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Castlebardude

Arcade_Tryer wrote: »

The attraction of Westport isn't simply the offering of pubs, clubs or food so much as the offering of people. A night out in Westport means you can regularly meet different people from all over Ireland and the world. That is something Castlebar simply cannot compete with, no matter how fabulous its food and drink is.

That's very true but Castlebar was always a town that punched above its weight so let's step back into the ring again !

irishgeo

townhall.ie is on the banner at the back of the seats.

https://townhall.ie/ claremorris.

castlebar should is a commercial town. shopping is it selling point.

Westernyelp

Arcade_Tryer wrote:

The attraction of Westport isn't simply the offering of pubs, clubs or food so much as the offering of people. A night out in Westport means you can regularly meet different people from all over Ireland and the world. That is something Castlebar simply cannot compete with, no matter how fabulous its food and drink is.

Simply not true.

Arcade_Tryer

Westernyelp wrote: »

Simply not true.

Not true for everyone. But most young people in general are attracted to new and interesting people, and to escaping the parish, at least for one night.

Westernyelp

Arcade_Tryer wrote:

Not true for everyone. But most young people in general are attracted to new and interesting people, and to escaping the parish, at least for one night.

That goes for all people in all parishes. Not just castlebar. I have met many people from all parts of the world in Castlebar. Westport or wherever. The whole world is full of interesting people and they don't have to be visitors. Westport can be good craic at times for sure but it has no monopoly on interesting people.
Besides just because something is or seems to be a certain way, it doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Not a thing against Westport BTW. There is plenty room for all

Arcade_Tryer

Westernyelp wrote: »

That goes for all people in all parishes. Not just castlebar. I have met many people from all parts of the world in Castlebar. Westport or wherever. The whole world is full of interesting people and they don't have to be visitors. Westport can be good craic at times for sure but it has no monopoly on interesting people.
Besides just because something is or seems to be a certain way, it doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Not a thing against Westport BTW. There is plenty room for all

The difference of course is that many people from many parishes visit Westport for weekends away and nights out as opposed to somewhere like Castlebar. That is the reality. Whether it is stags, hens, tourists, musicians and so on. It leads to a more dynamic and diverse group of people on nights out than you will find in Castlebar.

Westernyelp

Arcade_Tryer wrote:

The difference of course is that many people from many parishes visit Westport for weekends away and nights out as opposed to somewhere like Castlebar. That is the reality. Whether it is stags, hens, tourists, musicians and so on. It leads to a more dynamic and diverse group of people on nights out than you will find in Castlebar.

You are obviously not going to the right places

runawaybishop

Westernyelp wrote: »

You are obviously not going to the right places

Dunno if I agree. Westport has a far better reputation for socialising than castlebar.

nuac

Westport and Castlebar are close together ( about 10 miles ). There are many links and connections - personal, social, business between the two towns and their hinterlands.

Those links may be closer soon

There has been disappointment locally at the delays in extending the N5 from outside Castlebar into Westport. There are high expectations in the 'Port that the newly appointed Cabinet Minister Ml Ring will now expedite this important project

Lukekul

I see "Podi Footcare" is opening soon on main street in Castlebar

Podi Facebook

Asmodean

The difference of course is that many people from many parishes visit Westport for weekends away and nights out as opposed to somewhere like Castlebar. That is the reality. Whether it is stags, hens, tourists, musicians and so on. It leads to a more dynamic and diverse group of people on nights out than you will find in Castlebar.

As someone who is originally from Waterford and lived in Galway for 12 years I just recently moved to Castlebar. I know its quite hard for the locals to swallow and I mean no disrespect whatsoever but speaking from experience at coming into the town cold, with no real knowledge or experience there is just a general lack of buzz around Castlebar unfortunately. Its a very functional place but there's no real flair.

It's a lovely little town but there's nothing really invigorating or different / unique about it. I think all the potential is there and a lot of the local amenities such as Lough Lannagh are stunning. If there was a bit more personality on display. It just seems a few years behind other towns with respect to taking a punt on cultural / original entertainment.

