Geesala/Doohoma, County Mayo
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Geesala and Doohoma, County Mayo

Clay Pigeon Shooting

If you are looking for Clay Pigeon Shooting in Mayo, visit Mayo Shooting Grounds (formerly Doolough Shooting Grounds) set in the heart of the Erris peninsula amongst surrounding mountain ranges with beautiful views of the ocean.

Introducing Geesala

The village of Geesala (Gaoth-Sáile) or Gweesalia, which means 'Salty Sea Inlet', as it is shown on some maps, is a small village, with a hotel, two pubs, post office and two shops. It is the church area for seven villages surrounding the village itself, all with their own personal identities.

There is a community centre in the village. It was the original national school, but with the closure of what was then called the "technical school" in 1980, the national school was moved to that larger and more modern building. The community, under the leadership of the parish priest applied for grant aid and the national school was then turned into a community centre, used by different groups running courses, childrens' Christmas and Halloween parties, discos, boxing club, Foroige and much more.

A mile outside the village of Geesala there are three houses that have the distinction of being called 'TD's Row' locally. Henry Coyle, Pat Lindsay and Paddy O'Toole were in fact neighbours and Henry's son Gerry Coyle is keeping the 'flag flying' on this particular course having been elected to Mayo County Council.

Synge

John Millington Synge is said to have based his play "The Playboy of the Western World" around the village area and indeed, the hotel in Geesala was called Ostán Synge, but new management and refurbishment of the hotel meant a change of name and this beautiful and very modern hotel is now called 'Abhainn Mhór Lodge'.

Introducing Doohoma

Doohoma is a village situated approximately fifteen miles south-west of Bangor Erris, overlooking Achill Island to the south. The Doohoma Peninsula is almost an island, being connected to the mainland of Erris only by a narrow isthmus at Geesala. Originally known in Old Irish as Dumhaigh Thuama, the 'sounding sandy banks', then in Gaelic Du Thuama, it has now been anglicised as Doohoma.

In an area noted for it's outstanding natural beauty, Doohoma is particularly impressive, with an extensive panorama of sea, sky and mountain surrounding every side. To the south, Achill Island lies approximately two miles across Tallaghan Bay, with Sliabh Mór and the towering cliffs of Achill Head dominating. To the west of Doohoma Head, the islands of the Iniskeas and Duvillan, amongst many others, can be clearly seen. These are noted for their rich archeological and spiritual histories, and can be accessed by arrangement with local boat owners.

Fishing has a long and proud tradition in Doohoma, and this is continued today by a number of boats who engage in net-fishing for wild Atlantic Salmon. These are processed by Eagle Isle Seafoods, a smoked salmon plant in the village, which exports extensively to Europe and America. Lobster, crab, and mackerel fishing also takes place at Doohoma Head and the surrounding waters.

Doohoma is also noted for it's beautiful beach, which is never crowded or polluted, due to its isolation. The sea here is also free from any strong currents and is ideal for swimming, as well as such sports as surfing and sailing. The town-land received nation-wide renown, both in the seventies and more recently, with the screening of the RTE documentary 'Doohoma'. This dealt with the theme of emigration to England and the effect on local families. In recent years, however, a number of first and second-generation natives have returned to take advantage of the improving economic climate.

Visiting Geesala / Doohoma? To book a Geesala / Doohoma hotel online visit Mayo Hotels for a secure online booking facility.