County Mayo is wild, authentic Ireland incarnate. Positioned fiercely on the western seaboard, this is a place where the churning Atlantic Ocean doesn’t merely meet the land, but continuously battles and shapes it. The dramatic cliffs of Achill Island, the serene, island-dotted waters of Clew Bay, and the vast, sweeping boglands showcase the truly breathtaking diversity of a landscape that utterly refuses to be tamed.
Beyond its physical beauty, Mayo is a county of profound prehistoric and spiritual significance. The incredible Céide Fields offer a fascinating, unparalleled glimpse into Neolithic life, preserved perfectly beneath blankets of ancient bog. Meanwhile, the towering peak of Croagh Patrick stands as an enduring spiritual beacon, drawing thousands of travellers and pilgrims to its summit each year. Mayo doesn’t just display Ireland’s natural beauty; it wholly embodies its untamed, enduring spirit.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Mayo provides a vast and spectacular playground. The Great Western Greenway offers miles of breathtaking, off-road cycling and walking trails that snake from the vibrant town of Westport all the way to the rugged shores of Achill Island. Within the expansive wilderness of the Wild Nephin National Park, hikers can explore secluded trails through ancient blanket bogs and towering mountain ranges. Along the coast, the wild Atlantic swell provides world-class conditions for water sports, while hidden, sandy coves like Keem Bay invite moments of quiet, awe-inspiring reflection against the backdrop of dramatic sea cliffs.
Mayo’s rich heritage is as compelling as its dramatic scenery. The award-winning National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, set in the beautiful grounds of Turlough Park, vividly brings to life the everyday experiences of rural Ireland through the centuries. Visitors can uncover the poignant history of deserted famine villages, marvel at the imposing 16th-century ruins of Kildavnet Castle, or explore the thriving contemporary arts scene nurtured by the Ballinglen Arts Foundation. From bustling, historic market towns like Ballina to the profound, quiet spirituality of the Knock Shrine, County Mayo seamlessly intertwines its majestic, untamed environment with a deeply captivating cultural soul.
Near Leenane, mayo
The River Erriff drops about four metres over pale rock steps just north of the Galway-Mayo border, framed by Ben Gorm and the Devil's Mother. It is free, takes half an hour, and marks the start of the Western Way long-distance trail – but the lay-bys sit on a blind bend, so cross the road with real care.
Dooagh, mayo
Founded in 1991 at Dooagh, the Achill Archaeological Field School is Ireland's longest-running field school, built around the excavation of the famine-era deserted village at Slievemore and sites spanning 5,000 years. Accredited courses will not run in summer 2026 while the school is for sale or lease, but guided tours and site visits may still be arranged.
mayo
Achill is Ireland's largest offshore island, 36,500 acres off County Mayo, joined to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge and anchoring this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. It holds the country's highest sea cliffs at Croaghaun (688 m), five Blue Flag beaches, a famine-era deserted village and a population of around 2,300 who keep the Gaeltacht alive.
Achill Sound, mayo
Achill Sound (Gob an Choire) is a village of around 260 people on the channel between Achill Island and the mainland, joined by the Michael Davitt swing-bridge. It is the island's main service centre and the gateway to the Corraun Peninsula, with two hills over 450 m, fourteen glacial lakes, a Spanish Armada wreck site and the Atlantic Drive.
Achillbeg, mayo
Achillbeg, 'Little Achill', is a 150-hectare island off the southern tip of Achill, evacuated in 1965 and left to the sheep. Three Iron Age promontory forts, the roofless village and a 1965 concrete lighthouse repay the ten-minute crossing, but there are no facilities and the ground is rough.
Doohoma, mayo
An Ceann Ramhar stretches along the remote north-west Mayo coast, offering endless golden sand and panoramic views of Achill Island and Blacksod Bay. Voted the best place in Ireland to “go wild”, this Gaeltacht headland combines rugged Atlantic beauty with a cliff-side golf course and authentic local charm.
Achill Island, mayo
Sea-sprayed air mingles with quiet woodland around Annagh Lough, Ireland’s lowest corrie lake at just 15 m above sea level. A gentle trail winds through juniper-dotted limestone and native scrub, set against the towering cliffs of Croaghaun and the wild Atlantic.
Belmullet, mayo
Set within the Belmullet Civic Centre, Áras Inis Gluaire is the Republic of Ireland’s only bilingual arts centre. Visitors can enjoy live performances, rotating gallery exhibitions, and creative workshops, all surrounded by landscaped gardens and free parking.
Ardnaree, mayo
Set on the east bank of the River Moy, this historic suburb layers medieval monastic ruins, a Bronze Age burial site, and a recently confirmed castle foundation into a compact heritage trail. Wander the abbey grounds, follow the riverside walk, or trace the footsteps of O’Dowd chieftains and ancient legends.
Ashford Castle, mayo
Step onto the grounds of Ashford Castle for a guided flight with a Harris hawk, where centuries of Irish bird-flight tradition meets hands-on wildlife education. Set against the backdrop of Lough Corrib, the experience combines expert falconry, animal welfare, and scenic woodland walks for visitors of all ages.
Aughagower, mayo
A compact village in County Mayo, Aughagower sits at the crossroads of early medieval history and ancient pilgrimage routes. Visitors can explore a leaning 10th-century round tower, trace Saint Patrick’s footsteps along holy wells, and discover unique monuments like a 150 kg giant’s stone and a rare Sheela na Gig.
Ballina, mayo
Where the River Moy meets Killala Bay, Ballina lives up to its title as Ireland’s Salmon Capital. The town blends active angling and greenway cycling with free entry to the Jackie Clarke Collection, guided whiskey distillery tours and a strong transatlantic heritage.
Ballinrobe, mayo
Ballinrobe is one of County Mayo's oldest towns, a market town on the River Robe two kilometres from Lough Mask in Ireland's lake district. Its Catholic church holds nine stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke, free to see; the lake draws wet-fly trout anglers from around the world each August; and there's a scenic racecourse and an Eddie Hackett golf course on the edge of town.
Ballintubber, mayo
Founded in 1216 by King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor, Ballintubber Abbey stands as Ireland’s only royal foundation to maintain uninterrupted daily worship. Set beside Lough Carra and shadowed by the Partry Mountains, the abbey and its surrounding village offer a peaceful blend of medieval history, contemporary sacred art and active pilgrim routes.
Castlebar, mayo
Tucked into the fertile plains of central Mayo, Ballyglass blends everyday village life with remarkable ancient history. From a rare 5,000-year-old Neolithic timber house to a thriving football club and vintage machinery shows, it offers a grounded, welcoming stop for travellers exploring the region.
