Belcarra (Gaelic Baile na Cora) is a small tranquil, pretty village in central Mayo nestled at the foot of a wooden drumlin (a remnant of the last ice age), ideally suited for touring Mayo and its neighbouring counties. It has an approximate population of 222 people (2011 census figures) and an approximate area population of some 1,174 (an increase on 2006 census figure). Belcarra is within easy reach of the nearby towns of Balla (7km), Castlebar (10km) and Westport (25km) giving this quiet rural village a character all of its own.
Belcarra ("the village of the weir" or river-crossing) is referred to in some old maps as Ballycarra but the name was changed by deed poll in 1970 to Belcarra. The local Heritage Centre is a beautifully restored cottage, known as ‘The Eviction Cottage’, scene of the last (19th century) eviction in Belcarra by landlord’s agents, the infamous Gardiner and Pringle. Attractively signposted throughout, Belcarra has been a regular winner of the Tidy Towns competition, making it a very desirable destination for the visitor to Mayo. |
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