Castlebar Gaol (Motor Tax Office), The Mall, Castlebar.

Image
Map

This striking red-brick building on The Mall is now Mayo County Council's Motor Tax Office. It was also the original branch of Castlebar's Bank Of Ireland but was originally built as a jail.

The building was erected in 1785 and used as a jail for approximately 50 years. It is situated directly across the road from the Courthouse. It is also situated across from the 'hanging tree' on The Mall where public hangings took place in order to act as a deterrent to locals. The most famous hanging that took place was that of Fr. Conroy of Addergoole parish (Lahardane) in response to the part he played in the 1798 rebellion. The tree blew down in a storm in 1918.

It is said that during recent road works, a tunnel was discovered linking the courthouse to the jail. This was said to be used to transfer prisoners to and from both buildings.

A new jail was opened in 1835 on the site of the current Mayo University Hospital. This jail was in use until 1935.

In his new book, ‘Anatomy of a County Gaol (Part I)’, local barrister and author, Michael O’Connor, says “The Inspector General of Prisons said the worst gaols in Ireland were in Castlebar,”

Type of Building:

Gaol

Post Comment

Comments

Good day! The game always attracts a large number of participants. And it's not just about the excitement and atmosphere you can experience while playing. cookie clicker slope unblocked

kittydurgans

Wednesday 24th February 2021 06:55AM

The Motor Tax Office public counters in Castlebar, Ballina, and Belmullet will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, August 3rd. Mayo County Council acknowledged this today, stating that the development is in line with the Government's objectives for reopening public counters. The public counters at the Motor Tax Office will handle necessary work that can only be conducted there, such as submitting supporting papers with a motor license application. The public, on the other hand, is urged to avoid the lines by paying their vehicle tax online at www.motortax.ie.