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 remain 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 largely untouched by modern development.
History & Living Heritage
The parish name 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 today, hinting at a long-standing Christian presence. Local folklore tells of two giant brothers who built the promontory forts of Dún Chiortáin and Dún Chaocháin, supposedly tossing kitchen utensils across Sruwaddacon Bay – a tale that still colours the local imagination.
During the 18th-century Penal Times, Kilcommon became a stronghold for clandestine Catholic worship, eventually encompassing the whole of mainland Erris. Five Roman-Catholic churches now serve the community, including Christ the King in Aughoose and St Patrick’s in Inver. More importantly, the area remains a designated Gaeltacht. With an estimated 700 to 1,000 native Irish speakers, the local dialect thrives, and Mass is still celebrated in Irish at Ceathrú Thaidhg. Visitors who take the time to learn a few basic phrases will find locals welcoming and eager to share stories of the area’s resilient past.
What to See & Do
The parish offers a mix of coastal exploration, wildlife observation and archaeological discovery:
- Benwee Head Cliff Walks: Waymarked trails run along sheer sea cliffs, offering panoramic views of Broadhaven Bay and the Stags sea stacks. Maps are published and maintained by Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo.
- Wildlife Watching: The blanket bogs and coastal margins host grey-fronted geese, the elusive corncrake, and Ireland’s only breeding population of red-necked phalarope.
- Archaeological Sites: The western landscape is littered with remains from the Mesolithic to the Early Christian period. Look for megalithic tombs, ancient pine fossil exposures in recent turf cuts, and possible crannogs in the eastern lakes.
- Gaeltacht Experience: Attend an Irish-language Mass in Ceathrú Thaidhg or drop into a local pub in summer to hear traditional music sung in the local dialect.
- Coastal Villages: Explore the working fishing heritage of Rossport and the quiet charm of Carrowteige, both of which feature traditional pubs and small craft shops.
- The Stags Sea Stacks: Visible from the northern coastline, these rocky islands provide a striking backdrop for coastal photography.
A walk along the Benwee Head cliffs is the most accessible introduction to the area. The trail is clearly signposted and passes 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. Archaeology enthusiasts should take a short detour off the main road to the northern slopes of Faulagh Mountain, where ancient Scots-pine fossils emerge from the peat.
Walking & Outdoor Activities
Kilcommon serves as a hub for long-distance walking on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Bangor Trail – a 29 km rugged route that begins near Carrowteige – traverses remote bogs, heathland and coastal cliffs. It is best tackled over two days, with basic accommodation available in Carrowteige or Rossport.
For a shorter outing, the Benwee Head Loop covers approximately 5 km. The route takes you past both Dún Chiortáin and Dún Chaocháin forts, offers clear sightlines to the Stags sea stacks, and passes several informal bird-watching hides. All routes are free to access and maintained by the community group Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, which supplies free printed maps at the local community centre and select shops.
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, particularly in Carrowteige and Rossport.
- Autumn: Atlantic storms roll in frequently, framing the cliffs in dramatic light – ideal for landscape photography and moody coastal walks.
- Winter: The weather can be harsh, but the solitude of the landscape attracts walkers seeking a quiet, reflective experience away from the summer crowds.
Visitor Facilities & Practical Information
- 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 toilet 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, so check locally or call ahead.
- Accessibility: The cliff walk is uneven and includes steep, exposed sections. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or standard pushchairs. The Bangor Trail is a demanding trek that requires a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear.
Mobile signal can be patchy across the higher bogs and cliff edges. Carry a fully charged phone, a physical map, and sufficient water and food supplies. The weather on the Atlantic coast changes quickly; exposed trails can become windy and slick even in summer. The parish’s Gaeltacht status means many road signs are in Irish, and some local businesses operate primarily in the language. Visitors should stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing fragile archaeological remains and fragile peatland ecosystems.
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 offer 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 to the coastal villages.
Nearby Attractions
While based in Kilcommon, consider a day trip to the historic town of Castlebar, the dramatic pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick, or the tranquil waters of Lough Conn. Each offers a contrasting slice of Mayo’s diverse landscape and cultural history.
Check local tide times before heading out to the Stags sea stacks, as rising water can cut off access to the lower coastal paths and narrow the usable trail width.