Aasleagh Lodge set to open to public next year

AASLEAGH Lodge, overlooking Killary Harbour, is to be opened to the public.

The property is owned by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and it is set in the Erriff fishery, where they are developing an angling trail.

Details of IFI's plans were revealed to members of Mayo County Council in a presentation by CEO Francis O'Donnell.

IFI owns a significant piece of land at the Aasleagh Falls – 20 acres – he explained and Aashleagh Lodge.

The State inherited the lodge from the Braebourne family, who were cousins of Lord Mountbatten, and after his death the State took over the fishery.

In more recent years, IFI had contemplated selling the property and lodge. However, the board, in December 2020, took a decision that they would not sell.

Mr. O'Donnell said they felt the property is 'very significant', in a beautiful location overlooking Killary Harbour, and they were now exploring the options of opening the property to the public next year. It will not just be for anglers, but for everyone to come and use the property.

There are 20 acres there, with mature woodland, and the Great Western Way goes right through the property.

At the Erriff fishery, there will be platforms from which people can get up beside the waterfall.

It is about allowing access to these beautiful places, not just for anglers but for the wider public and tourists.

The lodge was built in the 19th century by the Marquis of Sligo and used as a retreat for him and his friends for hunting and fishing.