A hidden gem in North Mayo
The small rural village of Kilfian is situated between Ballina, Crossmolina, Ballycastle and Killala.
For outdoor enthusiasts there are two rivers, the Glen River and the Owenmore / Palmerstown River which provide beautiful scenery and the opportunity for local and visiting anglers to test their skill.
Kincon in the parish of Kilfian is the focal point of the parish where you will find the Church of the Sacred Heart and a monument erected in honour of Sir Alexander Fleming (1881 – 1955) the world-renowned discoverer of penicillin) and his Kilfian born wife Lady Sarah McElroy-Fleming (1881 – 1949)
Lady Sarah Fleming (née McElroy) was born in the parish of Kilfian on 28th May 1881. After leaving school Sarah and her twin sister Elizabeth travelled to Australia where they trained as nurses. Sarah returned to Dublin working in a nursing home before moving onto London where she established her own nursing home. It was in London that Sarah met Scottish doctor, Alexander Fleming who famously discovered penicillin. Sarah sold her London nursing home in order to provide finance to enable Sir Alexander Fleming to undergo his research into the antibiotic. The couple are interred in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
This memorial monument was unveiled in the village by their son Dr.Robert Fleming on the 6th August 2021.
Church of the Sacred Heart
The Church of the Sacred Heart is also a focal point of Kincon/Kilfian. Services are held on Saturday at 7:30pm. The name of this parish is pronounced in Irish ‘Cill Fhiadhaín which translates to the Church of Saint Fian
Kilfian Vintage Show
The Kilfian Vinatge Show is held annually during the June Bank Holiday in Kincon. Organised by Kilfian Vintage Club this show displays vintage tractors, vintage and classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, threshing and much more. They have trade stands, music children’s entertainment, a dog show and craft demonstrations.
