Castlebar is the county town of Mayo . As well as being the administrative seat of the county, it is is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland. Modern Castlebar has a selection of shopping facilities and a business infrastructure which bears almost no resemblance to the garrison town which was the location of so many battles in the past.
It featured prominently in the battles of 1798 when French troops who had been organised by Theobald Wolf Tone, routed the British troops out of Castlebar on the 22nd of August. Originating back in the 11th century, the town was built around the castle of the De Barra's.
Originally a market town, it has held onto this tradition over the years. An abundance of lively night-time entertainment is to be found in this town, with pubs providing traditional Irish music and a number of quality restaurants.
Castlebar has plenty to offer to those who like the outdoors, with a number of planned walking routes and plenty of good fishing available in the nearby rivers and lakes. The walking and angling in Castlebar have received international recognition and there is an annual Four Days Walking Festival which proves to be very popular. If you are interested in golf, you can play at the Castlebar Club.