Belleek Castle Mausoleum is a hidden gem in the middle of Belleek woods on the outskirts of Ballina town in north Mayo. I have been in Belleek Castle numerous times, unfortunately the day I called the Castle was closed to visitors for a few days due to a private function. It was a lovely sunny afternoon, so I decided to have a walk through Belleek woods as I had never walked through it before, (and will definitely be heading back again!).

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Photo: f/4, 1/400sec, ISO-100 @21mm, WB auto, spot metered off the monument.

The Mausoleum is built on a mound about 8ft high, with whats like a moat around it.

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Photo: f/4, 1/250sec, ISO-100 @ 18mm, auto WB.

The Mausoleum was built over the grave of Sir Francis Arthur Knox-Gore, Baronet (1803-1873) It is built on a waterless moat halfway between Belleek Castle and the river Moy in Belleek woods.

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Photo: f/4, 1/1250sec, ISO-100 @ 18mm.

Charles James Knox, the second Baronet, commissioned the architect James Franklin Fuller (1835-1924) to design the monument. Fuller’s design shows his expertise in ‘Hiberno-Romanesque’ architectural style and his experience as a Church architect. The flying buttresses in the photo above are reminiscent of those on a Cathedral.

Belleek Castle Mausoleum

Information Board.

All information in this post is taken from the information board above which is located on the trail beside the Mausoleum.

Slideshow

Michael Maye
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