Cindy The Elephant

Within the Demense, you'll stumble across the burial site of Cindy the Elephant, who was one of Castlerea's most famous visitors. Cindy arrived in Castlerea in 1958 with the circus and caused quite the ruckus when she entered Stephen Mannion's pub on Main Street. She quickly won over the hearts of locals and the moment was captured by Patsy Glynn of Glynn's Photographers (a family business still in operation). When Cindy died in Athenry in 1972, Castlerea Town Trust offered to have Cindy's remains buried on a site in The Demense. In 2014, Sean Browne worked in conjunction with local businessmen to commission a plaque and sculpture in honour of her legacy. The beautiful gravesite is a testament to the kindness and generosity of the local people. If you’d like to visit Cindy’s grave, enter the Demesne through the gate on the Ballindrimley Road and walk along the path until you are opposite the entrance to Cahill’s SuperValu/Mart.