Swinford
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| Swinford Béal Átha na Muice |
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| Town population: | 1,497 (2002) |
| Rural population: | 2,724 (2002) |
| Elevation: | 74 m |
| County: | Mayo |
| Province: | Connacht |
- For other uses, see Swinford (disambiguation).
Swinford (Irish: Béal Átha na Muice) is a market-town in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.
Swinford on the N5, is a bustling market town, only 10 miles from Knock International Airport, and 20 minutes drive from Castlebar. Situated on a tributary of the famous River Moy Swinford is renowned for its fishing waters, in particular the Callow lakes which yield excellent brown trout. Swinford is also within easy reach of the great fishing lakes of Conn and Cullin.
Its proximity to the town of Castlebar has led to soaring house prices in the area as many people try to live within commuting distance of work.
One of the biggest All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoils (traditional music competition/festival) was held in Swinford in 1961 during the weekend of May 20th to 22nd, which resulted in 45 of the town’s 56 publicans being charged with a total of 125 breaches of the Intoxicating Liquor Act.
A religion was set up in Swinford in 2006 called Phelanism. This religion closed on 21st September 2006 because Brian "Our Lord" Phelan was disturbed about the amount of people who were worshipping him. Phelanism reformed on the 8th October 2006 due to popular demand.
Lars Ulrich of Metallica fame once passed through Swinford and bought a mars bar in what was then Cards and Gifts.He did not buy a beverage.
Swinford hosts one of County Mayo's largest summer festivals and has done since the mid 1980's: Siamsa Sraide Swinford, (Fun in the Streets of Swinford). This Street festival of pageantry, ceili dancing, and heritage displays depicting much of the traditions of East Mayo. The first day features the Lovefest a 12 hour long free music festival.
Swinford is broken up into many areas, Midfield, Meelick, the town and Killasser.
Up to the mid 1980s the town had 3 second level schools: St. Patrick's college, St. Mary's Convent and the Vocational school. All 3 schools had amalgamated by 1992.
The town's by-pass along the N5 was opened in 1993.
The town gaelic and soccer teams compete in the various mayo leagues without much success. The current Mayo Senior football captain, David Heaney is from Swinford.
Despite its small size the town has links to many celebrities, Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher of Oasis fame used to spend their summers in Swinford as their grandmother lived nearby and their mother had come from the area.[citation needed] The famous Irish Republican, Michael Davitt, spent time with his family in the old Famine workhouse on the Dublin Rd.[citation needed]
