Moorehall
Moorehall
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The network of forest roads provides a very pleasant walk (Moore Hall Walk), the focal point of which is the ruins of Moore Hall House.
Moorehall House was built by George Moore in 1792 and completed in 1796. George amassed a considerable fortune in Alicante, Spain, as a wine merchant and builder. He also owned a fleet of ships. He died in 1799 and is buried near Straide Co Mayo. Moorehall was burned in 1922.
Moorehall now provides a number of forest loop walks, with wooden animal sculptures and wooden kids activities dotted around the walk. There is plenty of Wildlife, flowers and fauna to discover throughout the looped walks.
It makes for a lovely family activity, only a 5 minute drive from Ballintubber Abbey and it’s completely free. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The History of Moorehall: ______________________________________________________________
The Moorehall story is a multi-faceted and gripping tale. Novelist George Moore coined the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction,” and it certainly holds true for the Moore family.
Moorehall sits close to the shores of beautiful Lough Carra, which, along with the Western Lakes Carra, Mask, and Corrib, forms an unbroken stretch of water leading to Galway Bay. Carra is renowned as one of Europe’s most important marl lakes, with its white chalky base and multi-colored waters, created by calcite washed in from local streams. It’s astonishing to think that this landscape was once submerged under tropical seas millions of years ago.
Beyond its unique geology, the region was among the first areas inhabited by ancient ancestors, as evidenced by the carbon-dated causeways dating back to 1,570 BC. The area is now a special conservation and wildlife sanctuary, boasting an abundance of flowers, fauna, and bird species, including spectacular starling murmurations in Autumn/Winter.
The shores of Carra have witnessed historic battles between Irish/Welsh and Norman invaders during the 12th and 13th centuries, fighting fiercely to control the lush and fertile lands. Notable landmarks on Carra’s shores include Castleburke, Castlecarra, Ballintubber Abbey, and Burriscarra Abbey, contributing to Mayo’s proud county heritage.
The Moore family has a fascinating history. Successful wine merchant George Augustus Moore purchased the land for Moorehall in the late 17th century, building a mansion with a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding countryside. He made his fortune in the wine and brandy trade, marrying Katherine De Kilkelly and gaining connections to the Spanish Royal Court.
Despite warnings of curses associated with Muckloon Hill, George went ahead with building Moorehall in 1792, completing it in 1795/96. From then on, the Moore family played a significant role in Mayo and Ireland’s social, historical, cultural, and political life.
One notable member of the Moore family was John Moore, who took part in the Humbert advance on Castlebar during the 1798 uprising. He was captured, suffered hardships, and eventually died in 1798. After his demise his brother George Moore, the historian, inherited Moorehall.
George’s son, George Henry Moore, embarked on extensive travels to Europe and the Greek Isles and led an expedition to the Dead Sea. He became a prominent figure in horse racing and hunting and later ventured into politics, campaigning for Home Rule and tenant rights.
George Henry’s son, George Moore, the novelist, achieved fame as an author, especially known for writing about the lives of ordinary people. He played a crucial role in founding the Abbey Theatre and the Irish literary revival, contributing to the development of Irish literature.
Maurice Moore, another son of George Henry, had a distinguished military career, becoming a Colonel and being honoured for his service. He later joined the Irish Volunteers and played an essential role in Ireland’s struggle for independence. He supported Sinn Fein, opposed Redmond’s takeover of the Volunteers, and eventually accepted the Treaty while continuing to fight for Irish rights.
Tragedy struck the Moore family when Maurice’s son Ulick was killed in action during World War I. Despite Maurice’s gallant efforts for Ireland, he faced personal hurts and estrangement from his brother, George the novelist, over religious differences and inheritance matters.
Moorehall House suffered during the Civil War when it was burned down by Republican forces on the 1st of February, 1923. Maurice Moore tried to rebuild the house, but circumstances prevented its restoration, and it was eventually sold to a timber merchant.
The Future of Moorehall: ______________________________________________________________
Now, there are plans by Mayo County Council, National Parks and Wildlife, and Coillte to restore the grandeur of Moorehall and its surroundings. The development plan includes a proposed tourist route connecting various historical and scenic sites, including Ballinrobe, Moorehall, Ballintubber Abbey, and Westport. The community is also excited about the proposed Joyce Country and Western Lakes UNESCO Geo Park Project, encompassing several rural communities in the area. This project promises to carry on the legacy of the magnificent Moorehall story.
