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By Sue Blake

Castlebar (Caisleán an Bharraigh, meaning "Barry's Castle") is the County town of County Mayo. Castlebar is also the administrative seat for the county. As one of the fastest growing towns in the country it is a vibrant and energetic Market Town.

Castlebar was originally a garrison town, and the existing town grew up as a settlement around the “de Barra Castle”, which was built by a Norman adventurer in the 11th century, and was later the site of an English garrison. The castle was located at the end of Castle Street. As a town that is steeped in history, one of its’ oldest existing buildings is Christchurch whose foundation stones were laid in 1739.

Castlebar is the birthplace of many well-known people such as, Charles J. Haughey a former Taoiseach of Ireland, Louis Brennan, inventor of the steerable torpedo in 1874 and Enda Kenny , the leader of Fine Gael.

Having won a place in the Telecom Information Age Town Competition in 1997, Castlebar has become a leader in the provision of internet services and boasts an extensive community based website at www.castlebar.ie which carries all local information, local news and events. This project has promoted e-commerce into the businesses of Castlebar and encouraged the community at large to make use of the facilities of the internet, including e-mail communication.

There is plenty to do in and around Castlebar town ranging from the renowned Guinness Castlebar Blues Festival held in June to the world famous International Four Days Walks, which takes place from the end of June to early July as well as exhibitions at the Linenhall Arts Centre and the Celebration of the Senses in October. The town is also home to the TF Royal Theatre which hosts world famous acts all year round.