Bangor Erris, mayo
The bedrock here is the oldest in Ireland, but most people come for what sits on top of it: the 35km Bangor Trail across the Nephin Beg mountains, and salmon and sea-trout fishing on the Owenmore and Carrowmore Lake. The village itself is a quiet crossroads – a base, not a destination.
North Mayo, mayo
Ancient drovers’ roads wind through the Bangor Trail, yet today modern waymarks and restored bothies guide hikers along the same rugged path. The contrast of centuries-old cattle routes with the remote blanket bog and stone tracks offers a stark, unforgettable wilderness for seasoned walkers.
Killala, mayo
Step onto a private world of windswept dunes and tidal flats on Bartra Island, Killala Bay. Walk to the atmospheric ruins of Bartragh House, spot migrating waders, and enjoy sweeping Atlantic views on this free, family-friendly coastal escape.
Bellacorick, mayo
Set in the heart of Erris, Bellacorick blends industrial heritage with protected peatland landscapes. Visitors can play the stone-tuned Musical Bridge, follow the 13km Bellacorick Bog Loop through a Special Area of Conservation, and explore the ruins of a mid-century peat-fired power station now overshadowed by pioneering wind turbines.
Ballycroy, mayo
Tucked between the mountains of Erris and the shores of Achill Island, Bellacragher Bay is a dramatic coastal inlet known for its community-run sailing school and historic ferry crossing. Visitors can explore the surrounding trails, spot marine wildlife, or take to the water for guided boat trips along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ballina, mayo
Belleek Castle, a neo-Gothic manor turned luxury hotel, sits amid one of Europe’s largest urban forests. Visitors can wander historic rooms, sip a pint in the Armada Bar, and trek woodland paths that burst with bluebells and wildlife.
Belmullet, mayo
Straddling Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay, Belmullet is the cultural heart of the Mullet Peninsula and a recognised Irish-speaking Gaeltacht hub. Walk along the historic Carter’s Canal, brave the famous tidal pool, or take a boat to the Inishkea Islands. With world-class golf, dramatic coastal loops and a vibrant summer festival calendar, it serves as an ideal base for exploring north Mayo.
Mweelrea Mountains, mayo
Ben Bury is the third-highest summit of the Mweelrea massif in County Mayo, a flat-topped 795m peak on the horseshoe ridge above Killary Harbour. Most walkers take it in as part of the 15km Mweelrea Horseshoe from Delphi, a 6 to 7 hour day with about 1,200m of ascent. The reward at the top is a 360-degree view over Ireland's only fjord and the Atlantic coast.
Leenaun, mayo
Ben Gorm rises to 700 m on the north side of Killary Harbour, offering a challenging, unmarked ridge walk across boggy terrain and dramatic geological fissures. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping panoramas of Ireland’s only fjord, the Doolough Valley and the Clare coastline.
Carrownaglogh, mayo
Benwee Head's cliffs drop about 270 metres into the Atlantic, among the highest in Ireland, with the Stags of Broadhaven standing offshore. A short loop from the Children of Lir car park takes in the clifftop and a wartime EIRE marker in about an hour; the full Benwee Loop Walk is an 11.3 km day for fit hikers.
Mweelrea Mountains, mayo
Rising sharply above Doo Lough, Ben Lugmore rewards hikers with an exhilarating traverse of its narrow summit ridge and a natural rock ledge known as The Ramp. The mountain sits within the Mweelrea massif, offering accessible hillwalking alongside serious rock and winter climbing on ancient Ordovician sandstone.
Islandeady, mayo
Set against the backdrop of Croagh Patrick, Bilberry Lake offers a peaceful retreat with lakeside walks, birdwatching and the atmospheric ruins of St Eiden’s Church. It’s a free, family-friendly destination for quiet reflection and coarse fishing.
Off the coast of Achill Island, mayo
Rising 124 feet from the Atlantic, Bills’ Rocks are a protected seabird sanctuary and historic maritime landmark. Reachable only by boat, the stacks offer exceptional birdwatching, diving, and sweeping coastal views.
Belmullet, mayo
Blackrock is a near-vertical Atlantic rock off the Mullet Peninsula, topped since 1864 by one of Ireland's most remote lighthouses. No one has lived there since it was automated in 1974, and the public can't land, so you view it from the Mullet or Achill, where it stands on the horizon like a volcano. Its keepers' history takes in a man lost to a freak wave, a 1940 air attack and a months-long wartime siege.
Blacksod Bay, mayo
First light paints Blacksod Bay in amber, unveiling a tranquil harbour framed by the Mullet Peninsula’s dunes and the distant peaks of Achill Island. The historic lighthouse’s 1944 weather report famously delayed D-Day, while calm waters and sandy islets invite walkers, birdwatchers and sea-safari tours.
6.4 km SSW of Westport, mayo
Perched on a quartz-flecked outcrop near Westport, the Boheh Stone holds Ireland’s densest concentration of Neolithic petroglyphs. Twice a year, its precise orientation frames the setting sun as it appears to roll down the northern shoulder of Croagh Patrick, linking prehistoric astronomy with ancient pilgrimage routes.
Westport, mayo
Step into a 74-hectare remnant of Ireland’s ancient forest where 200-year-old oaks tower over the Owenwee River. Brackloon Wood offers a peaceful escape with marked walking trails, Bronze Age cooking pits, a stone ringfort and rare native wildlife.
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Broadhaven Bay is a wide Atlantic inlet in the far north-west of County Mayo, and one of the few places in Ireland where all five EU-protected marine mammals – bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, grey seal, common seal and otter – are regularly recorded. The bay is a Special Area of Conservation, guarded by the 1855 Ballyglass lighthouse and the seabird-covered Stags of Broadhaven off Benwee Head.
Louisburgh, mayo
The Bunowen rises in the Sheefry Hills and runs through Louisburgh to the sea by Clew Bay – deep and slow on its lower reaches, livelier fly water upstream. It is a salmon river first, best from mid-June, with a small summer run of sea trout that must all be returned.
Carnacon, mayo
Burriscarra Abbey is one of the most extensive Augustinian friary ruins in Ireland, yet it sits all but unvisited in a working graveyard on the shore of Lough Carra. Founded as a Carmelite priory in 1298 by the Anglo-Norman Adam de Staunton and rebuilt after a fire in 1430, it is now a free, open ruin in the care of the OPW. Pair it with Ballintubber Abbey, 4 km south.
