Ballycroy, County Mayo

Early history According to tradition, the first settlers in Ballycroy were from the Belgic Damnonii tribe, the Fir Domnann. Prehistoric settlement is recorded with structures including a portal tomb near Claggan Hill and a court cairn in the townland of Drumgallagh. A similar historic fort is mentioned in Lettra as extant during the era of Táin Bó Fliadhas. Meanwhile, Fahy, a nearby townland, is home to a castle. Several hunting lodges were constructed, including one used as a station for the Black and Tans. == Geography ==

The village is located on the N59 road. The two Ballcroy EDs cover approximately 51,943 acres, with a large portion consisting of mountain pasture. William Hamilton Maxwell in Wild Sports of the West (1832) described the terrain as characterised by bogs, morasses, expansive waters, and grazing lands. The local bedrock mainly consists of formations of quartz and mica-rich slate. The Owenduff River and the Bellyveeny Rivers run through the townland. == Religion ==

A Church of Ireland church dedicated to the Holy Trinity was constructed in the townland of Castlehill. Built in 1850 and consecrated in 1854, the church, designed by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, is now in ruins. The church was closed in 1963 and fell into disrepair by 1991. == Amenities ==

In the village of Ballycroy there is a school, Garda station, two pubs, a cemetery and the visitor centre for the Wild Nephin National Park. A community centre opened in 1984. == Demographics ==

The historical population censuses shows that in 1831 the population was 2,925. By 1891 it had decreased to 2,036, representing an average annual decline of 0.60%. The downward trend continued, and by 1941 the population had further declined to 1,648, with an average annual decrease of 0.42%. At the time of the 2011 census, the population of the two electoral divisions (ED) compromising Ballycroy was 663, comprising 357 males and 306 females. The total housing stock was 342, of which vacant households numbered 104. With an approximate area of 210.2 km2, By the 2022 census, the population of the area had further decreased to 617. == See also ==