on some summer weekends. The town regularly host St Patricks day parades each year. Landmarks Buildings It is a historic town, with Ballymote Castle, the last and the mightiest of the Norman castles in Connacht. This castle, dating from 1300, was built by Richard de Burgh. It also has a Market House, a three-bay, two-story building formerly used by the South Sligo Adult Community Mental Health team of the Health Service Executive. There has been a library in the town since 1949; originally run from the Loftus Hall, it was relocated to the former courthouse in 1984 before moving in 2011 to its current location on Teeling Street. Temple house is located approximately 2 km from the town. September 11 memorial The then Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, unveiled Ireland's national monument to the 69th Infantry Regiment (aka The Fighting 69th) and Michael Corcoran in Ballymote on 22 August 2006. At the foot of the monument is a piece of steel from the World Trade Center in New York, which was attacked on September 11, 2001. The steel was donated by the family of a local man who died in the attack. Transport Ballymote lies on regional roads R293, R295 and R296, and on the main Dublin to Sligo railway line. Ballymote railway station opened on 3 December 1862. local link bus services are provided daily. The town is also served by Ireland West Airport that is located approximately 30 minutes away. People Some well-known people from Ballymote and the surrounding areas include: Feldmarschall The 3rd Earl of Carlingford (1639–1704). Born in Ballymote, Lord Carlingford became the head of an old Hiberno-Norman family. He was a senior-ranking commander in the Imperial Army and the Army of the Holy Roman Empire, the armed forces of the Habsburg dynasty. Michael Corcoran, brigadier general of the 69th Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War. Paddy Killoran (1903–1965), one of the finest exponents of the South Sligo Style of Fiddle playing (born near Ballymote). Sophia McColgan, recipient of the 1998 Irish Person of the Year award on behalf of her family for her courage in bringing a familial abuse story to public attention. John Perry, a Teachta Dála and Minister of State for Small Business in the 31st Dáil. Eamon Scanlon, a Teachta Dála in the 32nd Dáil and a Senator in the 22nd Seanad. Feldmarschall Nicholas Graf von Taaffe and 6th