Western Ways George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard
The Humbert Way, a notable Mayo Greenway
The Franco/Irish army marched along the west shore of Lough Conn to Castlebar where they took the British forces completely by surprise The appetite for more outdoor pursuits has increased dramatically in recent years as the number of new greenways, walking trails and cycle routes proves. Here along the Western Seaboard we are spoiled with the number of options on offer. One interesting and historic trail is called the Humbert Way.
Moyne Abbey
The name comes from Jean Joseph Amable Humbert a general and leader of a French expeditionary force who landed at Kilcummin Pier on Killala Bay in the year 1798.They arrived to help the Irish in their rebellion and on board ship were 1,000 men including Matthew Tone the brother of Wolfe Tone. On coming ashore they took over the residence of Bishop Joseph Stock then protestant Bishop of Killala as their temporary headquarters before starting out on the long journey across country to Ballina and Castlebar. Along the way some 3000 Irishmen joined the force with many carrying just pikes and pitchforks. The Franco/Irish army marched along the west shore of Lough Conn to Castlebar where they took the British forces completely by surprise. They then set about positioning themselves at vital points around the town. The Crown forces fled from Castlebar with the rebels in pursuit. Eventually however the rebels were themselves surrounded at Ballinamuck in County Longford in September of that year. Now this famous route taken by General Humbert and his men has been made into a 225km cycle trail passing through the foir counties of Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Longford, starting from Kilcummin pier, Killala. On the route there are numerous finger signposts alerting cyclists to several areas of particular historical interest. It is deemed to be from easy to moderate and will suit cyclists of all ages and experience. The route will bring you through some really spectacular scenery especially along the coast passing Bartra Island on Killala Bay. 74 Senior Times | May - June 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
The Humbert Memorial, Ballina
The mausoleum in Belleek woods in Ballina Co Mayo. Sir Francis Author Knox Gore (18031878), inherited Belleek Demesne in 1818. He was responsible for building Belleek Manor (now Belleek Castle hotel). On his death he wished to be buried in the grounds of the demesne with his horse! His son, Sir Charles James Knox Gore, had the mausoleum built over what is thought to be his father’s grave.
Points of interest include Ballina, the largest town in Mayo where the wonderful Belleek Woods (a birdwatcher’s paradise) is situated, Rosserk Friary (7km north on the banks of the Moy), Moyne Abbey (an ecclesiastical ruin and national monument) the Moy Estuary, Bartra Island and Killala village. Each year a Tour De Humbert 90km cycling challenge takes place in summer and is scheduled to include the Síamsa Sráide summer street festival in Swinford( July 29th-Aug 3rd).
