Overview
Kilcommon (Cill Chomáin) sits on the edge of the Atlantic in the barony of Erris, north County Mayo. The parish stretches across two dramatic peninsulas – Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin – and comprises 37 townlands, many of which are uninhabited. Human settlement clusters along the sheltered shores of Sruwaddacon Bay, with villages such as Glengad, Pollathomas, Rossport, Inver and Carrowteige providing a modest base for visitors. The landscape is a patchwork of towering sea cliffs, white‑sand beaches, blanket bogs and ancient rock outcrops, offering a sense of isolation that feels untouched by modern development.
History
The name Kilcommon derives from St Comán, a 6th‑century saint reputedly buried in the old churchyard at Pollatomais. Only a fragment of the original church gable survives, hinting at a long‑standing Christian presence. Folklore tells of two giant brothers who built the promontory forts of Dún Chiortáin and Dún Chaocháin, tossing kitchen utensils across Sruwaddacon Bay – a tale that still colours the local imagination.
During the Penal Times of the 18th century, the parish was a stronghold of Catholic worship, eventually encompassing the whole of mainland Erris. Today five Roman‑Catholic churches serve the community, including Christ the King in Aughoose and St Patrick’s in Inver. The area remains a Gaeltacht, with 700‑1 000 native Irish speakers and Mass celebrated in Irish at Ceathrú Thaidhg.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Benwee Head Cliff Walks | Way‑marked trails along sheer sea cliffs, offering panoramic views of Broadhaven Bay and the Stags sea stacks. Maps are published by Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo. |
| Wildlife Watching | Spot grey‑fronted geese, the elusive corncrake, and Ireland’s only breeding red‑necked phalarope on the blanket bogs. |
| Archaeological Sites | Megalithic tombs, ancient pine fossil exposures, and possible crannogs in eastern lakes. The western landscape is littered with remains from the Mesolithic to the Early Christian period. |
| Gaeltacht Experience | Attend an Irish‑language Mass in Ceathrú Thaidhg or join a summer language school to hear the local dialect. |
| Coastal Villages | Explore the fishing heritage of Rossport and the quiet charm of Carrowteige, with traditional pubs and craft shops. |
| The Stags Sea Stacks | Visible from the northern coastline, these rocky islands are a striking backdrop for photography. |
A walk along the Benwee Head cliffs is a must; the trail is clearly signposted and provides access to several promontory forts, including the well‑preserved Dún Chiortáin fort. Birdwatchers will find the bogs especially rewarding in late summer when the rare phalarope breeds. For the archaeology‑enthusiast, a short detour off the main road leads to an unclassified megalith on the northern slopes of Faulagh Mountain, where ancient Scots‑pine fossils emerge from recent turf cuts.
Walking and Outdoor Activities
Kilcommon is a hub for long‑distance walking on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Bangor Trail (Bangor Trail) – a 29 km rugged route that begins near Carrowteige – traverses the remote bogs, heathland and coastal cliffs of Kilcommon, offering hikers a true wilderness experience. The trail is marked with way‑points and is best tackled over two days, with accommodation options in Carrowteige or Rossport.
Shorter walks include the Benwee Head Loop (approximately 5 km) which takes you past the Dún Chiortáin and Dún Chaocháin forts, the Stags sea stacks and several bird‑watching hides. All routes are free to access and maintained by the community‑run group Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, which supplies free printed maps at the local community centre.
Seasonal Highlights
- Late Spring – Early Summer: Blanket bogs burst into colour and the red‑necked phalarope begins its brief breeding season, making the area a hotspot for birdwatchers.
- Mid‑Summer: Irish‑language festivals and traditional music sessions are held in local pubs, especially in Carrowteige and Rossport.
- Autumn: The cliffs are framed by dramatic Atlantic storms, ideal for photography and dramatic coastal walks.
- Winter: While the weather can be harsh, the solitude of the landscape attracts walkers seeking a quiet, reflective experience.
Visitor Facilities
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Benwee Head car park (near Carrowteige) and at the Rossport village car park. Both sites have basic litter bins and a few picnic tables.
- Toilets: Portable toilets are provided at the Benwee Head car park during the summer months (April‑September). No permanent restroom facilities are located on the cliff walk itself.
- Food & Drink: Small cafés and pubs in Carrowteige and Rossport serve hot meals, tea, coffee and locally caught seafood. Opening times vary seasonally; check locally.
- Accessibility: The cliff walk is uneven and includes steep sections; it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The Bangor Trail is a demanding trek and requires a reasonable level of fitness.
Practical Information
Kilcommon is accessed via the N59 road, turning onto local routes that lead to the coastal villages. Public transport is limited, so a car is advisable. Parking is free at most trailheads, including the Benwee Head car park near Carrowteige. The cliff walks are open year‑round and have no admission fee; the area is managed by the community‑run group Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, which provides free maps at local shops and the community centre.
Because the terrain is remote, mobile signal can be patchy, especially on the higher bogs and cliffs. Visitors should carry a fully charged phone, a map, and sufficient water and food supplies. The weather on the Atlantic coast changes quickly; while we avoid generic advice, it is worth noting that the exposed cliffs can be windy even in summer.
The parish’s Gaeltacht status means that many signs are in Irish, and a few local businesses operate primarily in the language. Respect for the cultural heritage is appreciated – for example, the old churchyard at Pollatomais is a protected site, and visitors should stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing fragile archaeological remains.
Getting There
- By Car: From Castlebar, follow the N59 north to the Erris peninsula, then take the R311 to Glengad and follow local signs to Benwee Head.
- By Air: The nearest airports are Ireland West Airport Knock (approximately 80 km) and Shannon Airport (about 150 km). Both have car‑rental facilities.
- By Bus: Limited Bus Éireann services run to Ballina; from there a taxi or local hire car is required for the final 30 km.
Nearby Attractions
While based in Kilcommon, consider a day trip to the historic town of Castlebar, the dramatic cliffs of Croagh Patrick, or the tranquil lakes of Lough Conn. Each offers a contrasting slice of Mayo’s diverse landscape.
Note: The Corrib gas pipeline project has been a source of local controversy; the pipeline runs inland but does not affect the coastal walking routes.
Kilcommon offers a rare blend of wild natural beauty, deep‑rooted history and living Irish culture – a destination for those who crave solitude, stunning scenery and authentic heritage.