About Maam (Joyce Country)
Maam is a lovely wooded town land beside some great fishing lakes. The ancient woods give the place a magical feel, overshadowed by the Maamturk Mountains with their numerous pre-historic and early historic sites.
The Western Way, a long distance walking trail will take you from the southern end of the Maam Valley to the ancient site of Mámean.
There is a good choice of Bed & Breakfast and Self-Catering accommodation in Maam.
History
There is an angling centre in this magnificent valley where the Failmorem Bealanabrack and Joyce's River come together on their way to Lough Corrib. The Kilmeelickin Church at Maam (Maum) houses the stained glass window of St. Brendan (1950)by Dublin born Evie Hone (1894 - 1955).
On the way to Leenane you will see a signpost for 'Leaba Pháiric' (Patrick's bed), a rock recess and 'Tobar Pháraic' (Patrick's well) which mark a place of pilgrimage, they were traditionally visited on the Sunday in July, but less so nowadays. The well was believed to cure cattle as well as some human ills.
Film location
'The Quiet Man' , 1952, starring Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne