Overview
McMahon Park, known locally as Clare Lake, sits just off the R331 on the southern edge of Claremorris, County Mayo. Nine acres of quiet green space, it makes a welcome break from the town centre, built around the man-made Clare Lake with gravel paths, mature planting and open grassland, and it pairs gentle recreation with easy nature watching.
History and community transformation
The park owes its existence to local effort. The site was industrial wasteland before the community set about reclaiming it. Work began in 1989, after the Mahon family of nearby Brookhill gifted the land, and over the following decades a local committee, backed by Mayo County Council and various state grants, turned the derelict ground into a working public amenity. It is a practical example of a rural community reshaping neglected land into a lasting asset.
What to see and do
Lakeside walks The main circuit follows a flat gravel path right around the water. It is fully wheelchair-accessible and graded easy, fine for casual strollers, families with pushchairs and anyone with limited mobility. Along the way it passes plantings of rhododendron and lilac that bring colour in the warmer months, with the sound of the nearby brook and the trees largely covering the traffic from the main road.
Wildlife and birdwatching The lake and the planting around it hold a steady population of waterfowl, with ducks, swans and geese common year-round. The sheltered edges draw other wild birds too, making it a straightforward stop for casual birdwatching, and benches at regular intervals give quiet spots to sit and watch the water.
Playground and family activities Near the main entrance is a modern children’s playground with equipment for different ages, on level, easy-to-watch ground. Children also take to the scattered sculptures around the park, including miniature houses and larger-than-life figures from a ‘Land of the Giants’ theme; some have weathered over the years but they remain a distinctive feature.
Coarse fishing Anglers use the park for coarse fishing, with designated jetties and stands onto the water. The lake is stocked with the usual Irish coarse species, and fishing is casual and family-friendly with no complex booking. The edges are securely fenced in key spots, keeping young visitors safe while still giving clear views.
Picnicking Open grass and shaded spots near the path make for an easy midday break. There are no formal picnic tables, but the flat ground and nearby seating suit a blanket or a folding chair.
Practical information
Opening hours and admission Open daily 8am to 8pm. Entry is free, with no tickets or passes.
Getting there
- By car: follow the R331 from Claremorris town centre towards Lower James Street; the entrance is signposted, with free parking beside the playground. Spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends, so come earlier in the day.
- By public transport: Claremorris has regular Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services, and the park is a 15 to 20 minute walk from the train station or main bus stop.
- On foot: a short, flat walk from the town square along Lower James Street.
Facilities and rules
- Dogs: allowed throughout but on a lead at all times.
- Alcohol: not permitted in the park.
- Toilets and refreshments: none on site, so use the facilities in Claremorris town centre before or after.
- What to bring: comfortable shoes for the gravel path, your own bread if you mean to feed the birds, and water, as nothing is sold on site.
Nearby
The town centre of Claremorris is within easy reach for cafés, independent shops and local eateries. With more time, the park makes a handy start for the wider county: the historic Moore Hall estate and Lough Carra are a short drive north, and Knock Shrine and Museum are just over ten kilometres away.
No special preparation needed: comfortable shoes, an hour or two for the loop, and a low-cost look at the quieter side of Claremorris.