Belmullet and North Mayo to Get International Spotlight as Stephen Mangan Celebrates Irish Heritage on BBC’s Between the Covers
On Saturday, 16th November 2024, actor and comedian Stephen Mangan will bring his deep connection to North Mayo to audiences worldwide when he appears on Between the Covers, hosted by Sara Cox on BBC2. Mangan, the London-born son of Erris natives, has selected A Goat’s Song, a novel set in Belmullet by acclaimed Irish author Dermot Healy, as his top book pick. This novel holds a special resonance for Mangan, capturing the landscapes, voices, and wit of the place he considers his second home.
Matt LeBlanc, Tamsin Greig, and Stephen Mangan from Showtime’s ‘Episodes’ by Thomas Lewis is licensed under CC BY 2.0
In his heartfelt comments about A Goat’s Song, Mangan shared how the book struck a deeply personal chord. “It’s set in a really remote part of Ireland that my family comes from and it’s one of those places that never gets mentioned or talked about by anyone ever,” he said. Mangan’s recognition of the book as a “stone cold masterpiece” showcases his love for Belmullet and the larger North Mayo region. He further praised Healy’s work, describing its “melancholy, and wit” as characteristics he associates with the people and spirit of Mayo itself.
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, highlights the importance of this moment for the region. “Having someone like Stephen Mangan, who has such a genuine connection to North Mayo, speak about Belmullet on a global platform is invaluable,” she said. “It gives people a glimpse of the rugged beauty, rich culture, and community spirit that make this part of Ireland so special. Publicity like this allows us to showcase North Mayo to new audiences, encouraging people from around the world to explore our hidden gems.”
Mangan’s Love for Elly Bay and His Family’s Erris Roots
Mangan’s affection for North Mayo extends beyond literature. In a heartfelt interview on The Hard Shoulder with Kieran Cuddihy, Mangan also shared fond memories of his summers spent in Belmullet, describing the warmth and rich culture of the area. “I spent every summer in Mayo, and both my mum and dad were from there, so we’ve always had an awful lot of family back there,” he recalled. “It’s completely part of my life, and I’m bringing my children back every year because I want them to have the joy that I had.” He also revealed his favourite beach, Elly Bay, laughing as he said, “Apologies to everyone else who owns a beach up there who I haven’t mentioned.”
A Goat’s Song, first published in 1994, is considered Healy’s finest work. It’s a powerful narrative about love, loss, and the yearning for connection, with a profound portrayal of Irish identity and history. Set in the period leading up to the Good Friday Agreement, it also explores the divides and shared humanity between Northern and Southern Ireland and captures the male protagonist’s heartache as his life unravels.
A Lasting Legacy of North Mayo
For North Mayo, Stephen Mangan’s feature is more than just publicity—it’s a celebration of the region’s enduring legacy and vibrant present. His reflections on A Goat’s Song and personal anecdotes about places like Elly Bay invite audiences to experience the distinct beauty and character of North Mayo.
Tune in to Between the Covers, Saturday 16th November at 2:10am on BBC2 for Stephen Mangan’s reflections on Dermot Healy’s unforgettable work and his enduring ties to North Mayo. (It’s also available on BBC iPlayer for anyone living in the UK).
Feature image of Elly Bay Beach, Belmullet – Courtesy of Christian McLeod / Fáilte Ireland