Clew Bay Heritage Centre

Clew Bay Heritage Centre prides itself on being a "hands on" experience one of the few museums, where visitors can touch the artefacts on display. The displays are divided into the following sections: Scale model of Westport Town and Quay: This model is used by the guides to illustrate the history and development of the town of Westport. Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) and the O'Malley Clan: The original rulers of this part of Mayo. Westport House and the Brownes. The Port of Westport: Up to the coming of the Railway in the 1870's, this was the main port for Mayo. Ireland's Struggle for Independence: This section contains original artefacts relating to Major John MacBride and his wife Maud Gonne, (inspiration of the love poetry of W B Yeats); autographs, books of Prisoners of War and various items from War of Independence and Civil War. Croagh Patrick and The Churches of Westport: Croagh Patrick, renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick's fast on the mountain for forty days in 441AD, and now recognised as a place of tremendous importance in the pre-Christian era. The Archaeology of County Mayo: Photographs and artefacts illustrating the rich archaeology of the county. Kitchen Scene. Selection of tools and utensils used locally from mid-19th century onwards. School Section: With old school desk, slates and copy books dating from 1890's. Mayo Authors: George Moore, George A Birmingham, Eleanor Fairburn and Michael Mullen.