Pullathomas

Pullathomas (Irish: Poll an tSómais; also known as Kilcommon, Pollatomais, Pollatomish and Pollathomas, meaning "hollow of comfort") is a Gaeltacht village and townland in northwest County Mayo, Ireland. In the barony of Erris and parish of Kilcommon, it lies close to the mouth of Broadhaven Bay next to Sruwaddacon Bay. Pullathomas townland has an area of approximately 685.6 acres and, as of 2011, had a population of 100 people.

Early history
The townland is also called Kilcommon after the ancient religious establishment of Saint Coman situated here. Several slayings were recorded by the natives in Pullathomas when the Anglo-Normans came to Ireland. The area is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters. In 1180, Aedh O Caithniady, the Lord of Erris, was killed here by O'Callaghan. By 1281, a chieftain named Adam Fleming controlled the townland and much of Erris. Fleming was killed in the Battle of Kilroe near Killala in 1281 while fighting Adam Cusack. Both Fleming and Cusack were of English heritage. Subsequently, the Barrett family became the principal landowners.

By 1585, the Protestant Bishop of Killala owned the townland, having acquired church lands, referred to as "Gort Eaglais" (Church Field), after the Catholic Church's property was confiscated. In 1636, Michael Cormuck of Inver Castle leased Pullathomas from the Protestant Bishop. By 1770, the O'Donel family from Termoncarra had taken over the lease of Pullathomas.

A community of Augustinian friars once resided near the entrance to the old Kilcommon cemetery but were expelled in 1652. Some friars reportedly resettled in nearby areas such at Lenerevagh in Glenamoy. By 1678, laws against Catholics intensified, closing seminaries and holding Catholic priests responsible for crimes committed in their parishes. In the 1770s, the O'Donels built Kilcommon Lodge, which became a residence for Catholic clergy.

19th century
The area faced severe famines in 1821-1822 and again in 1831 and 1846. During these periods, food shortages led to widespread distress and the establishment of relief efforts, including soup kitchens. The Society of Friends provided aid during the famines.

In 1847, James O'Donel received funds from the government for land improvements under the Public Works for the Distress scheme. Despite these efforts, by January 1847, Kilcommon Lodge was attacked by people seeking food. O'Donel requested a police barrack for protection, but only a temporary police presence was provided. James O'Donel died around 1870, and his son Dominick inherited the estate. Dominick's lack of interest in the estate and subsequent personal issues led to the sale of the property to Lord Digby after Dominick's death in the early 1900s.

During the 19th century, various Protestant societies, such as the Island and Coast Reformation Society, attempted to convert the local Catholic population. These efforts included the establishment of "invisible schools" and the provision of food and money to converts. In 1851, the West Connaught Endowment Society built a Protestant church, vicarage, and schoolhouse in Pullathomas. Pullathomas was connected by a road to Inver in 1842.

Later history
In the early 20th century, the former vicarage became a youth hostel after changing ownership several times. The Ivy Cottage, originally a Protestant schoolhouse, also saw various uses, including as a lace school and military camp for anti-treaty forces during the Irish Civil War which was later burnt by pro-treaty forces.

Heavy autumn rainfall in the area of Dooncarton Mountain caused a series of 30 peat landslides between Pullathomas and Glengad on 19 September 2003, causing damages amounting to €620,000. A corner of the old graveyard was struck, sweeping graves into the sea. Several million euros were spent in repairs.

Pollatomish Bog NHA
Pollatomish Bog is a designated Natural Heritage Area of protected low lying blanket bog about 7 km south of the village. The blanket bog's surface holds moisture and sustains lush growths of bog moss lawns, primarily Sphagnum papillosum and S. capillifolium. Shallow pools dot the landscape, some filling with Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor), Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus), and various bog mosses (Sphagnum spp.). Moving higher up, the peat thins out, transitioning to heath-like vegetation, predominantly Ling Heather.

On the lower northern slopes, degradation due to grazing and erosion is evident, with grasses and sedges dominating the landscape. Species like Cottongrasses, Deergrass, Sweet Vernal-grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Green-ribbed Sedge (Carex binervis), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), and Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile) are among those thriving in this area.