Charlestown () is a town in County Mayo, Ireland, on the N17 road near its junction with the N5.

History

Charlestown was built in the mid-19th century on the initiative of Lord Dillon's agent, Charles Strickland, adjoining Bellaghy in County Sligo. Including Bellaghy, the town has a population of over 1,100. But if the Western Rail Corridor reopens from Galway onto Sligo the train service could be restored in future.

Knock Airport is 5.6 miles southwest of Charlestown.

People

Charlestown was the home town of Irish Times and Western People journalist John Healy, who wrote a series of articles about the town which were later turned into a book, No One Shouted Stop. The owner of the Freeman's Journal, Irish Senator Martin FitzGerald, was born on Main Street, Charlestown. Michael O'Doherty, Archbishop of Manila, was born in Charlestown. The Gallagher brothers from Oasis usually spent their summers in Charlestown with their grandparents.

Charlestown is also the hometown of Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, which is tasked with the international containment and treatment of COVID-19.

See also

  • List of towns and villages in Ireland

References

Notes

References

  • N5 bypass opened November 2007
  • Charlestown Photo Archive