CULTURE: Finding Nimmo in West Mayo and Galway

Westport Civic Trust continues this year’s series of fascinating talks this Tuesday, March 11, in the Plaza Hotel, Westport, at 8pm. This time, the talk will see Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill discuss Alexander Nimmo’s road construction in West Mayo and Galway two centuries ago.
Born in 1783 in Fyfe, Scotland, Alexander Nimmo was a civil engineer and geologist who came to Ireland in 1811. He spent the remainder of his life his life here, working on a host of engineering and surveying projects until his untimely death in January 1832, at the young age of 49.
As well as mapping boglands in the west, Nimmo was contracted to design roads and bridges in the impoverished Western District for the government’s Board of Works. He oversaw the construction of roughly 243 miles of road in Connacht, as well as many piers and harbours, including Old Head, Belmullet, Killala and Roundstone. The new roads were crucial in opening previously remote regions and in facilitating the modernisation and economic development of West Mayo and Galway. As we travel the Wild Atlantic Way today we are following routes laid out by this eminent engineer.
Born and raised in Clifden, Co Galway, Kathleen Villiers-Tuthill is the author of six books and numerous articles on the history of Connemara and County Galway. Her book, ‘Alexander Nimmo & The Western District’ received the Best Heritage Publication Award from Galway County Council in 2006.
Villiers-Tuthill’s talk on Nimmo’s road construction in West Mayo and Galway in the early 19th century is free to Westport Civic Trust members, while admission for non-members is €5.