An exciting new cultural and tourism initiative that brings to life one of Ireland’s most captivating mythological sagas will be officially launched by Minister Dara Calleary TD this Saturday, 19th July 2025 at 5.00pm in the scenic surrounds of Enniscoe House, Castlehill, Crossmolina.
The Táin Bó Fliodhaise – The Cattle Raid of Mayo Heritage Trail and accompanying Guidebook will offer locals and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with an ancient story deeply rooted in the Mayo landscape. The trail features 14 site-specific heritage panels across the county, each illuminating key locations mentioned in the myth – from Rathcroghan in Roscommon to Glencastle in Erris.
The Táin Bó Fliodhaise is an Iron Age tale that predates the famous Táin Bó Cuailnge. It tells of Queen Meadhbh’s raid from Rathcroghan to North Mayo in pursuit of a prized maol cow, said to produce enough milk daily to feed 300 men, their families and herds. Along the route, warriors clashed, alliances shifted, and the legendary landscape of Mayo was forged.
This heritage trail highlights ancient forts, ceremonial grounds and battle sites steeped in Celtic mythology, and aims to boost linguistic, cultural and tourism development in the region.
Guests at the launch will witness the unveiling of one of the interpretive panels on the Enniscoe estate and meet the estate’s own herd of maol cattle – a living link to the legend itself. Refreshments will be served in historic Enniscoe House, known as the last Great House of North Mayo.
Mairéad Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, welcomed the initiative, saying: “This is a powerful celebration of Mayo’s ancient heritage, beautifully blending mythology with place. Trails like this allow us to tell our stories in a way that captivates both visitors and our own communities. We’re proud to support a project that honours the past while strengthening the cultural and tourism offering of our region.”
The project has been delivered by the Táin Bó Fliodhaise Project Steering Committee and Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo with generous support from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2019, along with contributions from Cill Chomáin Rural Social Scheme, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo County Council, Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Sláinte Ireland Tours, Cruachán Aí Visitor Centre, Mayo North Tourism, and community groups across Mayo.