Belclare

 By Laura Hegarty (written in 1998)

Belclare is a townland in the parish of Kilmactigue and is situated approximately 1.5 km south west of the village of Aclare.  It was once a hive of activity as it was on the main thoroughfare from Sligo to Westport. One famous journey on this route was that of Sir Richard Bingham the Lord President of Connaught in 1584, when he led his troops to face the McWilliam Burkes and Scots in Ardnaree. 

“When the moon gave light Richard Bingham being at Banada Abbey arose and addressing himself to his companions they marched towards Belclare seven miles away from the Abbey on a highway towards the enemy in Ardnaree.” (Annals of the Four Masters Translated by O’Donovan 1856)