Overview
Doolough (Irish: Dúlach) is a coastal townland in the parish of Kiltane, Erris, in north County Mayo. Nestled between the towering Mweelrea Mountains – the highest peak in Connacht – and the rugged Sheeffry Hills, the area is a key signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. The landscape is dominated by three dark lakes – Fin Lough, Doo Lough (the “Black Lake”) and Glenullin Lough – which reflect the surrounding peaks and provide a dramatic backdrop for the historic Doolough Famine Memorial.
The valley is a popular driving and cycling route, offering a blend of natural beauty, poignant history and community events such as the Geesala Festival. With a permanent population of just over a hundred people (2011 census), Doolough retains a quiet, authentic feel while still being easily reachable from major towns in the west of Ireland.
History
The recorded history of Doolough stretches back to the late 16th century. Sir Edmund Barrett, Baron of Irrus, is documented as residing in a castle at Doolough in 1585; he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I for his loyalty to the Crown. The Barrett family’s fortunes rose and fell dramatically – they were granted additional lands by King James I in 1605, but later rebelled, leading to confiscation of their property.
By the early 17th century the castle had passed to Michael Cormuck, and after the Cromwellian period it fell into the hands of the Shaen, Carter and Bingham families. The first road linking Erris to Ballina and Castlebar was completed in 1824, and a famine‑relief road built in the 1840s gave Doolough a vital connection to Belmullet, seven miles away.
The Great Famine left a deep scar on the community. In March 1849, hundreds of starving residents set out from Louisburgh on a desperate trek to Delphi Lodge, hoping for relief. Denied assistance, many perished on the cold, barren route – an event now known as the Doolough Tragedy. A plain stone cross bearing the inscription ‘Doolough Tragedy 1849’ stands beside a small lay‑by on the Doo Lough Pass, serving as a place of reflection. An annual Famine Walk retraces the historic route, linking past hardship to present awareness of global poverty.
The 1950s uncovered a children’s burial ground on the sandbanks, a grim reminder of the famine’s human toll. Shipwrecks also dot the coastline – the merchant vessels Thompson and Mitchell, the coastguard boat Lee, and the coal‑laden Thelma (wrecked in the 1940s) – with remnants of coal still visible on the rocks.
What to See & Do
Doolough Valley Drive
The drive follows the Doo Lough Pass, a high‑quality road that winds between Mweelrea and the Sheeffry Hills. It is wide enough for two cars to pass comfortably, making it ideal for a leisurely day‑trip. Pull‑over spots along the lakes provide photo opportunities and panoramic views of the valley.
Doo Lough and the Famine Memorial
The stone cross at the roadside memorial is the focal point of the valley’s historical narrative. It is positioned next to a modest car park that offers one of the best vistas over Doo Lough. A second, lesser‑known stone marker sits halfway along the lake, also accessible from a small lay‑by.
Lakes and Outdoor Activities
Fin Lough, Doo Lough and Glenullin Lough are popular for fishing (brown trout and salmon) and water sports such as kayaking and stand‑up paddleboarding. Anglers should obtain the appropriate permits from the Delphi Fishery.
Hiking and Walking
Numerous trails radiate from the valley. The Western Way passes close to the Aasleagh Waterfalls, while the Delphi Forest Walk offers an easy, family‑friendly route through dense woodland. More ambitious hikers can tackle the Mweelrea summit (814 m) or the Barrclashcame & Tievummera Loop (≈17 km) for sweeping mountain vistas.
Geesala Festival and Doolough Races
Every summer the Geesala Festival brings horse racing, dog racing on the strand at Doolough, show‑jumping, deep‑sea fishing and a host of community events. The Doolough Races are a highlight, drawing locals and visitors alike to the sandy beachfront.
Nearby Attractions
- Killary Fjord – Ireland’s only fjord, reachable via a short detour from Leenane. Boat tours and the historic “Killary Famine Route” are available.
- Kylemore Abbey – A neo‑Gothic estate 30 km south of the valley, offering guided tours and gardens.
- Silver Strand – A secluded beach 40 minutes’ drive from the memorial, renowned for its clear waters.
Practical Information
Getting There
- From Galway: Take the N59 towards Clifden, then the R336 to Leenane, and follow the R335 north into the valley (≈1.5 h).
- From Westport: Drive the N59 to Leenane and start the loop via Louisburgh, or reverse the direction for a circular route.
- From Dublin: M6 to Galway, then follow the N59 and R336 as above (≈4 h).
- From Cork: M20 to Limerick, M18 to Galway, then the same route as from Dublin (≈4.5 h).
Parking and Access
Free roadside parking is available at the memorial lay‑by and at several pull‑over spots along the lake. The area is open year‑round; there are no formal opening hours or admission fees.
Facilities
A small car park and basic picnic tables sit beside the famine memorial. Restrooms are not provided on‑site, so visitors often use facilities in nearby Louisburgh or Leenane.
Events
The annual Famine Walk usually takes place in March, commemorating the 1849 tragedy. The Geesala Festival runs for a week in summer, featuring the Doolough horse and dog races on the strand.
Accessibility
The memorial site is reachable via a short, level path from the lay‑by, but the surrounding terrain is uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users. No dedicated wheelchair facilities are listed.
Further Resources
- Official Discover Ireland page: Visit Doolough Valley
- Mayo County tourism: Doolough Valley on Mayo.ie
Tags: [“Historic”, “Scenic”, “Free Entry”, “Outdoors”]