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Swinford
ℹ️Practical info — Swinford
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Swinford is an excellent, less-crowded base for anglers wanting to fish on the famous River Moy.
- Parking is generally straightforward on the wide main street, but avoid blocking local business entrances.
- Check local pub noticeboards; the town is known for impromptu traditional Irish music sessions.
- Visit the nearby Hennigan's Heritage Centre to see what rural life was like in Mayo over the last century.
🍽 Food
Ask for local salmon dishes in the town's restaurants during the fishing season.
Keep an eye out for this traditional Irish potato pancake in traditional local eateries.
A well-suited, warming meal after a day outdoors, found in most traditional pubs on Main Street.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Visit local hardware or dedicated tackle shops to get gear for fishing on the Moy.
Look for locally knitted items in the smaller independent shops.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this lovely wooded area just on the edge of town.
Head slightly out of town to walk along the serene banks of the river.
Water temperature…
Swinford is an animated market town in County Mayo, Ireland, situated on a tributary of the world-renowned River Moy. The town's modern layout and development were largely initiated in the late 18th century by the Brabazon family, who established it as a primary commercial hub for the surrounding agricultural landscape. Swinford is widely celebrated for its dedication to Irish cultural traditions, most notably through the Siamsa Sraide festival held every August, which showcases traditional music, dance, and heritage crafts. Historically, the town's economy thrived on livestock trading and its status as a significant railway junction on the line famously known as the Burma Road. Its geographical location makes it a handy base for angling enthusiasts, as the nearby River Moy is considered one of the most prolific salmon fishing rivers in Europe. The urban fabric of Swinford is characterized by fine Victorian architecture and the grand Catholic church, which underscore its 19th-century growth and importance. Today, the town serves as a key service center for East Mayo, offering a blend of historical character and modern community life.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Ballylahan Castle · Carranarah · Burren Hill
- Nearby: Castlebar (17 km)
- Population: ~1.315
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 123 | 96 | 92 | 76 | 93 | 100 | 111 | 120 | 99 | 119 | 131 | 129 |
Geography
Facts
- Swinford is located in County Mayo on the strategic N5 national primary road.
- The town was founded in 1769 by the influential Brabazon family.
- It hosts the well-known Siamsa Sraide street festival annually in August.
- The nearby River Moy is world-famous for its premier salmon fishing.
- Swinford was once a significant stop on the railway line known as the Burma Road.
- The town's population was approximately 1,394 according to the 2016 census.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Swinford (3)
Frequently asked questions
What is Swinford in Mayo known for?
When does the Siamsa Sráide festival take place?
Is there a golf course in Swinford?
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Swinford: where is it located?
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Swinford: why is it worth visiting?
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