Northwest of Killala village, mayo
Dating to between 4000 BC and 2500 BC, Carbad More is a rare double court cairn set in a quiet field northwest of Killala. Though partially overgrown and crossed by farm tracks, its twin stone circles and segmented galleries provide a tangible link to the sophisticated burial practices of ancient west-Mayo communities.
Carnacon, mayo
Carnacon sits on Lough Carra, a 4,000-acre limestone lake known for its May mayfly hatch and wild brown trout. Above it stands the roofless shell of Moore Hall, home of novelist George Moore and of George Henry Moore, whose 1846 Chester Cup winnings on the horse Coranna paid for famine relief. The village is small – a shop, two pubs – and best known today for footballer Cora Staunton.
Achill Island, mayo
Carrickkildavnet Castle is a 15th-century O'Malley tower house standing over the narrows of Achill Sound, known locally as Granuaile's Tower after Grace O'Malley, whose fleet used it. It is an OPW national monument you can only view from outside, but the seaward walls, the ruined bawn and the view across to Corraun reward the short walk. Free, all year.
Westport, mayo
The Carrowbeg is the small river that runs through Westport, canalised in the 1780s as part of James Wyatt's plan for the town and flanked by the tree-lined Mall. The riverside walk is free and always open; the highlight is the short stretch of Georgian bridges between the centre and Westport House.
Carrowkennedy, mayo
On 2 June 1921 Michael Kilroy's West Mayo flying column ambushed an RIC patrol at this quiet crossroads on the Westport–Leenane road, killing seven and capturing their weapons without a single loss of their own. There is little here now beyond a roadside memorial and open bog country, but the action was one of the most one-sided of the War of Independence.
Clew Bay, mayo
Carrowmore is an 850-metre strand a short drive north of Louisburgh, backed by rare machair grassland and looking out to Clare and Achill islands. It's one of the more sheltered swims on this stretch of coast, lifeguarded in summer and popular with surfers; it held a Blue Flag in 2024, though not since.
Bangor Erris, mayo
Carrowmore Lake is a shallow, island-scattered lough of about 1,000 hectares near Bangor Erris in north Mayo, and one of the country's better spring salmon fisheries: over 2,000 salmon and grilse run into it each year. Fishing is boat-only and mostly fly-only, run by the Bangor Erris Angling Club. The lake also supplies Erris its drinking water, so its shores stay quiet and undeveloped.
Carrowniskey Beach, mayo
Carrowniskey is a long Atlantic strand south-west of Louisburgh and the go-to learn-to-surf beach near Westport, with the only consistent break in the area and Surf Mayo, one of Ireland's oldest surf schools, on the sand. It also hosts summer beach horse races. Since the storms of 2013–14, parts of the beach are covered in stones, and weever fish in the shallows make footwear sensible.
Northwest County Mayo, mayo
Carrowteige anchors the Dún Chaocháin peninsula, where three waymarked coastal loops climb past the Annie Brady Bridge, sheer sea cliffs and the Children of Lir sculpture to Benwee Head, the headland's high point at 255m. It's a working Gaeltacht village where Irish is still the everyday language.
Ballintober, mayo
A five-storey tower of about 1570 on the northern shore of Lough Carra, Castle Burke was held by the Bourkes, Viscounts Mayo, and garrisoned by Cromwellian troops in the 1650s. It is now a roofless ruin on a private lakeshore site, with no signage and no facilities, and rewards a short read on its history before you go.
Carnacon, mayo
Castle Carra is a 13th-century hall-house on the east shore of Lough Carra, raised by the Anglo-Norman Stauntons around 1229 and later strengthened by Captain William Bowen. The interior is closed, but the lakeside walk to the walls and the winter birdlife on the Black Hole inlet make the detour worthwhile.
Castlebar, mayo
Castlebar is Mayo's county town, more a working base than a tourist stop, but it holds the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park, the only branch of the National Museum outside Dublin, and free. It's also where a French and Irish army routed the British in the 1798 'Races of Castlebar', a rout so fast the hill above town is still called Staball. A riverside greenway links the town out to the museum.
Castlebar, mayo
The Castlebar Greenway's essential stretch is the 7.3 km riverside route from Lough Lannagh to the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough. It is flat, traffic-free and ends at a free museum in a Victorian demesne. The wider 45 km network beyond it leans on on-road links.
Ballycastle, mayo
Predating the Egyptian pyramids, Ceide Fields preserves a 1,500-hectare Neolithic landscape buried under blanket bog. The award-winning visitor centre and glass viewing platform offer stunning Atlantic vistas, while guided bog walks let you trace the ancient stone walls with your own hands.
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At the mouth of Clew Bay, Clare Island blends dramatic cliffs, alpine flora and the lingering spirit of pirate queen Grace O'Malley. Visitors can wander ancient burial mounds, admire rare medieval frescoes, and stay inside a working lighthouse turned boutique retreat.
Westport, mayo
Clew Bay holds 365 drumlin islands left by the Ice Age, with Croagh Patrick to the south and Grace O'Malley's tower houses on the shore. You can sail it for the seals, cycle the 42 km Great Western Greenway along its north side, or walk a 21-site archaeological trail from Westport to Clare Island.
Westport, mayo
The Clew Bay Heritage Centre is a small, hands-on museum on Westport Quay, in a 19th-century stone building that once penned pigs for export. Run by the Westport Historical Society since 1987, it covers Grace O'Malley, Croagh Patrick, John MacBride and the history of the planned town, and runs a genealogy service for tracing Mayo roots from Achill to Louisburgh.
Clew Bay, mayo
Once a renowned sailing school base, Collanmore Island now operates as a private luxury retreat in Clew Bay. A short rib-boat transfer from Rosmoney Pier brings visitors to white-sand beaches, sheltered coves, and unobstructed views of the pilgrimage mountain.
Cong, mayo
Cong sits on the narrow neck of land between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib, on the Mayo–Galway border. The free ruins of its 12th-century Augustinian abbey are where Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland, died in 1198, and the village doubles as the open-air set of John Ford's The Quiet Man.
Cong, mayo
In 1198 the last High King of Ireland, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, retired to Cong Abbey and was interred on its grounds before later re-burial at Clonmacnoise. Today the crumbling nave, its finely carved early-Gothic doorway and the quirky Monk’s Fishing House reveal the abbey’s medieval ingenuity amid the tranquil isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.
