About
Castlebar
Castlebar is the administrative capital of County Mayo
and one of the fastest growing provincial centres in the
country.
The historical origins of the town date back to Norman
times, while it was granted a borough charter by James 1 in
1611.
Almost 200 years later, the town became famous during the
1798 rebellion when a British force was routed by
Franco-Irish forces in a battle that became known as The
Races of Castlebar.
Originally a garrison and market town, Castlebar has
grown into a thriving and bustling commercial centre, a wide
variety of well known high street names draw shoppers from
all over Connaught.
The town has a diverse employment base from
multinationals involved in healthcare products, computer
components, call centres and the state sector. There are
three health care facilities including the Mayo General
Hospital; Garda Divisional Headquarters; the Headquarters of
Mayo County Council and the Department of Agriculture and
Food at Davitt House.
Educational facilities include the Galway/Mayo Institute
of Technology (Mayo Campus), three post primary schools and
over eight primary schools in the town and environs.
Sports and leisure facilities are well catered for with
numerous clubs and gyms, a municipal swimming pool and
18-hole golf course.
There is a multiplicity of bars and restaurants while on
the cultural side the town includes two theatres, a
multi-screen cinema and several musical societies.
Castlebar, being the administrative capital, is well
served by transport links. The local train station is on the
Dublin/Westport line. The N5 national route means the
Capital is only a 3.5 hour drive. The main urban centres are
well served by the bus service, there are plentiful local
taxis and Knock International Airport is only a thirty
five-minute drive.
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