eke a living from very poor quality agricultural land under the tenancy of the landlords and their agents.[citation needed] During the Irish Famine of 1845 - '47 many died in Erris despite the close proximity of the sea, because they could not raise the cash to fund a passage to America.

Folklore

Folklore has always been and still remains an important part of the culture of Erris.[citation needed] Much folklore dates from Iron Age tales and legends.

Sculpture of the children of Lir in Dublin
Sculpture of the children of Lir in Dublin

Many well known folklore tales have their origins here. The Children of Lir, according to tradition, are buried on the island of Inisglora. The children were turned into swans by their jealous stepmother and doomed to spend the next 900 years on lakes and waters in Ireland. When they finally reclaimed their human form on Inisglora, they were so old that they died and were buried there.

Táin Bó Flidheas is the tale of a cattle raid in which Queen Meabh and her followers came to Erris from her Royal site at Cruachán (Rathcroghan) at Tulsk, Co. Roscommon to Rathmorgan fort at the south end of Carrowmore Lake in the centre of the Barony. Rathmorgan fort on top of the mountain can be seen from the road below.

Brian Rua U'Cearbhain from Inver is remembered in folklore as the prophet of Erris.

The small village of Glencastle has some large mounds in the narrow valley that are not naturally occurring. They can be seen on the right hand side, close to the roadside on the approach to Belmullet from the east. These have never been archaeologically investigated but folklore legends recall that this was the old gateway into the Mullet and a toll had to be paid for each traveller who passed through or the traveller may never be seen again. There were no roads through this area of Mayo until less than two hundred years ago. In recent years the Glencastle Valley has been decimated by extensive quarrying.[citation needed]

Water sports

Kite buggying fun at Claggan Island tombola, Erris

Erris is a popular location for many types of watersports ranging through fishing, sailing, surfing, swimming, wind surfing, kiteboarding and kite surfing.[citation needed]

Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail/Walking trails

In 1993 the Tír Sáile Sculpture Trail project was carried out to commemorate 5,000 years of habitation in Co. Mayo. The trail extends through many areas of Erris from the tip of the Mullet Peninsula, through Kilcommon, Belderrig and Ballycastle.

There are many walking trails in Erris - cliff walks, mountain walks and long distance walks such as the Bangor Trail and the Western Way.[7] [8]

Natural resources

mouth of Sruwaddacon Bay into Broadhaven Bay, Kilcommon Parish, Erris

Erris has some of the best natural resources in the world[citation needed] in terms of its location next to the Atlantic Ocean and its constant winds from the sea.[citation needed] These resources are very valuable for sustainable renewable energy production for the future.[citation needed] There are opportunities for the development of ocean wave power projects (one of the best wave energy resources in the world lies off the shores of North Mayo), tidal power, hydroelectric schemes, and, of course, extensive wind farms amongst many other clean, alternative energy generation opportunities for which the area is eminently suitable.[citation needed]

Corrib Gas Field

Garda Siochana at Bellanaboy
Main articles: Corrib gas project and Corrib gas controversy

The discovery of the Corrib gas field in the Atlantic Ocean some 85 kms off Broadhaven Bay has led to the Corrib gas project and ensuing controversy. Raw, unodourised natural gas from fields under the Atlantic Ocean is planned to be piped through the townland of Kilcommon, to an inland refinery 10 kms inland.[9]

References

  1. ^ http://www.celt.dias.ie/publications/cat/e/e2-9.html
  2. ^ http://irishislands.info/inishkea.html
  3. ^ http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4707&Itemid=38
  4. ^ http://irishislands.info/glora.html
  5. ^ http://irishislands.info/moduvill.html
  6. ^ http://www.iol.ie/~bmullets/erris.htm
  7. ^ http://www.mayowalks.ie/WalkingTrails/LocalisedLoopWalks/ErrisHeadLoopWalk/
  8. ^ http://www.mayo-ireland.ie/Mayo/Towns/Belmul/walkbook.htm
  9. ^ http://www.undergroundfilms.ie/Underground_Films_Site/Films/Entries/2009/12/1_The_Pipe.html

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