 Exploring Mayo by Bernard O’Hara, a lavishly illustrated book with an excellent Ordnance Survey map, provides a wonderful appreciation of County Mayo’s rich archaeological, historical, religious and architectural heritage as well as a guide to the attractions of its various regions. County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland and the third largest in the country, has astonishing scenery, with an unspoiled natural environment, where people have lived in harmony with their surroundings for over 6,000 years. The natural beauty of its green countryside and varied landscape, with mountains, lakes and rivers, is a dream for lovers of na-ture. Each vista has its own delight and surprise. It is a paradise for outdoor pursuits on land and sea, as well as for those that want to explore its landscape, archaeology, history, architecture, public art, wildlife, flora, and various other aspects of its heritage. After an introduction covering landscape, baronies, parishes and various leisure and cultural attractions, the book has a chapter on the archaeological and historical heritage of the county. This is followed by chapters dealing with eight tours of the county, with an outline history of each town, museum and heritage centre, and placing various attractions in their historical context. In addition, several sons and daughters are profiled. It is hoped that the book will help visitors and natives to explore and enjoy the county’s highways and byways, north, south, east and west. The book has been described by Maureen Murphy, secretary of Killasser/ Callow Heritage Society, as “wonderful”, “terrific” and “stunning”. James Laffey, editor of the Western People has described it as: “an encyclopaedia of all things Mayo”. Peadar O’Dowd in the Galway City Tribune wrote: “modern maps, not to mention sat-navs, all pale into insignificance if you travel to Mayo with Bernard’s book beside you”. The book is designed by Sinéad Mallee, Knock, and printed by KPS Colour Print in Knock. It is published in hardback only by Killasser/Callow Heritage Society. It can be obtained from mayobooks.ie, Kenny’s in Galway, or by contacting Bernardohara31@gmail.com . Bernard O’Hara is a former lecturer, Head of School, and Registrar at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. His previous publications include some relating to the history and heritage of County Mayo, such as Mayo: Aspects of its Heritage (ed.), The Archaeological Heritage of Killasser, Co. Mayo, Davitt . and Killasser: Heritage of a Mayo Parish. He is a former President, treasurer, and long term committee member of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. Bernard O'Hara's latest book entitled Killasser: Heritage of a Mayo Parish is now on sale in the USA and UK as a paperback book at amazon.com, amazon.co.uk or Barnes and Noble It is also available as an eBook from the Apple iBookstore (for reading on iPad and iPhone), from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk (Kindle & Kindle Fire) and from Barnesandnoble.com (Nook tablet and eReader). An earlier publication, a concise biography of Michael Davitt, entitled Davitt by Bernard O’Hara published in 2006 by Mayo County Council , is now available as Davitt: Irish Patriot and Father of the Land League by Bernard O’Hara, which was published in the USA by Tudor Gate Press (www.tudorgatepress.com) and is available from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. It can be obtained as an eBook from the Apple iBookstore (for reading on iPad and iPhone), from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk (Kindle & Kindle Fire) and from Barnesandnoble.com (Nook tablet and eReader). |