Mayo Memorial Peace Park | Mayo

The Mayo Memorial Peace Park, Garden of Remembrance, and Chapel of Liberty is a memorial complex located in Castlebar, County Mayo. It is dedicated to the men and women of Mayo who served and died in various world wars and international conflicts as members of the Allied Forces and United Nations Peacekeeping missions.

Visual Characteristics

The park is designed as a contemplative space with structured stone monuments and landscaping.

Memorial Walls: Large granite plaques inscribed with over 1,100 names of Mayo-born soldiers.

Statuary: Features several bronze sculptures, including a life-sized representation of a soldier and a memorial to the "Forgotten Irish" who served in the United States military.

The Chapel of Liberty: A small, multi-denominational chapel used for reflection and commemorative services.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Lannagh Rd, Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Position: Situated adjacent to the Lough Lannagh holiday village and the Mayo County Council offices.

Transit: Located within 1 km of Castlebar town center; accessible via local pedestrian paths from the main shopping district.

Parking: Public parking is available in the adjacent Lough Lannagh car park.

Accessibility: The park is entirely level and paved, providing full wheelchair and mobility device access.

Historical Origin

Inception: Founded by local historian Michael Feeney and the Mayo Memorial Peace Park Committee.

Objective: To acknowledge the military service of Mayo citizens which, for significant portions of the 20th century, remained largely uncommemorated due to the complex political history of Irish service in the British Armed Forces.

Inauguration: Formally opened in 2008 by the President of Ireland.

Key Highlights

World War I & II Records: The park serves as a primary genealogical resource for families in the West of Ireland researching ancestors who died in the Great War.

UN Peacekeeping Wall: Dedicated to Irish soldiers who died on missions in the Congo, Lebanon, and other global conflict zones.

Lough Lannagh Loop: The park is integrated into the 1.9 km walking trail around Lough Lannagh, a major recreational area in Castlebar.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Information boards provide context for the various wars and missions represented.

Sanitation: Public restrooms are available at the nearby Lough Lannagh leisure complex.

Connectivity: Consistent 5G/4G coverage throughout the park.

Operating Hours: The outdoor park is a public space accessible 24 hours a day; the chapel is typically open during daylight hours.

Facts & Technical Details

The park is unique in Ireland for its inclusive approach, commemorating Mayo people who served in the armies of Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It specifically recognizes those who fell at significant battles such as Gallipoli, the Somme, and Monte Cassino.

Nearby Landmarks

Lough Lannagh – Adjacent

National Museum of Ireland - Country Life – 8 km East (Turlough Park)

Mayo County Library – 0.5 km North

Croagh Patrick – 20 km West