Mayo –Things to see and do!

Climb Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s most famous holy mountain, stands at 764m (2,507ft) and is best known for its association with Saint Patrick, who is said to have fasted for 40 days at the summit. In its entirety, the route is a 7km long round-trip but there are viewing points along the route that allow the less active to enjoy stunning views of Clew Bay without the strenuous climb.

Cycle the Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill

Escape the bustle of urban life on one of Ireland’s longest off-road cycling and walking trails. The old Westport to Achill railway line, which closed in 1937, is 42km long and almost entirely traffic-free. Ideal for a spin on the bike and for a day of family fun.

Visit Westport House & Adventure Park

There has been a ‘big house’ on this site since the 1500s, when Grace O’Malley, the famous Pirate Queen, built one of her many castles here. The current house, built in 1730, has an abundance of artefacts, artwork and treasures that will fascinate all culture-vultures! The Pirate Adventure Park – perfectly suited to children under 12 – will leave the kids screaming for more with rides, slides, boats and trains. And the more adventurous can enjoy everything from archery to zorbing!

Visit Ireland’s largest Island - Achill Island

Achill is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and unique places. Its rugged landscape features dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches. Explore one of the Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery points at Keem and try out some water-based activities at our newly-established Blueway location.

Experience coastal walking at Ceathrú Thaidhg - located in Erris, on the North Mayo coast

Enjoy one of the many spectacular walks in the Ceathrú Thaidhg area, providing an exhilarating escape into the wilderness of this remote region. The Lonely Planet Walking in Ireland guide describes it as “the finest sustained coastal walk with a profusion of cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands along the remote north Mayo coast.”

Visit Ballycroy National Park

Ballycroy National Park is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located in north-west Mayo. It comprises 11,000 hectares of Atlantic bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg Mountain range. The views are suitably captivating, offering stunning views over the landscape of Co. Mayo.

Visit Downpatrick Head and the Céide Fields

Older than Egypt’s pyramids, the Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world. The remnants of the ancient settlements and megalithic tombs have been preserved thanks to a protective bog environment. Here, you can indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline and of course the majestic Downpatrick Head, one of the signature points on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Take a boat trip along the famous River Moy

Renowned as Ireland’s premier salmon river, experience the Monasteries of the Moy with a fascinating boat trip.

Step into the past with a visit to Rosserk Abbey and Moyne Abbey, the beautifully preserved religious sites of North Mayo, witnessing one of the finest preserved Franciscan friaries in Ireland - Rosserk. Follow the River Moy to its estuary and you’ll find Moyne Abbey, founded in 1460 for the Franciscans. The extensive ruin includes a cruciform church, chapel, tower and cloisters. Visitors can also explore the sacristy, chapter house, kitchen and refectory.

Visit the National Museum of Ireland Country Life

Visit the Museum of Country Life situated in the stunning grounds of Turlough Park, near Castlebar. The museum comprises the estate’s original house, which has been fully restored, as well as a purpose-built exhibition gallery.

The innovative exhibits on show at the museum tell the story of Irish country life between 1850 and 1950.

Visit Knock - Ireland’s Holy Shrine

Visit Knock Shrine, the site of an apparition of Our Lady, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, in 1879. Knock is one of the nine Marian apparition sites worldwide and is described as the “spiritual heart” of the Roman Catholic Church. Knock Shrine is revered by Catholics around the world as a special place of prayer and pilgrimage, healing and hope. In 1979, St John Paul II described Knock Shrine as “the goal of my journey to Ireland”.

Cong

The village of Cong is nestled along Mayo’s border with County Galway and commands great respect with historians throughout Ireland. The world famous Ashford Castle lies on the shores of Lough Corrib and attracts a large number of visitors annually. The Ashford Estate was founded in the early 1700s but Ashford Castle dates back to the 12th Century, when it was built by the De Burgo family.