Mayo Gems: Rosmoney Coastguard Station is worth sea-ing
Our weekly Mayo Gems series by Tom Gillespie highlights some well known and other more 'hidden' gem locations in Mayo that are well worth a visit this summer as Covid restrictions lift. This week Tom writes about the coastguard station at Rosmoney.
THE 19th century coastguard station situated at Rosmoney, Westport, is being restored by the owner, Castlebar solicitor James Cahill, with financial assistance from the EU Leader programme granted through the South Mayo Leader Company.
The building consists of a terrace of two-storey cottages with adjoining chief officer's house.
The original plans were drawn up in 1876 and building work commenced shortly thereafter. By 1921 it was abandoned and with the founding of the Irish Free State the coastguard service in Ireland was abandoned.
A short history of the coastguard service is as follows: In 1822 the old Preventive Waterguard was reorganised and renamed the Coast Guard. At that time the coastguards were under the control of the Board of Trade and about 2,000 served along the coastline of Ireland.
Their duties included boarding vessels in search of contraband, collecting excise duty and suppressing illicit distilling (of poteen) and assisting the constabulary in localities which were regarded as inaccessible.
During the 1847 Great Famine in Ireland the coastguards assisted in the distribution of grain and foodstuffs to remote areas along the coastline and to offshore islands. Their wives also operated soup kitchens and thereby eased the suffering of many people.
Between 1879 and 1921 the coastguard station has been home to 12 coastguard families.
In 1856 control of the coastguard was transferred to the Royal Navy. They were ideally trained for naval service and it seemed a practical solution to have the coastguards as a 'reserve force' in times of war.
At the old Rosmoney coastguard station, restoration work is still in progress, including the conversion of one house into a tearoom.
The original plans for the building included the addition of a third storey tower to the chief officer's house - this was not built at the time of construction and has now been added as part of the project.
Most of the houses are still derelict. A small indoor display area is open to visitors. Outside there is a collection of 12 currachs and coracles built to original plans.
The station lies 8km northwest of Westport town, with panoramic views a cross Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick
James Cahill, the present owner, is in the process of restoring the buildings which now houses an exhibition of research undertaken on the history of the coastguard in Ireland. There is also a display of 12 currachs (traditional Irish canvas and tar covered boats).
The old coastguard station, Westport, is a fascinating building where you can learn about the life and times of the coastguard in Ireland.
Depending on the position of Covid-19 travel restrictions, the coastguard station will be open to the public for all of July and August and up to September 9, Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will include having the property open during National Heritage Week, August 15 to 23. Admission is €1 - yes just €1.