For those of us lucky enough to have grown up in the vicinity of Ireland West / Knock Airport, the success of the project and the imagination and foresight of Monsignor Horan in conceiving it, never fails to engender a great sense of pride and satisfaction of what our very own International Airport has delivered to County Mayo and to Ireland.
Walking along the appropriately named Monsignor Horan Road which provides access to the airport from the N17, the panorama provided on a clear, sunny day is nothing short of spectacular. From Barnalyra in the west, you can see Croagh Patrick, Nephin and Nephin Beg, with the entire Ox Mountain range standing proudly to the north and, at the Lurga end, you can pick out Knocknashee and Ben Bulben far away in the distance to the east. It is little wonder that many pilots regard flying into Knock Airport as one of their most enjoyable work experiences.
Roughly 600 metres from the Airport terminal is an exciting new development of rural, period cottages fitted to high modern specifications but still retaining many old-time features including the open fireplace (eco-friendly electric, of course!), with its traditional crane, black iron kettle and cooking pots. Close by is the out-chat with its superbly comfortable double bed that simply cries out for human occupation.
While earlier generations of the Tiernan family may not have enjoyed the modern-day conveniences of running water, fitted kitchens, showers and toilets, they always had the most wonderful views still available at Tiernan’s Cottages that are an irreplaceable hallmark of their unique location on the Kilgarrif hillside.
A daughter of this earlier generation, Ann-Marie and her husband Martin, have developed the cottages to a very high standard. Local plant hire expertise helped create some wonderful landscape features that fit well with the newly created access road to the property from the Monsignor Horan statue on the airport access road.
Tiernan’s Cottages are an ideal getaway location in this beautiful hideaway in East Mayo especially for those looking for an escape back to less busier times with peace, tranquillity and birdsong coming as part of the package.
The owners cannot always guarantee the weather but on a clear and sunny day, the Ox Mountain vista is an unforgettable experience. No doubt cloudless night skies will be equally dramatic with views of the Milky Way, the odd passing satellite or International Space Station providing further viewing exhilaration. You may even get lucky and see the Northern Lights in the aftermath of a solar eruption when Spring and Autumn conditions are favourable…
Tiernan’s Cottages are in many ways a metaphor for the changes Knock Airport has brought to County Mayo and the West of Ireland. Enjoy your stay there! As the great John Martin might say the wonderful views are ‘wan thing’ but it is the quality accommodation that seals the deal…
I feel you won’t be disappointed.
Ann Marie and Martin