Cong, mayo
Stretching six kilometres between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, the Cong Canal transforms with the seasons. Summer reveals a completely dry channel perfect for walking, while winter floods bring rushing waters to its lower reaches. Built during the Great Famine as a drainage and navigation project, it was abandoned in 1854 due to geological challenges and shifting transport priorities.
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The Curraun Peninsula bridges the gap between mainland County Mayo and Achill Island, offering 99% Atlantic coastline, rugged hill-walking routes and a rich literary and maritime history. Visit the 15th-century Kildavnet Tower, cycle the Atlantic Drive, or walk the Great Western Greenway through a living Gaeltacht landscape.
Louisburgh, mayo
Cregganbaun is a small village on the R335, 26 km south of Westport, at the foot of Mweelrea – at 814 m the highest mountain in Connacht. Most people come to climb it or to see the Srahwee wedge tomb, one of Ireland's finest, with the fossil stumps of an even older forest across the road. There are no services here, so bring what you need.
Murrisk, mayo
Rising 764 m over Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick is Ireland's holiest mountain and its most climbed. A white chapel sits on the summit above a landscape of pre-Christian cairns and Bronze Age carvings, and on the last Sunday in July up to 30,000 pilgrims make the climb, some barefoot, retracing Saint Patrick's 40-day fast.
Achill Island, mayo
Croaghaun, at the wild western end of Achill Island, holds Ireland's highest sea cliffs – 688 m of rock falling straight into the Atlantic, three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. There's a catch: you can't see them from below. The only way to take them in is a steep, unmarked hike to the summit, or a boat trip offshore.
Cross, mayo
Weather-worn stone walls and a historic graveyard overlook the Atlantic at Cross Abbey, once home to monks who crossed the tide to nearby Inishglora. The site anchors the scenic Cross Loop trail and serves as a quiet starting point for coastal walks, birdwatching, and Saturday morning parkruns in the heart of Erris.
Aughness, mayo
Croy Lodge is a disused stone fishing lodge above Tullaghan Bay on Mayo's Atlantic coast, where Rev William Hamilton Maxwell wrote Wild Sports of the West in 1832. It isn't open to the public – you view the intact limestone exterior from the road – but it's a worthwhile pause for anyone drawn to the area's literary and sporting past.
Achill Island, mayo
Dooagh's beach has washed away and returned more than once, most famously in 2017. Beyond the shifting sand it's a working Achill village: two trad pubs, the Scoil Acla summer school, a monument to solo Atlantic rower Don Allum, and Keem Bay a short drive west.
Achill Island, mayo
Dooega is a south-facing Blue Flag beach tucked into Camport Bay on Achill's quieter side, with rock pools that fill out at low tide and rare machair grassland behind it. It is an Irish-speaking village built around Coláiste Acla, one of the country's long-running Irish-language colleges. The beach is not lifeguarded and dogs are restricted in summer, but it draws far fewer people than Keel or Keem.
Mayo, mayo
Perched on a windswept peninsula in north-west Mayo, Doohoma combines a long sandy strand, consistent Atlantic surf and a unique 9-hole Par 3 golf course. Discover a resilient Gaeltacht community, a 12-mile coastal ring road and sheltered bays ideal for watersports and quiet walks.
Doolough, mayo
Doolough is a remote valley in southwest Mayo where the R335 threads between Mweelrea, Connacht's highest mountain, and the Sheeffry Hills, past the dark water of Doo Lough. A plain stone cross beside the road remembers the Doolough Tragedy of 1849, when starving people were sent to Delphi Lodge and back during the Great Famine. It is one of Ireland's most affecting drives.
Aughagower, mayo
Little survives of Doon Castle but the grassy footprint of a Norman keep on a 150-foot hill near Aughagower. A short, steep walk up from a lay-by on the R330 is rewarded with wide views northeast over the Mayo countryside – a quick stop rather than a day out.
Fahy, mayo
The limestone shell of Doona Castle, a 15th-century tower house, crowns a rise in north Mayo. Once praised for its excellent preservation, the ruin now stands roofless after a dramatic 19th-century fire, offering a quiet roadside glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past.
Clew Bay, mayo
Dorinish is a 19-acre uninhabited drumlin island in Clew Bay that John Lennon bought at auction in 1967 and later handed to a short-lived hippie commune. There are no facilities and no ferry, so you either arrange a boat from one of the local piers or get the panorama from a Clew Bay cruise. The reward is the view: Clare Island, Croagh Patrick and the Nephins all at once.
Downpatrick Head, mayo
At the northern edge of Ballycastle, Downpatrick Head thrusts into the Atlantic, where the 45 m Dún Briste sea-stack and the thundering Poll na Seantainne blow-hole dominate the horizon. Legends of St Patrick and the pagan chief Crom Dubh mingle with Bronze-Age tombs and a WWII neutral-zone lookout, offering a landscape that is both wild and steeped in history.
Tourmakeady, mayo
Ruby-coloured sandstone walls frame sweeping views over Lough Mask, while the terraced Victorian garden below unfolds into walled beds, a heritage apple orchard, and a lush New Zealand ‘Jungle’. Visits are arranged strictly by appointment with the head gardener.
Drummin, mayo
At the foot of Croagh Patrick, the small rural village of Drummin is a quiet gateway to Mayo's wilder side. It sits within the scenic Tóchar Valley, close to the ancient Atlantic oak sanctuary of Brackloon Wood, and serves as a key waypoint on the Cycle 11 route through the Sheeffry Hills.
Achill Island, mayo
Set against the imposing slopes of Slievemore, Dugort preserves the stone foundations of the ambitious Achill Mission colony. Visitors can wander the historic site, join a BAFTA-winning local guide on The Colony Tour, and unwind on the island’s award-winning Silver and Golden Strands.
Dugort, mayo
Stretching three kilometres beneath the towering Slievemore, Dugort Strand dazzles with golden sand, turquoise Atlantic waters and a rare machair habitat. From family-friendly swimming to surf, kayak trails and the echoes of a 19th-century mission colony, the beach offers a vivid blend of nature and history.
Dún Chaocháin, mayo
Dún Chaocháin blends ancient geology, living Irish language, and rugged Atlantic coastline. Follow waymarked walks to puffin colonies and sea stacks, discover the Táin Bó Fliodhaise heritage trail, and experience authentic Gaeltacht hospitality in this unspoiled corner of north-west Mayo.
Belmullet, mayo
Perched on a conical rock outcrop at the edge of the continental shelf, Eagle Island’s surviving lighthouse tower stands 67m above the churning Atlantic. Though closed to visitors, the site’s dramatic storm history and nesting white-tailed sea eagles make it a standout feature of the Mullet Peninsula, best viewed from guided boat tours or mainland viewpoints.
