At the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is Mayo, a bright and beautiful county which acts as a natural outdoor playground.
From Ireland’s sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick to the award winning town of Westport, to Ballina, the salmon capital of Ireland, there’s something to excite every visitor in this beautiful county.
We’ve put together 5 ways to spend your days in County Mayo.
Traversing the Greenway
The Great Western Greenway is Ireland’s second-longest off-road walking and cycling trail. The Greenway follows the scenic 42km route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937. This trail stretches from Westport to Achill, with stops Newport and Mulranny along the way. The Greenway can be completed as one, or visitors can complete smaller sections of the trail.
Floating down the Blueway
Ireland’s Blueway might be more appealing to fans of the aquatic. An inviting network of water trails along the west coast, the Blueway stretches from the Nort West of Mayo to South Galway. The beautiful trails offer a host of water-based activities like kayaking and snorkelling. County Mayo is home to three Blueway sites: Keem Bay on Achill Island, Old Head in Louisburg and Killary Fjord which sits right on the Mayo Galway boarder.
Exploring Downpatrick Head
Sitting out in the wild Atlantic Ocean, Downpatrick Head is an area of great coastal beauty and historical importance. The peninsula’s rich history dates back to the 5th century, when St Patrick founded a church there. The church’s ruins are still there to this day along with a holy well and a stone cross. Alongside these ancient ruins is an old lookout used in WWII.
Downpatrick’s natural beauty comes from the extraordinary sea stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs. The sea stack Dún Briste (broken fort) is beautiful to look at as you can see layers upon layers of multi-coloured rock strata.
Climbing Mayo's Mountains
For those a little more adventurous, why not see Ireland from above?
Croagh Patrick, which overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. Though its natural beauty alone makes it worth a visit, Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Patrician Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. The mountain allows for magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside from all stages of the ascent.
Nephin sits in County Mayo overlooking Enniscoe House. Nephin stands at 806 meters and is the second highest peak in Connacht. The name Nephin comes from the Irish Néifinn which can be loosely translated to ‘heavenly’ or ‘sanctuary’; both words truly reflect the views which can been seen form the top.
Enjoying Achill Island
A trip to Mayo isn’t complete without a visit to the wonderfully scenic western island of Achill Island. Achill is known for its breath-taking sea cliffs and clean beaches. Though the island features gorgeous rugged mountains and peat bogs, it's the breezy shoreline that makes the island so popular. The Atlantic Drive and The Deserted Village are our top not-to-miss spots on the island.
Blue Book Properites in Mayo
Belleek Castle
Built on an Abbey dating back to mediaeval times, this 1820’s neo-gothic castle is informal, cosy, friendly and warm, rich in decor and antiquities, with open log fires to light your steps as you travel back to the 19th century- without sacrificing your 21st century comforts.
Enjoy a contemporary dinner with generous portions in the unique dining room. The team at Belleek Castle have developed a new food philosophy, the spirit of which is to search for more “depth of flavour”, exercising both classic and imaginative cooking techniques.
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Ice House Hotel
Ice House is located in a truly iconic building overlooking the spectacular and ever-changing River Moy, at the Quay, Ballina, Co Mayo. Funky furnishings, eclectic styling and stunning architectural design at the Ice House combine to make you feel like you’re in the heart of the city. However, just one look at the unrivalled view from all rooms and you’ll be reminded of your beautifully tranquil surroundings.
Dining in the restaurant while overlooking the River Moy is an essential part of the Ice House experience, with only the fienst seasonal local produce served.
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Enniscoe House
Hidden among the woods at the foot of Nephin is Enniscoe, the 'last Great House of North Mayo', overlooking the waters of Lough Conn. The estate has been in the family since the 1650s and the classical Georgian house dates back to the 1790s.The house is situated on the shores of Lough Conn, with attractive views of the lake across the parkland. The old walled garden has been restored, and another garden produces organically grown vegetables. One farmyard now houses a small agricultural museum, tearoom and shop, and the genealogy centre that researches names and families of Mayo origin.
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Clare Island Lighthouse
Clare Island stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay, off of Ireland’s western Atlantic coast. For almost two centuries, the island’s Lighthouse has been a nautical landmark perched high on the craggy cliffs, watching over Achill, Westport and beyond. Once a safe haven for sailors, this heritage property now offers a sanctuary of a different kind. This architecturally majestic, listed building has been lovingly transformed into fully catered uxury accommodation, complemented by magnificent sea views and an inspiring natural environment.
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