The beautiful village of Leenane, snugly situated at the head of Killary Harbour, is often aptly described as the 'Gateway to Connemara'. The roads from Maam, Clifden, and Westport meet at this point. Killary Harbour extends ten miles inland, and with mountains rising steeply on either side, is Ireland's only fjord, and provides what is amongst the best scenery in Ireland. Walkers have access to Mweelrea, Sheefry, Paltry and Maumturk Mountains.
Leenane with its surrounds is a
haven for geologists due to a great variety of sedimentary, volcanic
and metamorphic rocks. There is good fishing in the local Erriff and
Delphi rivers. Well known beauty spots include Aasleagh Falls, situated on the road to Louisburgh, and Doolough Valley, scene of one of the many the tragic famine walks. |  |
A film adaptation of John B. Keane's famous play 'The Field', directed by Jim Sherdian, was made in Leenane in 1989. Well-known stars taking part included the late Richard Harris, John Hurt and Tom Berrenger. Visitors can visit many of the locations used as sets in the film.
On 18th July 2007, following torrential rain, the only bridge running through the village was swept away, cutting the town in half. The bridge was part of the N59 road and had stood for 182 years. The damage necessitated a 100km detour, until a temporary bridge was constructed.
A copy of an engraving of how it used to look.
The Beauty Queen of Leenane
This
is a significant 1998 drama by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh
premiered by the Druid Theatre Company in Galway, and subsequent
successful runs at London's West End, and Broadway, and off-Broadway
theatres in New York. It has also been presented by many repertory
companies.
Plot synopsis:
The play is a blend of black comedy, melodrama, horror and bleak tragedy. The story is set in an Irish village Leenane, Connemara in 1989. The entire play takes place in a shabby, poorly lit kitchen, resulting in a claustrophobic sense of entrapment.
The play centres on the life of Maureen Folan, a 40-year-old spinster who takes care of her 70 year-old, selfish and manipulative mother, Mag. Sisters of Maureen have escaped into marriage and family life, but Maureen, with a history of mental illness, is trapped in a seriously dysfunctional relationship with her mother.
