Archaeology and genealogy at Mayo's Turlough House

The regular meeting of Mayo Genealogy Group on November 8 last was replaced by an education evening in the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, and such was the interest in the annual open event that it attracted a full house.

On behalf of Mayo Genealogy Group, Dympna Joyce introduced the speakers and the running order.

Brian Lawless of Turlough, son of the late Christy Lawless, gave an educational and informative talk on his father’s lifelong interest in Fulacht Fiadh – Bronze Age cooking places situated near a water course dating from 200-2500 BC. A trough was dug and filled with water, and beside the trough a fire was lit and sandstones were placed into the fire. When the stones were red hot they were placed in the trough of water to bring it to boiling point, and into this boiling water the meat was placed to be cooked.

During his lifetime Christy discovered 156 Fulacht Fiadh in his own parish, having discovered the first one in 1986. A horseshoe-shaped mound on the landscape can be evidence of the Fulacht Fiadh as well as a scattering of burnt stones and charcoal.

In 1988 – with the help of his wife Mary and sons Brian and Alan as well as siblings and friends – Christy created an experimental reconstruction the Fulacht Fiadh for the 20th century. He wrapped joints of lamb in straw and placed them in the boiling water. The cooking time is 20 minutes to the pound and 20 minutes extra. When cooked, the meat was distributed among all who were present and it was agreed that it was perfectly cooked.

Brian also shared many photographs and slides from the Lawless family album which greatly enhanced his presentation. Fulacht Fiadh were only a fraction of the archaeological and historical interests that Christy had during his lifetime, and his family are now ensuring that his legacy will be remembered forever.

The second presentation was from Jim O'Connor, local studies librarian at Mayo County Library. Jim gave an overview of the services provided by the local studies area of the library, especially in relation to history and genealogy. He concentrated in particular on the records the library holds about the Turlough area and Co. Mayo as a whole.

In relation to genealogy in particular, the library partners with the South Mayo Family Research Centre and the North Mayo Heritage Centre. Mayo County Library is not in position to trace family trees but will point people in the right direction.

Other records that are held in the library include the Lucan Rent Register, parish registers, local newspapers on microfilm, the Irish Tourist Association Survey from the 1940s, agricultural minute books, the Devon Commission Report, and travellers' accounts of Ireland in the 1800s.

Other records include some school roll books and graveyard registers. There is also a selection of historical photographs, including the Wynne Collection and Liam Lyons Collection. The local studies hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In order to save time, you are advised to book an appointment.

The third presentation of the day was from Zoe Reid, keeper of manuscripts at the National Archives (situated at Bishop Street, Dublin 8, for people who may wish to visit in person). Zoe ‘s presentation was online on Saturday and gave the audience an overview of the 1926 census, which will be available to the public online on April 18 next year. This is the first census of the Irish Free State and will be of great interest to genealogists and historians alike. It will offer a picture of what Ireland was like 100 years ago. The census details from 1901 and 1911have also been available online for a number of years.

As part of the celebrations for the 2026 launch, the National Archives are seeking centenarian ambassadors – people who were born before April 18, 1926, and are still alive. Any people who are interested in getting involved with this programme should contact the National Archives at census1926@national archives.ie.

Mayo Genealogy Group would like to thank Brian Lawless, Jim O’Connor and Zoe Reid for their presentations, as well as Tom Doyle of the Museum of Country Life, who facilitated the open evening, and all the people who attended on the evening.