Some interesting local links with historical people and events

Prehistoric Bekan
This megalithic wedge tomb is situated in the townland of Greenwood at one of the highest points in the parish. These tombs were in use as far back as 3,500 years ago. This example was restored in 1983 by students from Galway University under the direction of Dr. Etienne Rynne. The site was officially handed back to the state by the local landowner.
The site, known locally for many years as "Leaba Dhiarmuid agus Grainne" (Dermot and Grainne's Bed) had been discovered some years previously and identified as a megalithic or "wedge" tomb, one end of the tomb being higher and wider than the other.
Another similar ancient burial site was identified in the nearby townland of Larganboy.
This megalithic wedge tomb is situated in the townland of Greenwood at one of the highest points in the parish. These tombs were in use as far back as 3,500 years ago. This example was restored in 1983 by students from Galway University under the direction of Dr. Etienne Rynne. The site was officially handed back to the state by the local landowner.
The site, known locally for many years as "Leaba Dhiarmuid agus Grainne" (Dermot and Grainne's Bed) had been discovered some years previously and identified as a megalithic or "wedge" tomb, one end of the tomb being higher and wider than the other.
Another similar ancient burial site was identified in the nearby townland of Larganboy.
![]() Island Ogham Stone One of the finest examples of a celtic standing stone in the country, this Ogham stone stands on a high point about two miles from Ballyhaunis on the Knock road. There is an inscription on the stone which translates as Cunalegi avi Qunacanos (Cuna Legi grandson of Quna Canos).According to some experts, there appears to be a hollow chamber at the base of the stone. ![]() A Unique Musical Instrument In August 1791, a strange and unusual musical instrument was found in the Bekan bog. It was made of wood and was bound with a bronze ribbon from end to end. The instrument is thought to be unique and, as no similar instrument appears to exist, it has been titled the ‘Mayophone’. It is a hollow wooden tube, measuring about two metres in length.Simon O’Dwyer of Prehistoric Music Ireland, after carrying out extensive research, has reconstructed a replica . Along with a wide variety of Bronze Age and Iron Age horns the Mayophone was demonstreted in Bekan School on the 30th Jan. 2004. The original is currently in the vault of the National Museum. It has been established that it is is at least 1,300 years old. |
![]() Beacan: Saint or Legend? According to local tradition, St.Béacán was born about a mile west of the centre of Bekan Village.The old church gable standing in the cemetry is believed locally to be the remains of a monastic settlement founded by St.Béacán. A circular mound of stones topped by a stone cross just outside the main cemetry wall is said to mark his grave. The 9th July was supposed to be the Saint’s Feast Day and was celebrated by a pattern in the Parish up to the middle of the 20th Century.(See article by Tom Waldron on Mayo Abbey - http://www.mayoalive.com/Mag0896/Fndlings.htm) ![]() Ancient Dwellings This is Bekan Lake. In the centre of the picture is a little island, overgrown with trees and coarse grass. This is widely believed to be the remains of a crannóg (lake dwelling). These came into use during the Iron Age but continued to be inhabited well into medieval times. An ancient dug-out canoe, which was probably used to access the island is embedded in the mud at the bottom of the lake. The remains of several crannóga have also been identified in the local Mannin and Island lakes. |