Masterplan to transform Mayo's 'extraordinary' estate unveiled

An ambitious masterplan for Moorehall and its environs has been officially launched by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary.

The grounds of Moorehall and the ruins of its 18th century mansion are a popular destination for tourists and local people over the years.

Moorehall also has walled gardens and a picturesque loop walk alongside nearby woodland.

The estate, close to the village of Carnacon, was purchased from Coillte by Mayo County Council in 2018.

The 'Masterplan for Moorehall' will eventually see the estate turned into a national nature reserve and will also see further walkways and amenities developed.

This is sure to be an even more popular attraction for visitors and tourists alike and will be a boost for the local economy.

Speaking to The Connaught Telegraph, Minister Calleary said Moorehall is a very special place and that it is great that a masterplan is now in place for the historical site.

“There have been so many thoughts and ideas out forward for the location over the years.

"It's great now to have them in a masterplan and many of those ideas will come to fruition.

"The plan will also see investment to further protect the amenity gong forward as a conservation centre.

“It's an extraordinary recreational facility right in the heart of the county.

"The masterplan, containing over 170 pages, paves the way for development and investment over the coming years.

"Mayo County Council will start the implementation side of it. They'll start putting their funding together and examine the various different aspects needing attention.

“There's outdoor recreation, there is the recreation partnership we have with Coillte, which will help develop walkways, and other amenities.

“There's bigger projects set around Moorehall itself in terms of a visitor centre, which will tell the story of the Moore family and their significant part in history.

"There's recreational potential in respect of Lough Carra as well.

"The council will be seeking funding in due course."

A revamped Moorehall has the potential to attract thousands of tourists every year.

Moorehall is almost hidden away and not too many tourists may know about the location and its historical significance.

However, Minister Calleary believes that the proposals in the plan will help generate further tourism for the region.

“It's an extraordinary place and one of the locals said to me that I think about 35,000 people visited here last year. That figure alone underlines its potential," he added.