Aughleam
Encyclopedia
Eachléim is a Gaeltacht
village and townland
in County Mayo
, Ireland
. It lies on the Mullet Peninsula in Erris
, on the R313 regional road
. It has a total area of 2.96 km². Its name derives from Irish Each (horse) and Léim (leap), as local folklore has it a horse leapt from the east of the townland to the west, marking-out its borders.
The sixth-century St. Deirbhile's Church, situated at the far south of the peninsula, is very interesting, as well as being in the most wonderful location. Almost all visitors try to squeeze themselves through its west window and out its eastern door three times (some say seven times,) as tradition says that if one can do this, that they will never die from drowning. Her well, a short distance away, is a holy well noted for its curative properties for eye problems. It is told that St. Deirbhile located to this remote area to escape suitors she was not interested in. However, she was followed here, and in sheer frustration and to make herself less irresistible, she gouged out her own eyes. When her horrified admirer had left, she washed her eyes in the waters of the well and her sight was restored.
The heritage centre has a large amount of unique locally gathered research material and books on local history available so that the visitor can research aspects of Mullet local history and archaeology, island life and the Legend of the Children of Lir for themselves while enjoying the facilities the centre offers, such as soup and sandwiches, coffee and tea. http://www.museumsofmayo.com/deirbhile.htm
While the heritage centre is relatively newly built, to fit in with the vernacular architecture
of the surrounding area, it incorporates a 10 feet (3 m) stained glass window illustrating the story of St. Deirbhile. It is a replica of the window found in the pre-Norman Church as Falmore. The architectural style of the centre is that of a traditional cottage.
In the centre there is a stone fireplace
and chimney breast from the time of the Irish Famine, and there are many local artefacts dating from the last century which have been gathered from the local area.
Gaeltacht
is the Irish language word meaning an Irish-speaking region. In Ireland, the Gaeltacht, or an Ghaeltacht, refers individually to any, or collectively to all, of the districts where the government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language, that is, the vernacular spoken at home...
village and townland
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
in County Mayo
County Mayo
County Mayo is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Mayo, which is now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 130,552...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. It lies on the Mullet Peninsula in Erris
Erris
Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over , much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western...
, on the R313 regional road
Regional road
A regional road in Ireland is a class of road not forming a major route , but nevertheless forming a link in the national route network. There are over 11,600 kilometres of regional roads. Regional roads are numbered with three digit route numbers, prefixed by "R" A regional road in Ireland is a...
. It has a total area of 2.96 km². Its name derives from Irish Each (horse) and Léim (leap), as local folklore has it a horse leapt from the east of the townland to the west, marking-out its borders.
Saint Deirbhile's Heritage Centre
In the middle of the village is the Eachléim Heritage Centre known as Ionad Deirbhile. It was opened in 1997 by President Mary Robinson and gives visitors an insight into the lifestyle of the Mullet Peninsula in the past including information on St.Deirbhile whose relics can be seen in the surrounding area.The sixth-century St. Deirbhile's Church, situated at the far south of the peninsula, is very interesting, as well as being in the most wonderful location. Almost all visitors try to squeeze themselves through its west window and out its eastern door three times (some say seven times,) as tradition says that if one can do this, that they will never die from drowning. Her well, a short distance away, is a holy well noted for its curative properties for eye problems. It is told that St. Deirbhile located to this remote area to escape suitors she was not interested in. However, she was followed here, and in sheer frustration and to make herself less irresistible, she gouged out her own eyes. When her horrified admirer had left, she washed her eyes in the waters of the well and her sight was restored.
The heritage centre has a large amount of unique locally gathered research material and books on local history available so that the visitor can research aspects of Mullet local history and archaeology, island life and the Legend of the Children of Lir for themselves while enjoying the facilities the centre offers, such as soup and sandwiches, coffee and tea. http://www.museumsofmayo.com/deirbhile.htm
While the heritage centre is relatively newly built, to fit in with the vernacular architecture
Vernacular architecture
Vernacular architecture is a term used to categorize methods of construction which use locally available resources and traditions to address local needs and circumstances. Vernacular architecture tends to evolve over time to reflect the environmental, cultural and historical context in which it...
of the surrounding area, it incorporates a 10 feet (3 m) stained glass window illustrating the story of St. Deirbhile. It is a replica of the window found in the pre-Norman Church as Falmore. The architectural style of the centre is that of a traditional cottage.
In the centre there is a stone fireplace
Fireplace
A fireplace is an architectural structure to contain a fire for heating and, especially historically, for cooking. A fire is contained in a firebox or firepit; a chimney or other flue allows gas and particulate exhaust to escape...
and chimney breast from the time of the Irish Famine, and there are many local artefacts dating from the last century which have been gathered from the local area.
See also
- Connacht IrishConnacht IrishConnacht Irish is the dialect of the Irish language spoken in the province of Connacht. Gaeltacht regions in Connacht are found in Counties Mayo and Galway...
- List of towns and villages in Ireland