Overview
Bangor Erris (Irish: Beannchar or Baingear) sits on the N59, about 40 km west of Ballina and 50 km north of Westport. The village straddles the Owenmore River and lies at the foot of the Bangor Trail, a 22‑mile mountain pass across the Nephin Beg range that leads to Newport. With a population of just over 300, Bangor Erris feels like a friendly base for exploring the wild Atlantic coastline, the blanket‑bog heartland of Erris, and some of Ireland’s best fly‑fishing waters.
History
The settlement’s name originally appeared on 18th‑century maps as Kennedy’s Wood and later as Coineadach. In the early 19th century Major Denis Bingham formally laid out the village, taking advantage of its sheltered crossroads – one road from the Mullet Peninsula to Castlebar and another from Inver (Kilcommon) to Newport. The crossroads, protected from the prevailing winds and set beside the Owenmore, made Bangor an ideal stopping point for travellers and traders.
A post office opened in 1842 and the mid‑19th‑century parish church (now Sacred Heart Catholic Church) cemented the village’s role as a local hub. The 20th century brought dramatic events: the 1818 Townagh flood that claimed 17 lives, a landslide at Largan in 1928, and the discovery of a 1798 weapons cache during road works in 1934. In 2009 Bangor Erris won the national Gum Litter Award, the first western Irish community to do so, highlighting its commitment to cleanliness and community spirit.
What to See & Do
The Crying Stone
Just east of the village, beside the N59, stands “the Crying Stone”, a striking sculpture by Colm Brennan commissioned under Mayo County Council’s Millennium Initiative. It commemorates the sorrow of families who emigrated to America in the 19th century.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Built in 1946 and opened in 1947, the church retains its original rectangular plan, slate roof and bellcote. It is a modest but well‑maintained example of mid‑20th‑century ecclesiastical architecture in the region.
Bingham Lodge
Originally erected in 1823, Bingham Lodge overlooks the Owenmore River. Though it suffered an arson attack in 1922, the building still displays its original timber‑carved door and window surrounds.
The Bangor Trail
The Bangor Trail is a demanding, way‑marked trek of roughly 40 km (or a 26 km shortened version if you leave a car at Letterkeen). The route follows an ancient drover path through the remote Nephin Beg mountains and Owenduff Bog, offering views of blanket bog, heather‑clad hills and occasional remnants of 19th‑century habitation. Walkers should be experienced, well‑equipped and prepared for at least ten hours on the trail; wildlife such as Irish hares, red deer, red grouse and a variety of birds are common sightings.
Angling on the Owenmore River and Carrowmore Lake
Bangor Erris is a premier destination for wild Atlantic salmon, sea‑trout and brown trout. The Owenmore River runs spate through the village, while Carrowmore Lake lies just 2 km north. Both waters are managed by the Bangor Erris Angling Club (established 1970) and welcome visiting anglers.
| Waterbody | Main Species | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Owenmore River | Spring Salmon, Sea Trout | 1 Feb – 30 Sep |
| Carrowmore Lake | Spring Salmon, Grilse, Sea Trout, Brown Trout | 1 Jan – 30 Sep (salmon), 1 Feb – 13 Sep (sea trout), 1 May – 12 Oct (brown trout) |
The club maintains about 36 holding pools and offers daily or weekly permits for non‑members. Spring salmon runs are strongest from February to early May, with grilse and sea‑trout becoming prevalent in June and July.
Nearby Attractions
- Carne Golf Links (≈ 30 min) – an 18‑hole course with panoramic views of Inishkea and Inishglora islands.
- Céide Fields Visitor Centre (≈ 30 min) – explore one of Europe’s largest Neolithic stone‑field complexes.
- Tullaghan Bay and Bog – a designated Natural Heritage Area on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering coastal walks and bird‑watching opportunities.
- Folklore Sites – the Rathmorgan fort beside Carrowmore Lake is linked to the legendary Táin Bó Flidhais cattle raid; local tales speak of a phantom dog and a white cow that appear on the road to Ballycroy as omens.
Practical Information
Getting there – Bangor Erris lies on the N59. Bus Éireann route 446 links the village with Bellacorick, Crossmolina and Ballina (four services each way daily, plus an extra Friday‑evening service from Ballina). The nearest rail station is at Ballina, where onward bus connections to Belmullet and the Mullet Peninsula are available.
Accommodation – Visitors often stay at local self‑catering options such as Ash Tree Cottage (a restored 1947 cottage with three bedrooms, open fireplace and garden). The cottage can host up to nine guests and is listed on Discover Ireland.
Angling – Permits can be purchased through the Bangor Erris Angling Club; the club also provides advice on river access points and holding‑pool locations. No admission fee is required to explore the village, its sculpture, church or the trailhead.
Parking – Free roadside parking is available near the village centre and at the Bangor Trail car‑park at Letterkeen. The trailhead is clearly sign‑posted from the N59.
Seasonal notes – While the Bangor Trail is accessible year‑round, the boggy sections are most manageable in late spring to early autumn. Angling seasons are detailed in the table above; the club advises checking water levels during heavy rain periods.
Contact – For up‑to‑date angling information, visit the club’s website at Bangor Erris Angling. General visitor enquiries can be directed to the Mayo County tourism page linked above.
Bangor Erris may be small, but its blend of historic crossroads, world‑class fishing, dramatic mountain scenery and living folklore makes it a rewarding stop on any north‑west Ireland itinerary.