Plans to rescue historic Mayo courthouse from dereliction

Plans are in the pipeline for the former Ballinrobe Courthouse building located on Main Street, one of the most historic buildings in south Mayo.

The property comprises the Market House and courthouse, built in 1752, and it has a huge amount of history attached to it.

There has not been a court sitting there since 2010.

The courthouse was also used as a location in 1970 for one of the scenes in the iconic film The Flight of the Doves, with numerous locals from Ballinrobe cast as extras in the film which was released in 1971.

At present, the building is at risk of dereliction unless the first phase of refurbishment works are completed as soon as possible, according to local Independent Councillor, Patsy O’Brien.

Councillor O’Brien has been a long-time advocate for getting the courthouse building back into use and he is frustrated at the lengthy time it is taking to complete phase one refurbishment works.

“There was part of the building that was privately owned, however, now Mayo County Council owns all the property. There was an RRDF grant attributed of €700,0000 and there is still €557,0000 outstanding of that grant that hasn’t been spent yet. I am annoyed about this as it is taking far too long.

“In the meantime, the Ballinrobe Historical Society have expressed interest about taking it on, but naturally the building as a whole has more opportunities as well. The old courthouse goes back to1752 and that means that there is huge potential there for tourism.

“There is lots of history associated with the building and it was there that the Captain Boycott Trials in 1880 were held.”

There appears to be some ray of light that progress on refurbishment works may be take place soon, with a state agency expressing interest in the building according to Councillor O’Brien. Having a sate agency on board would certainly expedite the refurbishment process.

“A state agency has come on board to look at the building and see if they can take it under their remit. That state agency have put it in their commercial plan that they will then put forward to Government to see will they be able to do something with it.

“Personally, my ambition is that the building could also be used to house a full-time office for a state agency. If we get a state agency on board then funding will become available.”

Councillor O’Brien also sees further potential for tourism in the bustling south town of Ballinrobe.

“I would like to see Ballinrobe linked with the Geopark and to have it connected to The Cong and Connemara gateway for tourism.

"We need to attach ourselves to that main artery for tourism and encourage more people to visit the town. This town has a lot of potential, with the golf course and racecourse and we have some fine facilities here in Ballinrobe.”

Portumna Courthouse in Galway dates back to 1847 and following its closure in 2005, the building was restored and reopened in June 2025 as a community and arts hub centre, exhibition/performance space, remote working hub and also has an onsite café/social space.

Councillor O'Brien believes that a having the Ballinrobe courthouse as a community facility could be another stepping stone for the town.

“There is a void in the town and getting this old building up and running would be a stepping stone to greater things. It is important that the people of the town have their say, along with the support of the state.

“That courthouse building has huge potential, and it located right in the centre of the town. All of those old public buildings in Mayo, including the old Barracks in Hollymount, should have been bought by Mayo County Council and put back into services for the local communities.”

Councillor O’Brien will be continuing to raise the issue with Mayo County Council.

“The latest I heard about Ballinrobe Courthouse is that there will be another report from Mayo County Council issued in quarter three. I am frustrated with this process, and I want to see action with regard to the Ballinrobe Courthouse.

"That money needs to be spent, and we need to make progress as soon as possible.”