Exploring Mayo by Bernard O’Hara, a lavishly illustrated book with an excellent Ordnance Survey map, provides a wonderful appreciation of County Mayo’s rich archaeological, historical, religious and architectural heritage as well as a guide to the attractions of its various regions.  After an introduction covering landscape, baronies, parishes and various leisure and cultural attractions, the book has a chapter on the archaeological and historical heritage of the county. This is followed by chapters dealing with eight tours of the county, with an outline history of each town, museum and heritage centre, and placing various attractions in their historical context.  In addition, many daughters and sons are profiled.  The book has been described by Maureen Murphy, secretary of Killasser/ Callow  Heritage  Society, as “wonderful”, “terrific” and “stunning”.  James Laffey, editor of the Western People has described it as: “an encyclopaedia of all things Mayo”. Peadar O’Dowd in the Galway City Tribune wrote: “modern maps, not to mention sat-navs, all pale into insignificance if you travel to Mayo with Bernard’s book beside you”. The book is designed by Sinéad Mallee, Knock, and printed by KPS Colour Print in Knock.  It is published in hardback only by Killasser/Callow Heritage Society.

          Bernard O’Hara, a native of Killasser and now living in  Galway, is a former lecturer, Head of School, and Registrar at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. His previous publications include some relating to the history and heritage of County Mayo, such as Mayo: Aspects of its Heritage (ed.), The Archaeological Heritage of Killasser, Co. Mayo, Davitt, and Killasser: Heritage of a Mayo Parish.  Other publications include books on entrepreneurship, education and industrial relations. He is a former President, treasurer, and long term committee member of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society.   He is also a former chairperson and President of the Mayo Association in Galway.