I'll be shot but I have to agree with Westport being a far more sociable town. Just wanted to give my 2 cents as to what a blow in thinks! Remember tourists and potential visitors are all blow ins too and would have a similar opinion.

iluvfatfrogs

Asmodean wrote: »

As someone who is originally from Waterford and lived in Galway for 12 years I just recently moved to Castlebar. I know its quite hard for the locals to swallow and I mean no disrespect whatsoever but speaking from experience at coming into the town cold, with no real knowledge or experience there is just a general lack of buzz around Castlebar unfortunately. Its a very functional place but there's no real flair.

It's a lovely little town but there's nothing really invigorating or different / unique about it. I think all the potential is there and a lot of the local amenities such as Lough Lannagh are stunning. If there was a bit more personality on display. It just seems a few years behind other towns with respect to taking a punt on cultural / original entertainment.

I'll be shot but I have to agree with Westport being a far more sociable town. Just wanted to give my 2 cents as to what a blow in thinks! Remember tourists and potential visitors are all blow ins too and would have a similar opinion.

I don't think many will disagree with you, I think its that some of the locals (me included) hope that the town is currently making its way out of a lull. Ten years ago, people travelled from Westport to Castlebar every Friday and Saturday night, and although that has gone the opposite way, we're hoping that we can at least return the town to keeping its residents for Fri/Sat nights. It's very hard to envisage a return to ten years ago, as Westport has so much offer at the moment.

In 3-5yrs time, I can see the lake being the epicentre of a very busy recreational area, with tennis / swimming / boxing / water sports all on-site, which will hopefully attract more people to the town, who will be able to avail of all the new pubs / restaurants which have popped up over the last 18 months.

People that have only moved to the town recently could have no idea how busy weekend nights were when the TF / Welcome Inn / Coxs / Baja Browns were in full flow

Asmodean

Thank you for taking what I had to say on board in a constructive manner. That is a very refreshing attitude to have, especially on message boards

From my time here loads of people have told me that the town was hopping a few years ago and I definitely believe them. I can still see that a lot of the framework is there, its just difficult to fill it out when times have been hard. I have heard about the various new places opening up and being refurbished and its definitely a step in the right direction.

I have seen a few comedy nights being advertised , and the gin trail a couple of weeks ago. These are great ideas and will get locals and visitors alike interested in exploring activities / places they might usually not opt for. A lot of towns hang their hat on drinking as being the yardstick for an areas social / cultural contributions but in this day and age the standard has to be higher.

Trust me I know from experience. Waterford city was ravaged in the recession because apart from a handful of festivals a year, the only thing to do in the town was go to the pub and when people hadn't the money to do that anymore, things declined fast ( as with the rest of the country.)

In the last few years its spinning up again due to a lot of good ideas such as seasonal festivals , a lot of boutique / quirky bakeries and restaurants opening up , open air concerts and shows in public spaces that would have been lying derelict for years. Now I understand the scale is a lot different but its little things like that that help put a place on the map and Castlebar has plenty of potential from what I can see.

I have to agree that the Lake is an absolutely amazing space to have slap bang in the middle of the town and so close to all the other local amenities. We love visitng there as much as we can and its always a hotbed of activity. I heard the music festival was very well organised a few weeks ago but unfortunately we couldn't make it.

Again, I am in no way putting the town down, just trying to give a different perspective.

godskitchen

Castlebar died as a night out when the rescission hit, it's as simple as that.

It was a great night out in its time, better than westport is now, by a long shot.

The main problem as I see it is, Westport is a destination, it's 60-70% tourism/hen/stag on any given weekend. It also manages to attract the young crowd, like castlebar did in its time. That crowd is cyclical, it was the same growing up in London, places last 5-7 years and then die a death.

Anyway, the main problem castlebar has is not lack of places to go. It could have 20 more top class pubs and it wouldn't make a difference.

The big problem is lack of people. The 25-40 year Olds have simply left, gone, jumped ship. Westport gets over this because of the tourists.

godskitchen

Castlebar died as a night out when the rescission hit, it's as simple as that.

It was a great night out in its time, better than westport is now, by a long shot.

The main problem as I see it is, Westport is a destination, it's 60-70% tourism/hen/stag on any given weekend. It also manages to attract the young crowd, like castlebar did in its time. That crowd is cyclical, it was the same growing up in London, places last 5-7 years and then die a death.

Anyway, the main problem castlebar has is not lack of places to go. It could have 20 more top class pubs and it wouldn't make a difference.

