Overview
Aughagower (Irish: Achadh Ghobhair, “field of the spring”) lies about 6 km south‑east of Westport in the heart of County Mayo. With roughly forty houses, a pub and a shop, the village may be small, but it is a focal point for centuries‑old pilgrimage routes and a treasure‑trove of early medieval monuments. From the leaning 10th‑century round tower that crowns the village green to the myriad holy wells and standing stones that dot the landscape, Aughagower offers a compact yet richly layered glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual and cultural past.
History
The story of Aughagower begins in 441 AD, when Saint Patrick is said to have founded a church and appointed Bishop Senach as its first overseer. The Book of Armagh records that bishops continued to dwell here into the early 9th century, underscoring the settlement’s early ecclesiastical importance. Over the following centuries the parish grew to become one of the most influential in the ancient kingdom of Umhaill, extending its jurisdiction over the “Owles” around Clew Bay.
In the medieval period the village sat on Tóchar Phádraig, the pilgrim’s road that linked Ballintubber Abbey with the holy mountain Croagh Patrick. Pilgrims would pause at Aughagower to rest, pray, and use the village’s holy wells before continuing the ascent. The site also attracted the attention of rival archbishops; a 1215 dispute between Tuam and Armagh over the church’s lands was settled by Pope Innocent in favour of Tuam.
Later centuries saw the area embroiled in the turbulent clan wars of the Bourkes, MacPhilbins and the legendary Grace O’Malley, before the Great Famine dramatically reduced the population. Today, the ruins of the medieval church, the round tower and a host of ancient monuments stand as silent witnesses to these layered histories.
What to See & Do
| Site | Description | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Aughagower Round Tower | A 10th‑century stone tower, 15.8 m tall, leaning slightly north. Restored in 1969; the original capstone was reportedly struck by lightning and now resides in the modern Catholic church. | Children often climb the interior; the tower offers a tangible link to early monastic defence. |
| Medieval Church Ruins | Late‑medieval stone church within the graveyard, built on earlier foundations. | The graveyard contains the St Patrick’s Knee stone, a water‑filled recess said to bear the saint’s imprint. |
| Leaba Phádraig (Patrick’s Bed) | Supposed resting place of Saint Patrick, possibly a hut or tent. | Located west of the tower beneath a lone tree; the site marks the start of the pilgrim’s stations. |
| Dabhach Phádraig (Patrick’s Vat) | Circular stone‑walled bath once used by pilgrims to wash their feet; now dry except after heavy rain. | A Sheela na Gig sculpture was fitted to its eastern wall in 2017 for protection and visibility. |
| St Patrick’s Knee | Small stone in the graveyard with a carved recess that fills with water. | Local legend claims the water is holy, having been blessed by the saint’s knee. |
| Tobair na Deocháin (Well of the Deacons) | Once a drinking well for pilgrims, now dried up. | A tree that grew over the well was reputed to have curative powers; soil was used in poultices. |
| Cloughundra (Cloch Andra) | A 150 kg stone displayed on the village green. | Folklore tells of a giant who could toss the stone as far as a man could throw a pebble; the stone still bears “finger‑marks”. |
| Leacht Tomaltaigh | Small monument on the Gorteen‑Aughagower boundary, about 0.75 m tall today. | Believed to mark the grave of Totmael, a charioteer of Saint Patrick, rather than the legendary “cake‑in‑the‑oven” story. |
| Lankill Standing Stone | 2.5 m tall shale monolith located 2.7 km west‑south‑west of the village. | Features a cross on the west face and a double‑circle Latin cross on the east, indicating later Christianisation of a Bronze‑Age stone. |
| Cloondacon | Townland on the Tóchar Phádraig route. | Legend tells of two wolfhounds set on Saint Patrick that instead licked his hands, leading the chieftain to convert. |
Beyond the monuments, the village itself is pleasant to wander: a small pub, a shop, and a clear view of Croagh Patrick from the local “Reek View” viewpoint. The car park adjacent to the round tower provides free on‑site parking for visitors.
Pilgrimage Routes
Aughagower sits on the historic Tóchar Phádraig – the ancient pilgrim road that linked Ballintubber Abbey with Croagh Patrick. Modern walkers can follow sections of the Saint Patrick’s Way, a marked long‑distance trail that passes through the village, allowing pilgrims and hikers to experience the same stations of prayer used for centuries. Signposts near the round tower indicate the direction of the historic route, and the village green serves as a natural rest point before the final ascent of Croagh Patrick.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to Aughagower can be combined with several other highlights in County Mayo:
- Ballycroy National Park – a wilderness area of blanket bog, mountains and coastline, just a short drive north‑west.
- Westport – the bustling seaside town with cafés, restaurants, Westport House and a lively harbour.
- Clew Bay – the scenic bay famous for its drumlin islands, reachable via the R330.
- Ballintubber Abbey – the oldest continuously used Catholic place of worship in Ireland, a key stop on the pilgrim route.
Getting Here & Facilities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Via the N59 (Clifden‑Westport) and the R330 (Partry‑Westport). Look for the signpost on the left when travelling from Westport towards the village. |
| Public transport | [Research needed] – bus services from Westport may stop nearby. |
| Opening | All year (unguided) |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | On‑site car park (free) |
| Accessibility | Ground‑level access to the tower’s modern entrance; interior of tower not wheelchair‑friendly due to stairs |
| Coordinates | 53.7636 N, ‑9.4639 W |
Further Information
- Website: For up‑to‑date visitor information see the official Joyce Country Geopark page: Aughagower – Joyce Country Geopark.
- Heritage Card: Holders of an Irish Heritage Card can access additional heritage sites in the area at a reduced rate (see OPW site for details).
- Nearby amenities: The larger town of Westport offers cafés, restaurants, accommodation and additional attractions such as Westport House and the Westport Harbour.