Partry is in County Mayo between Lough Carra and Lough Mask, on the N84 between Castlebar and Ballinrobe. The landscape around the area consists mainly of pasture, bog, scattered woodland, rocky outcrops and shorelines. The Partry Mountains run along the southern boundary. The lakes, open countryside and mountain boundary give the area several facets; its history of architecture and remarkable stained-glass windows add to them.

Partry House and the stained-glass windows of Ballynaslee

Partry House stands on the shore of Lough Carra and dates from 1667. It was built on the remains of Cloonlagheen Castle. The house and the former castle site thus represent different periods in the area’s architectural history. July and August are given as the months when Partry House is partially open to the public. Before your trip, check whether a visit is possible on your chosen date.

A different kind of heritage can be found at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Ballynaslee, Partry. Its stained-glass windows were signed by Franz Mayer and Company in 1891 and 1906. The Burke Memorial “Trinity Window” is attributed to Earley Studios Limited. The windows connect specific dates with the names of their makers or the studio to which they are attributed, adding the art of stained glass to the older architectural history represented by Partry House.

The surrounding area also has its own historical connection: Colmcille’s Well in Ballygarry, west of Partry, was established by followers of the saint during the early Christian period. Taken together, the area’s history spans the early Christian period, later architecture and stained glass.

Shorelines, the Famine Walk and Lough Mask

The Famine Walk connects the former islands of Moynish, Creggaun and Leamnahaye with the shore. These islands give the route a specific geographical direction. If you plan to include the walk in your itinerary, check current access and trail conditions beforehand.

Lough Mask is also nearby and is one of Ireland’s best-known brown trout fisheries. If you plan to fish there, check the applicable regulations in advance. The Famine Walk and fishing appeal to different interests: one focuses on the connection between the former islands and the shore, and on the history of the route; the other, on brown trout fishing in the lake.

Plan your accommodation around your trip

When looking for hotels in Partry, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip. Would you like to concentrate mainly on Partry House and the stained glass, or give more time to the landscape and waterways? This can help you choose your travel dates to suit the subjects that interest you. If you plan to visit Partry House, walk the Famine Walk or fish at Lough Mask, check the relevant visitor, trail or regulatory information to suit your plans.

Discover more destinations: Murrisk, Neale, Cong, Castlebar, Knock, Aghamore, Béal Easa, Bunnacurry

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.