The big problem is lack of people. The 25-40 year Olds have simply left, gone, jumped ship. Westport gets over this because of the tourists but it too has the same problem. All the locals are below 21 or over 45, the bit in between seems to have disappeared.

irishgeo

godskitchen wrote: »

Castlebar died as a night out when the rescission hit, it's as simple as that.

It was a great night out in its time, better than westport is now, by a long shot.

The main problem as I see it is, Westport is a destination, it's 60-70% tourism/hen/stag on any given weekend. It also manages to attract the young crowd, like castlebar did in its time. That crowd is cyclical, it was the same growing up in London, places last 5-7 years and then die a death.

Anyway, the main problem castlebar has is not lack of places to go. It could have 20 more top class pubs and it wouldn't make a difference.

The big problem is lack of people. The 25-40 year Olds have simply left, gone, jumped ship. Westport gets over this because of the tourists but it too has the same problem. All the locals are below 21 or over 45, the bit in between seems to have disappeared.

The lack of jobs might have a bearing on that 21 to 45 yrs old going missing. I bet you find a fair section of them in Galway. Where the most of the jobs are despite the chronic traffic problems.

Lukekul

I seen the fitting of the CEX shop has begun on main street too

PARlance

irishgeo wrote: »

The lack of jobs might have a bearing on that 21 to 45 yrs old going missing. I bet you find a fair section of them in Galway. Where the most of the jobs are despite the chronic traffic problems.

If a Volex came to town in the morning there would be thousands more pints drank in Castlebar at the weekend. It is a bit sad to be talking pintonomics but such is life.

Things are on the up and youngsters aren't having to leave the Country as they once did. Castlebar wasn't alone in that. I do think the current pubs in town need to up their game. Bosh & Rockys are still some of the "trendier" pubs. They're dated and a bit stale. I think it's 13 years since Bosh was opened and no real investment since. For a pub like that, that is trying to attract younger drinkers, it needs a bit of a shake up every 7 years or so imo.

Castlebardude

Asmodean wrote: »

As someone who is originally from Waterford and lived in Galway for 12 years I just recently moved to Castlebar. I know its quite hard for the locals to swallow and I mean no disrespect whatsoever but speaking from experience at coming into the town cold, with no real knowledge or experience there is just a general lack of buzz around Castlebar unfortunately. Its a very functional place but there's no real flair.

It's a lovely little town but there's nothing really invigorating or different / unique about it. I think all the potential is there and a lot of the local amenities such as Lough Lannagh are stunning. If there was a bit more personality on display. It just seems a few years behind other towns with respect to taking a punt on cultural / original entertainment.

I'll be shot but I have to agree with Westport being a far more sociable town. Just wanted to give my 2 cents as to what a blow in thinks! Remember tourists and potential visitors are all blow ins too and would have a similar opinion.

Hi Asmodean, welcome to Castlebar, I hope your settling in well here. Don't be worrying about what us natives think about your comments, you are bang on the money. In fact, I think your comments are very valuable for everyone to see especially the business & hospitality community & community leaders to study as sometimes the truth hurts when you can't see past rose tinted glasses. You've come from two of the best cities in Ireland,Waterford & Galway, so you have been spoiled & you know exactly what Castlebar needs so keep firing up your comments & ideas. I'm sure there are plenty more blow-ins living in town, who have also experienced many other great towns,cities,countries who could make a valuable contribution to the town even if its just a suggestion or an idea or a bit of constructive criticism on a public forum.

Castlebardude

PARlance wrote: »

I do think the current pubs in town need to up their game. Bosh & Rockys are still some of the "trendier" pubs. They're dated and a bit stale. I think it's 13 years since Bosh was opened and no real investment since. For a pub like that, that is trying to attract younger drinkers, it needs a bit of a shake up every 7 years or so imo.

So so true ! A lick of paint just 'aint enough anymore. They reckon nightclubs should be refurb'd every 4-5 years to stay ahead of the game so not sure about pubs.
Bridge Street has really set a precedent and others such as the likes of Rocky's (who've had their time & money made) really should counter with a trendy new fit out.

We've also got nowhere with a decent beer garden either !

JupiterKid

I've holidayed in Mayo a number of times (beautiful county!) and stayed in Westport. It's a lovely spot and has great nightlife and a good selection of restaurants. Very popular with Stags/Hens but also couples and families.

