Shrule
County Mayo in the West of Ireland
Images from Google Street View - copyright © google
The village of Shrule nestles on the Mayo side of the Black River, along the border between counties Mayo and Galway. The ancient Gaelic name for the village was Sruthair (pronounced Sruther), meaning a river or stream.
Situated between Ballinrobe (Mayo) and Headford (Galway) on the N84 road, Shrule is approx 25km from Galway city.
Shrule has a Roman Catholic church - Saint Joseph's - and one primary school. Most second level students from the area attend Presentation College Headford, County Galway, approx 6km away.
Book
He Who Dared And Died by Gearoid O'Dowd
A
book about
the life and death of Shrule native and SAS Original, Sergeant Chris O'Dowd, MM. Having first seen action with the Irish Guards in Norway, Chris volunteered for Churchill's new elite force, the Commandos, and served with Churchill's son, Randolph and novelist Evelyn Waugh among others. He was awarded the Military medal for outstanding bravery and is honoured at the Mayo Peace Park in Castlebar.
Historic Shrule
Shrule is a small parish with a rich history and the ruins of six Norman castles can be found in the parish. Shrule became a market town during the Norman occupation and this continued until the 20th century, with the last fairs and marts being held in the 1960s.
In the eastern half of the parish there are up to 30 ring forts and a crannog so there are many interesting things to see in the area.
Shrule Castle
The ruin of Shrule Castle sits along the banks of the Black River on the Mayo border, dominating the view of the village as one approaches from the Galway side. This fortification built by the Norman de Burgo family, was part of a manor granted by Richard deBurgo to his son John in 1308. The Castle ruin is now unsafe and is closed to the public.
Population from Census
- 425 (2006)
- 326 (2002)
- 337 (1996)