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The River Erriff falls off the Partry Mountains and runs about 33 km to Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, dropping over Aasleagh Falls at the end. The falls played the climactic fight in Jim Sheridan's The Field, and the river is one of Ireland's premier salmon fisheries, fished as nine beats. The rest is a working farmed valley, best seen from the N59.
North-west County Mayo, mayo
Salt-laden winds sweep across sheer Atlantic cliffs and endless blanket bogs in this rugged north-western barony. From the iconic Erris Head Loop to vibrant Gaeltacht villages, Erris delivers a wild landscape shaped by ancient folklore and living Irish language tradition.
Mullet Peninsula, mayo
Erris Head's cliffs host breeding colonies of fulmars, peregrine falcons and the iconic Irish chough, while a loop walk reveals rare marsh helleborine orchids and sweeping Atlantic views.
mayo
Tucked into the rolling countryside of south-west Mayo, Fahy Lough offers a quiet escape where glacial waters mirror the ever-changing sky. Perfect for unhurried walks, birdwatching and a moment of stillness away from the main tourist routes.
Foxford, mayo
Foxford sits on the banks of the River Moy, where Mother Agnes Bernard's 19th-century vision created the globally renowned Foxford Woollen Mills. Beyond the mill, visitors can follow the Admiral William Brown Heritage Trail, tackle Atlantic salmon on the Moy, or walk the way-marked routes of the Foxford Way.
Foxford, mayo
This demanding 33 km loop starts and finishes in the riverside town of Foxford, tracing the banks of the River Moy before cutting through heather-clad slopes and ancient stone forts. Bright yellow waymarks guide experienced walkers past early-Christian relics, sweeping mountain vistas, and quiet bogland. It’s a solitary, immersive trail that packs north-east Mayo’s wild character into a single, rewarding day.
Glenamoy, mayo
Glenamoy is a small Gaeltacht settlement in Erris where the Irish language thrives alongside a landscape of protected blanket bogs and coastal heath. Features Civil War memorials, restored heritage buildings, and quiet walking routes through a designated Special Area of Conservation.
North County Mayo, mayo
The Glenamoy is a spate river in the boglands of north Mayo, running salmon, grilse and sea trout from May to September and fishing best as the water drops back after a flood. The Glenamoy Community Angling Association leases it, sells day permits at the village bar, and has built a wheelchair-accessible pool near New Bridge.
Newport, mayo
Often dubbed Mayo’s finest ridge walk, the Glendahurk Horseshoe delivers a rugged, crowd-free mountain experience across three peaks. The 9.7-mile loop rewards hikers with dramatic coastal panoramas, a narrow exposed arête, and quiet river valleys.
Glennacally, mayo
Misty mornings lift the scent of peat and heather over the Hag’s Glen as walkers climb the Devilsmother ridge. Three early-19th-century stone bridges designed by Alexander Nimmo span the valley rivers, linking mythic scenery with enduring engineering.
mayo
Tucked between the Sheeffry Hills and the towering peaks of Ben Gorm and Ben Creggan, Glenummera Valley is a rugged, glacial-carved landscape in south-west Mayo. It serves as the most practical base for challenging ridge walks, offering remote trails, dramatic mountain scenery, and sweeping views across to Doolough.
Termon Hill, mayo
Perched on Termon Hill near Eachléim, Glosh Tower is the finest surviving example of the 82 Napoleonic signal stations built to guard Ireland’s western seaboard. Step onto the roof platform for unbroken views across Blacksod Bay, the Inishkea Islands, and the rugged Erris coastline.
Dugort, mayo
Golden Strand, known locally as Barnyagappul Strand (*Trá Bhearna na gCapall*), stretches a kilometre of golden sand on the north coast of Achill Island. Backed by rolling dunes and a pebble-lined edge, the beach draws swimmers, surfers and kayakers, while the surrounding landscape carries the memory of 19th-century seaweed-hauling horses.
Clare Island, mayo
Standing guard over Clare Island’s harbour, this three-storey tower house offers a direct link to Ireland’s most famous maritime chieftain. Walk its weathered stone perimeter, take in sweeping Atlantic views, and step into the rugged landscape that shaped Gráinne Ní Mháille’s legacy.
mayo
Ireland’s longest off-road trail follows a converted 1890s railway from Westport to Achill Island. The 49 km traffic-free route offers gentle gradients, sweeping Atlantic views and easy access to Blue Flag beaches, historic villages and coastal wildlife.
Mullet Peninsula, mayo
Just a kilometre off the Mullet Peninsula, Inishglora is a silver-green speck of land where roofless stone chapels, beehive cells and the Children of Lir myth whisper of early Christian devotion. Grey seals, seabirds and wild sheep add a natural charm to this remote, pilgrimage-like island.
Clew Bay, mayo
Inishgort Island is a tranquil drumlin in the heart of Clew Bay, dominated by a historic red-brick lighthouse that has guided mariners since the 1820s. Visitors can explore the island's pebble shores, spot grazing livestock and nesting terns, and enjoy dramatic Atlantic views from this well-preserved maritime outpost.
Belmullet, mayo
Just three kilometres off the Mullet Peninsula, the twin Inishkea Islands offer powder-white beaches, early Christian monastic stonework and thriving grey seal colonies. History lingers in abandoned fishing cottages, beehive huts and a forgotten Norwegian whaling pier, while the surrounding Atlantic waters teem with seabirds and marine life.
Inishturk, mayo
Human presence on Inishturk dates back to 4,000 BCE, yet the island’s permanent community today numbers fewer than sixty residents. Its towering 722-ft sea cliffs, Napoleonic signal tower ruins, and a vibrant biennial arts festival give this remote island a lively cultural pulse alongside expansive Atlantic vistas.
Ballycroy, mayo
Step onto Inishbiggle and leave the mainland rush behind. This tiny West Mayo island blends rugged Atlantic scenery with a living Protestant-Gaeltacht community, offering a well-marked coastal walk, rich marine life, and a chance to experience traditional Irish island life.
Claremorris, mayo
A quiet crossroads village on the Mayo–Galway border, Irishtown (Baile Gaelach) hosted the 1879 tenant-right meeting that lit the fuse for the National Land League. There is little to see beyond a roadside plaque and the surrounding farmland, but the history that started here reshaped who owned Ireland.
