Tuffy’s pub is situated at the crossroads beside Doonamona castle, which is in the Clogher area. It was named ‘Tuffy’s Public House’ and was built in 1841. Since then, five generations of Tuffy’s have lived there. The venue was a great location for traveling patrons in times gone by, as it is located at a midpoint between Hollymount and Castlebar. There, people can still meet up, tell stories, laugh and above all, come together as a community. Many local residents and farmers still frequent the family-owned pub.

In Tuffy’s pub, there is a very old picture of Doonamona castle taken during the time of the R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary) who were the police force in Ireland at the time.

Beside Tuffy’s pub is located a Marian grotto which lies across from the famous Doonamona castle. The grotto was built in 1954—the year that was declared to be the Marian year by Pope Pius XII. This was to celebrate the centenary proclamation of the dogma of the immaculate conception.

It is reported that the Marian year was celebrated especially fervently in Ireland. Have you ever wondered why there are so many Marian grottos in Ireland? Perhaps it is because in 1954, all across the island of Ireland, parish communities built grottos dedicated to Mary. Right the way throughout the Republic of Ireland, you will see different types of grottos dedicated to Mary, some even occasionally fashioned from local stone.