Castlebar, on the other hand, seems to be more of an admin/retail centre than a night spot. It's the place to go to do business and buy things. If bars in Castlebar want to attract the younger clientele, they need to keep fresh and up to date. The 20somethings can't ALL have left the county since 2007.

Mickeroo

Lukekul wrote: »

I seen the fitting of the CEX shop has begun on main street too

There's a CeX going in in Castlebar? Nice, wasn't aware that was happening.

PhoneMain

naughto wrote: »

People where leaving in bus loads well before the lounge closed its doors.
I don't think any major investment is going to stop them going back to Westport with what they have to offer be it pubs clubs or food.

I disagree. I got fed up of the lounge in the last few years as I always felt the senior staff and management weren't up to much. For example, you could go to 1 of the bars and the same regular staff member who worked that bar would be really slow and show no consistency in how he worked the bar, he could move from 1 end of the bar to the other and miss a load of people who had been there ages for someone who just landed at the bar.

The lounge itself needed a big face lift as well, it was like the TF in the end. You always heard the TF had been done up, you'd go in and it was the same place that ever was there so you just wouldn't go back.

Then you go back to the Castlecourt and it's fresh, it's new, it's clean and the staff are efficient. It's no good advertising a big reopening if you're just going for the same ole same ole. I've discussed this with a few people and they all maintain that if Anthony McHugh was still alive, the Welcome Inn would never have shut.

I always maintain that there's great bars in Castlebar, the like of johnnies, Rocky's, Bosh are able to cater to all types of market. What was stopping people staying in castlebar was the lack of a late night option (Don't get me started on Coxes!)

Lukekul

Mickeroo wrote: »

There's a CeX going in in Castlebar? Nice, wasn't aware that was happening.

CEX Castlebar

Conveniently located in Newport :pac:

Westernyelp

What's the craic with the Welcome inn/ivy tower? I walked by earlier and it was all shut up. Is it open for business or not? This half assed approach wouldn't fill you with confidence

irishgeo

mcdonalds have planning for some changes to the roof and a second ordering station for the drive thru.

PARlance

Westernyelp wrote: »

What's the craic with the Welcome inn/ivy tower? I walked by earlier and it was all shut up. Is it open for business or not? This half assed approach wouldn't fill you with confidence

I drove past a few evenings ago and the owner was chilling on the seats outside with a few mates. I try to stay positive about new business developments in town but I'm not exactly inspired to say the least. A new owner with investment could have really kick started things, all I see is a lost opportunity for the town.

Asmodean

Hi Asmodean, welcome to Castlebar, I hope your settling in well here. Don't be worrying about what us natives think about your comments, you are bang on the money. In fact, I think your comments are very valuable for everyone to see especially the business & hospitality community & community leaders to study as sometimes the truth hurts when you can't see past rose tinted glasses. You've come from two of the best cities in Ireland,Waterford & Galway, so you have been spoiled & you know exactly what Castlebar needs so keep firing up your comments & ideas. I'm sure there are plenty more blow-ins living in town, who have also experienced many other great towns,cities,countries who could make a valuable contribution to the town even if its just a suggestion or an idea or a bit of constructive criticism on a public forum.

Thank you so much castlebardude, You have summed up exactly why I wanted to throw my opinions into the mix. I am delighted my thoughts have fallen on receptive ears It is people of the same mind as yourself, and others on here, who really help to drive local interests and keep areas welcoming and attractive to new blood. It's nice to hear a lot of the history behind the town too as I love exploring the stories behind how things came to be and what has gone before. The town will waken up again, I have no doubts about it.

FaganJr

irishgeo wrote:

mcdonalds have planning for some changes to the roof and a second ordering station for the drive thru.

Second floor??

kupus

Id love the castlebar river to be dredged cleaned and opened up to canoeing kayaking all the way to turlough and from there maybe to moy even!

Probably never happen though. Too many greasy fingers and nimbism and thats not even mentioning the environmentalists that will be up in arms because of the habitat of some little snail that is found only in the linenhall st stretch of the river.
Actually wholescale dredging of rivers in ireland is badly needed.

But this idea could contribute to a year round tourism. Ive seen it in other places. I dont see why castlebar cant do it.