Cong, galway
Straddling the wild lakes and limestone karsts of western Galway and Mayo, Joyce Country Geopark reveals 700 million years of geological history alongside living Irish-language traditions. Hike rugged mountain passes, cycle traffic-free greenways, and explore heritage villages that have inspired poets, filmmakers and anglers for generations.
Achill Island, mayo
Keel Beach, or Trawmore Strand, is a sweeping 3.5km Atlantic shoreline that draws surfers, families and walkers to County Mayo. Backed by towering cliffs and machair dunes, this Blue Flag beach offers free access, dog-friendly sands and a vibrant hub of water sports.
Achill Island, mayo
One of Ireland’s most photographed shorelines, Keem Bay’s turquoise waters lap against a golden horseshoe beach flanked by sheer cliffs. Beyond its cinematic fame and seasonal lifeguarded swimming, the area offers rugged trails to a historic coastguard lookout, a hidden amethyst quartz seam, and echoes of Achill’s traditional fishing heritage.
Newport, mayo
Step back in time at the Kelly Homestead, the three-roomed stone cottage where Hollywood star Grace Kelly’s grandfather was born. Now a peaceful, roofless shell in County Mayo, it offers a reflective glimpse into Irish emigration and royal heritage.
Kilcommon, mayo
Stretching across two dramatic peninsulas on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kilcommon offers waymarked cliff walks, ancient promontory forts and a vibrant Irish-speaking community. Discover remote beaches, rare breeding birds and a landscape shaped by centuries of resilient heritage.
Kilcummin, mayo
Kilcummin on the northern edge of Killala Bay offers a white-sand, blue-flag beach, a rugged harbour famed for its long-left reef break, and the ghost of a medieval castle. History runs from Neolithic tombs and Saint Cuimín’s ruined church to the dramatic French landing of 1798, all framed by sweeping Atlantic vistas.
Achill Island, mayo
Perched on Achill’s southeastern shore, Kildavnet Ancient Church combines 12th-century stonework with a poignant 19th-century graveyard. Visitors can explore the roofless nave, St Dympna’s holy well, and nearby Granuaile’s Castle, all set against sweeping views of Achill Sound.
Belmullet, mayo
Kilgalligan sits on the edge of Broadhaven Bay in the Erris Gaeltacht, the base for the four Carrowteige loop walks. The toughest climbs to unguarded cliff edges around 250m above the Atlantic, with the five sea stacks of the Stags of Broadhaven offshore and living Irish-language tradition on land.
Kilgeever, mayo
Quiet stone arches and a Romanesque east window mark the site of an early Christian settlement in County Mayo. Visitors can walk the uneven grounds, explore medieval cross slabs, and follow ancient pilgrimage routes that still connect to Croagh Patrick.
Killala, mayo
On 22 August 1798 General Jean Joseph Amable Humbert disembarked with 1 109 French troops at Kilcummin Harbour, briefly seizing the town. Today the 12th-century round tower and St Patrick’s 17th-century cathedral stand as silent witnesses to that fleeting French occupation and the village’s deeper Saint Patrick heritage.
Killala Bay, mayo
A wide, sheltered estuary where the River Moy meets the Atlantic, Killala Bay offers golden sands, rich fishing grounds, and dramatic coastal history. From Blue Flag swimming at Ross Strand to the ruins of Bartragh House, the bay blends rugged natural beauty with centuries of maritime heritage.
Belmullet, mayo
Kiltane is a sparsely populated Erris parish defined by vast Atlantic blanket bog and the Owenmore River. It holds the site of Bellacorick, Ireland's first commercial wind farm, whose last turbine came down in 2026, along with quiet bog walks and strong populations of curlew, snipe and golden plover.
Knock, mayo
Set in the quiet village of Knock, County Mayo, this pilgrimage complex draws over a million visitors annually. The site commemorates the 1879 apparition of the Blessed Virgin, St Joseph and St John, and features the modern Knock Basilica, a glass-encased Apparition Chapel and an award-winning museum. Visitors come for spiritual reflection, architectural interest and a direct connection to Irish Catholic heritage.
Clare Island, mayo
What rewards await atop Clare Island’s highest point? At 462 m, Knockmore crowns the island with sweeping panoramas of Clew Bay, rugged limestone cliffs and the distant Mull of Kintyre, while well-marked walking routes connect the summit to the island’s rich archaeological heritage.
Lacken, mayo
Where does Ireland’s wild coast meet a stage of history? Lacken Strand’s golden sands stretch along the Atlantic, while a short inland walk leads to Kilcummin Pier – the 1798 landing point of General Humbert’s French forces – making the beach both a natural haven and a living reminder of rebellion.
Westport, mayo
Lecanvey offers a peaceful escape on County Mayo’s rugged west coast. The village’s sheltered beach and wooden pier provide front-row seats to Croagh Patrick and Clare Island, while the R335 makes it a perfect stop for coastal walks and Atlantic photography.
Srahrevagh, mayo
While the forest’s trees are mid-20th-century plantings, the trail system offers modern, clearly marked access to some of Ireland’s most dramatic conifer scenery. From the stone Brogan Carroll Bothy, red, blue and purple loops guide visitors across 9.6–12 km routes that showcase sweeping views of Clew Bay and the Nephin Beg mountains.
mayo
Lough Carra is a shallow, calcium-rich lake dotted with over 70 islands and fringed by limestone pavements and ancient woodlands. It offers a world-renowned late-season brown trout fishery, exceptional birdwatching from swallows to starlings, and easy walks around the atmospheric ruins of Moore Hall.
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Mythic tales of hounds creating the lake sit beside modern anglers casting from well-maintained piers. Surrounded by Nephin’s silhouette and Errew Abbey’s ruins, this expansive Mayo lake blends ancient folklore with accessible outdoor pursuits.
Castlebar, mayo
Just outside Castlebar, Lough Lannagh offers a peaceful escape with a 1.9km accessible lakeside trail, calm waters for paddling, and a well-equipped holiday village. Its direct link to the Great Western Greenway makes it a perfect stop for cyclists and families exploring County Mayo.
mayo
Stretching across 22,000 acres of limestone-rich water, Lough Mask is a vast and varied lake where deep western channels meet shallow, island-dotted eastern bays. It remains a premier destination for fly fishing, watersports and quiet exploration, framed by karst hills and local folklore.
Louisburgh, mayo
Salt-laden breezes greet the arrival in Louisburgh, where the Bunowen River meets the blue-flag sands of Clew Bay. Planned in 1795 for Catholic refugees, the Georgian streets sit beneath the looming Sheeffry-Mweelrea peaks, offering surfers, pilgrims and history lovers a compact gateway to Mayo’s wild Atlantic coast.
