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Town Museum
 The history of our Museum in
Kiltimagh is inextricably bound up with the change in the town's fortunes.
For generations, Kiltimagh was associated with poverty and depression. With
no employment locally family ties were ruptured as our young people were
forced to leave the area in search of work. The community hit its lowest
ebb In the 1980s: houses were empty and boarded up and sporting 'For Sale'
signs.
The Railway Station had for many years been our link with the outside world
but trains no longer stopped here and it too was abandoned and derelict.
However, in the 1980s we started to fight back. We acquired the old Goods
Store and turned it into a Museum. Two old Railway carriages were acquired
to commemorate the thousands of our people who had had to emigrate, and
these were incorporated into the Museum.
In delving into our past we discovered an extraordinary resource in the
achievements of many of our former parishioners against incredible odds.
Their determination and belief in themselves inspired us, and indeed the
whole community, with the confidence and determination to regain control of
our own destiny.
In our Museum, we celebrate these extraordinary men: Raftery,
the self-educated 19th century poet: Gene Tunney, former World heavyweight
boxing champion: Sean Lavan, footballer and Olympic athlete: Champ Kelly,
World Handball Champion: Tom Flatley, entrepreneur extraordinary: Mike Hogarty, who oversaw the first Apollo landing and
Father Denis O Hara, who in earlier times had succeeded in similarly
turning around the fortunes of the area.
And so the Museum, once the Goods Store, unites our past and present. Its
transformation into an attractive amenity area for our community reflects
the transformation of the community image into a confident vibrant with
local employment. What was once the Station Master's House is now home to
the Mayo School of Music and the area is further enhanced by sculptures by
some of the foremost artists in the country.
Come and share our experience for yourselves. You will be most welcome. The
Museum is open daily from 2 to 6 p.m, June to
September. Admission €5
Sculpture Park 
The Old Railway Station also boasts a wonderful Sculpture Park,
the result of a sculpture symposium held during the summer of 1993 whereby
sculptors of national renown, assisted by local students completed the
transformation of this delightful area.
Pictured opposite is a bathstone sculpture by Séamus
Dunbar. The delicate beauty of this neo-classical figure carved in
these soft and unusual tones, speaks for itself. More
on Kiltimagh Sculpture Park here.
Town Hall
Theatre
The old Town Hall in Kiltimagh has undergone renovations to provide the 200
capacity theatre, Exhibition centre, workshop space and conference centre
which boasts excellent sound, presentation and catering facilities. The
venue hosts many dramas and operas, enhancing Kiltimagh's
reputation as a cultural centre.
For further information
on forthcoming events contact the Art's Office at Enterprise House. For
conference enquiries contact the I.R.D. offices.
 The Market
Square
From the late 19th century, Kiltimagh was a vibrant market place with a
Fair Day being the highlight of the month. On this day the streets and the
square were alive with people buying and selling livestock and wares. There
are a series of wall plaques here depicting the traditional activities
synonymous with the old Fair Day. Also to be seen in the square is the
monument to 'Raifteirí an
File', and a magnificent piece of sculpture 'Eternal Spring', by Benedict
Byrne (picture opposite).
“Tír na nÓg” Fully supervised, Children's Venture Fun Park
Tír na nÓg translates into the land of youth and the fun-park
aptly describes the enchanting play area for children aged 3-13 years. The
park is set in scenic surroundings complete with picnic tables, toilet
facilities and all play structures are made from natural environmentally
friendly materials.
The sculpture in the park
is 'An Chéad Chéim'
(the first step) and was carved by Jackie McKenna.
“Maghu’s
Castle”
December 2002 saw the opening of a 4,500 sq. ft. Indoor Children’s Play
area at Tir na nOg. Boasting state of the art play areas including a 2
level adventure maze featuring; rope bridge, giant 2 metre
slide, ball pond, aerial runway, giants causeway,
biff and bash punch bags. Also included is a separate area for children under
3 years of age, which features a log cabin, children’s activity table, play
kitchen, worm tunnel, soft ball pond and a large array of building blocks.
Parents can relax and enjoy a coffee while keeping a watchful eye over
their children. Adults can sit and watch while their children enjoy the
various play areas.
“Parties are a
Pleasure” in the Maghu’s Castle private party room. Packages are available
which includes: 1 hour playtime, 1 hour party time, balloons and party
hats, a birthday gift for the birthday boy or girl and a birthday banner to
take home.
For further details and
current opening hours, please contact:
Maghu’s Castle,
Kiltimagh, Tel 094 9374886 or 094 9381494. E mail: maghu
at ird-kiltimagh dot ie
The Town Forge
At one time the blacksmith provided one of the most important services to
the town. This, the last working forge in Kiltimagh, closed in 1989. In
1993 it was restored to its present state as a museum displaying the tools
and implements of the blacksmith (picture opposite).
Old School House
The recently restored 19th century school now displays the remaining
artifacts from the old national schools in the area. Information is
provided on the various school activities of that era. This building also
includes a self-catering apartment suitable for 2 - 3 people.
Night Entertainment
Kiltimagh offers a variety of pub entertainment but wherever you go, you
can relax in a warm and friendly atmosphere, perhaps with some traditional music for
good measure. Then why not complete your evening in one of our nightclubs?
Try the Cill Aodain
Hotel or Park Hotels for popular music at the weekends.
Tourist Information/Internet Access
Located in the heart of the town, this Tourist Information Point provides
information regarding accommodation, activities and places of interest in
the West. You may also use the internet / print boarding passes, etc.
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