John McGahern

John McGahern (1934 – 2006)

The writer John McGahern lived, wrote and farmed in Fenagh for the last 30 years of his life. Much of his inspiration for Amongst Women, That they May Face the Rising Sun and Memoir comes from the area.

John McGahern was one of the most important Irish authors of the latter half of the twentieth century.  Before his death in 2006 he was hailed as “the greatest living Irish novelist” by The Observer.

We have more information and a selection of his books for your perusal here at the Centre.

8 Comments

  1. Seamus Doran
    Posted August 30, 2016 at 11:41 am | Permalink

    Dear Sir/Madam are there any Tours of McGahern or maps available to investigate this special area.

  2. Posted August 30, 2016 at 3:56 pm | Permalink

    Hello Seamus, thanks for getting in touch.

    You can link to a map and tour info at http://www.ballinamore.ie/index.php?id=9

    Nearby Glenview Folk Museum houses some items donated by John http://www.glenview-house.com/glenview-museum.html

    Lough Rynn Castle in Mohill has the John McGahern Library – http://www.loughrynn.ie/john-mcgahern-library.html

    The Bush hotel in Carrick on Shannon has many photos and articles on John on its walls

    Feel free to contact us again if we can help. You can call into Fenagh Visitor Centre any day of the week. The area of Fenagh where John lived and farmed for the last 30 years of his life is close to the village of Fenagh – Mohill Road (Laura Lake/Rowan Lake)

    Kind regards
    Teresa Lennon
    Fenagh Visitor Centre 071 9645590

  3. Gabrielle Wolfe
    Posted August 27, 2017 at 11:07 am | Permalink

    Could you tell me if there are any tours of Fenagh Visitor Centre.
    What are the opening hours?
    Is there a charge

    Thank You

    Gaye

  4. Posted August 28, 2017 at 8:55 am | Permalink

    Gaye we just completed a set of free tours for Heritage Week. You can still avail of a guided tour this week which costs 10 euro per person, and must be pre-arranged. Give us a call on 071 9645590 if you would like to book.
    Kind regards
    Teresa Lennon

  5. Edward Green
    Posted May 22, 2018 at 10:32 pm | Permalink

    Hi,

    I’m interested in visiting Fenagh in August. Do you have any information on walks (ideally beautiful country walks) available in the area? Also, is there accommodation availiable ?

    Best wishes,

    Edward

  6. Posted May 24, 2018 at 9:30 am | Permalink

    Hello Edward – thanks for getting in touch and delighted to hear you will be visiting the area this Summer. Firstly re accommodation you can stay at the Old Rectory Country House right in the middle of Fenagh village – they offer both B&B / self catering apartments – their contact details are http://www.theoldrectoryireland.com/ or Tel: 071 9644089. There are many useful links on their website to activities in the area including walking ..check out Leitrim Tourism Network website for a full list of whats on in the county not just for walking but any other activity or area you are interested in. https://www.leitrimireland.com/listing-category/walks/

    If we can help you with anything else let us know ..the Visitor Centre is open all year round, 7 days a week so give us a call on 071 9645590 or email fenaghvisitorcentre@gmail.com if you have further queries.

    Hope to see you in August
    Kind regards
    Teresa Lennon

  7. Claudia
    Posted October 23, 2018 at 8:47 am | Permalink

    Can you please let me know if you are open this weekend and at what times? Is there a McGahern tour that one could book?
    Thank you

  8. Posted October 23, 2018 at 9:05 am | Permalink

    Hi Claudia – our centre is open 12-5.30pm Saturday and Sunday. We do not provide John McGahern tours however you could contact the local library in Ballinamore for information tel 071 9645566 – they have a map of key locations during John’s life and other info on the author.

    Kind regards
    Teresa Lennon