South County Mayo, mayo
Maumtrasna carries five official mountain classifications and crowns a broad quartzite plateau with sweeping vistas over Lough Nafooey, the Twelve Bens, and the Atlantic. Walkers tackle well-trodden routes from Glencullin, navigating boggy trails, historic passes, and dramatic valley drops.
Claremorris, mayo
McMahon Park, known locally as Clare Lake, sits off the R331 on the southern edge of Claremorris, nine acres built around a man-made lake. Reclaimed from industrial ground from 1989, after the Mahon family of Brookhill gifted the land, it now has a flat wheelchair-friendly loop, coarse fishing from fenced stands and a playground. Ducks, swans and geese are on the water year-round.
Newport, mayo
Captain Mathias De Bille steered the storm-damaged Danish frigate Bornholm into Melcombe Bay in January 1782, saving it from the treacherous Bills’ Rocks. The rescue, the captain’s tragic death, and a centuries-old ring fort make this quiet Newport cove a compelling stop on any coastal walk.
Achill Island, mayo
Spanning the waters of Achill Sound, the Michael Davitt Bridge connects the Corraun Peninsula with Achill Island. Its manually operated swing mechanism and striking LED-lit arches offer a unique glimpse into over a century of Irish engineering, set against a backdrop of rugged Atlantic coastline.
Minaun, mayo
Sunset-golded cliffs blaze with amber light as the Atlantic wind whistles across the sheer drop, instantly immersing visitors in Achill’s wild beauty. From the car-park platform the panorama sweeps from the rugged coastline to distant Clare Island and the golden stretch of Keel Strand, while a short path unveils a Virgin Mary statue, funeral stones and the crumbling remains of 19th-century homes.
Ballina to Killala, mayo
Wind-whipped reeds rustle along the River Moy as you leave Belleek Woods, soon drawing your eye to the ancient stone silhouettes of Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey. The 14 km greenway blends quiet forest tracks with gentle country lanes, offering wildlife spotting, historic ruins and a peaceful escape from the main road.
Cong, mayo
Perched over the River Cong, this roof-less stone platform reveals medieval monastic ingenuity. A trap-door floor lowered nets into the water, while a rope-to-bell line rang a bell in Cong Abbey to signal a fresh catch.
Muckloon, mayo
Perched on Muckloon Hill, the crumbling façade of Moore Hall watches over Lough Carra. Wander forested paths, discover a hidden servant’s tunnel and enjoy family-friendly amenities amid soaring limestone woodlands.
Killala, mayo
Perched on a windswept ridge above Killala Bay, Moyne Abbey offers a haunting glimpse of late Irish Gothic monastic life. Its six-storey tower, cloister walk and 16th-century ship etchings make it a magnet for history lovers and photographers alike.
Mullet Peninsula, mayo
Quiet, wind-blown dunes give way to bustling villages where Irish is spoken daily, preserving a living Gaeltacht spirit. At the same time, ancient signal towers and 5th-century monastic sites whisper of a past that stretches back millennia.
Mulranny, mayo
Mulranny sits on the neck of land between Clew Bay and Bellacragher Bay, where a rare machair grassland grows Mediterranean heather found almost nowhere else in Ireland. Its 1889 railway causeway now carries the Great Western Greenway, and its south-facing beach won a Blue Flag in 2024.
Murrisk, mayo
Upon stepping into Murrisk, the salty scent of Clew Bay mingles with the distant chant of pilgrims heading toward Croagh Patrick. Ruins of the 15th-century Augustinian abbey, the bronze National Famine Memorial, and the golden sands of Bertra Beach create a vivid tapestry of faith, history and coastal beauty.
Murrisk, mayo
Cool Atlantic air drifts through the stone walls of Murrisk Abbey, where a finely carved five-light east window catches the morning light over Clew Bay. Founded in 1456 as a pilgrimage stop for Croagh Patrick, the ruins offer a quiet, atmospheric walk just outside Murrisk village.
mayo
Mweelrea rises 814 m above southwest County Mayo, framing Killary Fjord with rugged ridges and deep glacial lakes. The horseshoe-shaped range delivers Ireland’s finest hill-walking circuits, winter ice climbs and unspoiled mountain scenery.
mayo
Wind-swept ridges and ancient blanket bogs define Nephin, County Mayo’s dramatic wilderness. As the island’s highest standalone peak, it anchors a protected landscape of marked hiking routes, dark-sky stargazing sites and living folklore.
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When the Nephin range was proclaimed Wild Nephin National Park in November 1998, a 15,000-hectare sanctuary of blanket-bog and alpine heath was secured. The Ballycroy Visitor Centre now guides explorers along the historic Bangor Trail and under a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky canopy.
Newport, mayo
Sited on the quiet waters of Clew Bay, Newport combines historic stone ruins, a striking sandstone viaduct and a lively riverside market. It serves as an ideal base for cycling the Great Western Greenway, exploring local heritage and sampling fresh Mayo produce.
North Mayo Coast, mayo
Tír Sáile weaves large-scale, site-specific artworks into disused quarries, coastal piers and rolling dunes across County Mayo. Follow the distinctive trail signs by car or on foot to discover a unique blend of contemporary art, ancient landscapes and Atlantic drama.
Old Head Beach, mayo
Sheltered by the Old Head Peninsula, this Blue Flag beach offers unusually calm Atlantic waters perfect for families. Enjoy a Finnish-style pier sauna, explore a rare Atlantic oak woodland, or take in sweeping views of Croagh Patrick.
Clew Bay, mayo
Lush moss carpets cling to every oak trunk, creating one of Ireland’s most extensive bryophyte collections within Old Head Wood. The reserve’s humid micro-climate nurtures over a hundred moss species, making it a premier site for botanists and birdwatchers alike.
Wild Nephin National Park, mayo
Wind sweeping across Owenduff Bog carries the earthy scent of damp peat and ancient wilderness. Covering roughly 26,000 hectares, this remote Atlantic blanket bog supports rare orchids, red grouse, and vital salmon rivers, making it one of Western Europe’s most ecologically significant landscapes.
North Mayo, mayo
Celebrated in 1832 for its wild character, the Owenduff River cuts through 26,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog in County Mayo. Today it offers world-class fly fishing for salmon and sea trout, alongside rare wildlife and remote hiking trails.
