Council to consider site investigation at original county town castle
A POSSIBLE excavation of the castle site that gave Castlebar its name is to be discussed with Mayo County Council's archaeological section.
A proposal has been made for investigations at the local military barracks to help find physical evidence of the two towers of the former castle at the site.
The matter came before the monthly Castlebar Municipal District meeting where members were told it will be referred to the council archaeologist and heritage officer.
Local historian and co-author of the recently launched book The History of Castlebar, Noel Campbell, has requested, in light of evidence of substantial archaeological remains reported in 2016, that a dig would take place to further investigate, and ultimately expose, the site of the original De Barry Anglo-Norman castle in the military barracks parade ground lawn.
Speaking after the municipal district meeting, Councillor Ger Deere said Mr. Campbell's proposal 'presents a great opportunity to get a clearer picture of the town's history'.
“Other towns around the country who once had castles have used it to promote them tourism wise and historically.
“Castlebar derives its name from the castle yet we still don't have definitive information of that period and such a excavation could bring clarity on this.
“We as a council should ensure this important project is carried out.
“We are so lucky to have such a wonderful historian in Noel Campbell who is continually piecing together the history of our town. We owe him a great debt of gratitude.
“I want to congratulate himself and John Healy on their wonderful book on the history of Castlebar.”
The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life has told the council in correspondence that it is supportive of an initiative that would further develop historical tourism in the county town.
Expanding the offer with a sustainable cultural/heritage experience is a welcome development, and marketing executive Frances Toner noted: 'Developing the historical potential of Castlebar would have long term benefits for the local and wider tourism economy.'
Dr. Yvonne McDermott, lecturer in history and geography at ATU Mayo, said site investigations would benefit the town in terms of heritage tourism, but would also be a valuable resource for local schools and the university's students.
“Our town is rich in history but its medieval past offers much potential for further exploration,” she said.
In a letter to elected members, Mr. Campbell set out the benefits streaming from the dig, including historical tourism, education on what is now a university town, and telling Castlebar's unique story.