Fáilte and welcome to the Barryroe Community Website

This website offers to:

• List Local Events
• List Local Organisations and Businesses in the Directory
• Publish Community News
• Build a library of interesting local History
• Share the local Nature

Please do Add an Event or Add Your Listing

Closing Date for Applications

Fri 19 June 2026

A summer camp for children 5 to 14 yrs

Singing, dancing, drama, music and fun

Closing date for applications

Fri 19 June 2026

More details...

Closing Date
Tue 30 June 2026

Courtmacsherry 50th Harbour Festival

25 July to 3 August 2026

Something special is being developed and we need you to...

Send your photos and memories

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Sat 20 June 2026

10:30am to 12:30pm

 Courtmacsherry Hotel

P72 XD95

Join ecologist Cathy Eastman to discover the amazing plants in our area

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Sat 27 June 2026

2:00pm

 Courtmacsherry Community Centre

P72 F596

Community Memory Gathering

Come and share your memories of nature, wildlife, fishing and farming

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Sun 28 June 2026

3:00pm to 5:00pm

 Courtmacsherry Hotel Garden

P72 XD95

An afternoon of music, laughter and seaside fun supporting

Courtmacsherry RNLI

Saving Lives at Sea

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by Denis O'Regan

Velella velella, commonly known as the by-the-wind sailor, is a unique marine organism that captivates both scientists and beachcombers

This morning (19 June 2026) a large number of Velella valella ('by-the-wind sailor') washed up on our beach in Donaghmore, Barryroe. This fascinating creature belongs to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes jellyfish and corals, and is often mistaken for a jellyfish due to its gelatinous appearance. However, Velella is quite distinct in its biology and behavior.

Physical Characteristics

Velella velella is easily recognizable by its flat, oval-shaped body, which can reach up to 10 centimeters in length. The top of its body features a translucent, sail-like structure called a "sail" or "float." This sail allows the organism to harness wind energy, enabling it to drift across the surface of the ocean. The body is typically a striking blue or purple hue, which not only adds to its visual appeal but also serves as camouflage in the water.

Velella velella (aka 'by-the-wind sailor')

Southern Star: 26 November 1938

Lislevane sea-captain: Impressive Scenes at Funeral in China

Native People in Tears

The unwonted sight of a large body of Chinese in tears at a European’s funeral was witnessed in Hong Kong towards the end of last September. The occasion was the obsequies of Captain Michael McCarthy, Skipper of a South China river steamer, who was born at Butlerstown, Lislevane. A people’s gratitude for unfailing kindness, lavish generosity and practical interest in their spiritual and temporal welfare was the impelling motive in this impressive tribute.

'Pekin' an example Chinese Paddlesteamer from the period