Partry, mayo
Partry is a village of about 500 people in south-west Mayo, set between Lough Carra and Lough Mask with the Partry Mountains rising behind it. Both lakes are free to fish for brown trout, and the range tops out at Maumtrasna (682 m). The 17th-century Partry House was built on the ruins of Cloonlagheen Castle, whose slit windows turned up during 1995 restoration work.
Achill Island, mayo
Set beneath the shadow of Slievemore Mountain, Pollawaddy (Dugort Beach) stretches three kilometres along Achill’s north-east shore. This Blue Flag beach combines gentle swimming bays, consistent surf breaks, and rare machair flora with the historical echoes of the Achill Mission Colony.
Pontoon, mayo
Situated between Lough Conn and Lough Cullen, Pontoon is a haven for anglers seeking brown trout and Atlantic salmon. This peaceful Mayo village serves as an ideal base for exploring the Great Western Greenway, the Foxford Way, and the rugged beauty of north Mayo.
Portacloy, mayo
Salty sea breezes mingle with the scent of wild thyme as the Green Coast-awarded cove reveals its golden sands. The sheltered harbour creates calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking, while the 18 km Loop walk showcases cliffs, a fifth-century promontory fort and an early-Christian graveyard.
Cong, mayo
The Quiet Man Museum in Cong preserves the legacy of John Ford’s beloved 1952 film with a meticulously recreated cottage, original props, and daily guided walks through the actual shooting locations. A practical and engaging stop for film fans and visitors exploring West Mayo.
Rathfran, mayo
Perched above the Avonmore River in County Mayo, Rathfran Abbey combines remote, windswept character with straightforward access off the Wild Atlantic Way. Founded in 1274 by William de Burgh and Finola d’Exeter, the priory features surviving Early English lancet windows, cloister foundations, and intricately carved medieval grave-slabs. Visitors can wander the roofless nave, trace the scars of the 1590 Tudor burnings, and enjoy uninterrupted views across Killala Bay.
Killala, mayo
Rathfranpark Wedge Tomb is a striking Bronze Age gallery grave dating to 2500–2000 BC, aligned precisely to the summer solstice sunrise. Set on a plateau overlooking Killala Bay, the monument features massive double-walled orthostats and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic horizon and Ox Mountains. Visitors can explore this free, open-air site and discover the remnants of a dismantled stone circle.
Lacken, mayo
This well-preserved court tomb sits beside historic stone walls and boggy terrain near the village of Lacken. The site serves as the focal point for two marked walking loops that wind through heathland, sand dunes, and Atlantic views.
Castlebar, mayo
Rehins Wood offers a tranquil escape into 33 hectares of ancient hazel and birch woodland just north of Castlebar. Walk the easy 1.8km loop, spot rare lungwort lichen, and connect seamlessly to the Great Western Greenway for a perfect day out in County Mayo.
Delphi Valley, mayo
Wild mountain streams tumble through the Delphi Valley, yet a luxury adventure resort greets visitors at the river’s edge with five-star comforts. The river’s named pools lure experienced fly anglers, while its remote, crystal-clear waters remain untouched by traffic, offering a rare blend of pristine wilderness and refined hospitality.
mayo
The River Erriff cuts a dramatic 16-kilometre glacial valley through County Mayo before plunging over Aasleagh Falls into Killary Harbour. Once impacted by salmon farming, the river has recovered to support healthy runs of Atlantic salmon and sea trout, making it a premier destination for fly-fishing, kayaking, and walking.
Ballina, mayo
The River Moy winds 120 km from the Ox Mountains to Killala Bay, offering world-class salmon fishing, peaceful greenway walks and a rich layering of local history. From Ballina's Victorian waterfront to quiet woodland trails, it's a landscape that rewards slow exploration.
South County Mayo, mayo
Ireland’s largest tributary to Lough Mask winds through peatlands and market towns across south Mayo. Discover why anglers and walkers are drawn to its clear, fast-moving waters and historic banks.
Newport, mayo
Perched on a tidal inlet near Newport, Rockfleet Castle served as Grace O’Malley’s strategic maritime base. Today, a safe metal walkway leads visitors to the 18-metre tower house, offering close-up history and panoramic views over Clew Bay’s drumlins.
Roonagh Quay, mayo
Step onto Roonagh Pier for a front-row seat to Clew Bay’s dramatic coastline, with Croagh Patrick and Achill Island framing the horizon. This historic ferry terminal is your direct gateway to Clare Island and Inishturk, combining maritime heritage with practical island access.
Rosmoney, mayo
The home of Mayo Sailing Club and a key departure point for water sports in Clew Bay, Rosmoney Pier offers a sheltered harbour with visitor moorings, a refurbished slipway, and direct rib transfers to Collanmore Island for kayaking and SUP.
Mulranny, mayo
Discover how thirty local farmers and volunteers transformed a fragile, eroding coastline into an award-winning ecological haven. Rosmurrevagh Machair offers flat, accessible walks across a globally rare sand-plain, with rich birdlife, spring orchids and a living lesson in community-led conservation.
7 km north of Ballina, mayo
Rosserk Friary stands on the bank of the River Moy 7 km north of Ballina, founded around 1440 for the Franciscan Third Order and burned in 1590 on Sir Richard Bingham's orders. The walls came through intact, including a carved west doorway and a rare double piscina. Entry is free.
Rossport, mayo
Discover Rossport, a windswept Gaeltacht village on the shores of Broadhaven Bay. Walk a 10km coastal trail past a Neolithic court tomb and a 19th-century pier, or delve into the village’s role in Ireland’s environmental history through the story of the Rossport Five.
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Low tide reveals the rusted foundations of a 1900s whaling station on Rusheen Island, a tidal islet off Inishkea South. Step back in time among weathered stone piers and coastal folklore, while keeping watch for grey seals and peregrine falcons.
mayo
Standing at 772 m, Barrclashcame is the third-highest summit in County Mayo, offering a rare plateau of 360° panoramas. The surrounding Sheeffry range cradles glacial lakes and provides well-marked routes for hikers and cyclists seeking remote mountain solitude.
Mayo, mayo
With its vast, cloud-swept horizons and absolute solitude, Sheskin Forest is known as Ireland's big sky country. This remote 25 km trail follows the Western Way past the haunting ruins of Sheskin Lodge and deep into North Mayo's blanket bogs.
Slieve Carr, mayo
Rising 721m above the wild heart of County Mayo, Slieve Carr is Ireland's most isolated mainland summit. Walkers can explore ancient burial cairns, reflective mountain lakes and rugged bogland along the historic Bangor Trail in this untouched wilderness.
Achill Island, mayo
Booley families kept the Deserted Village alive long after the famine, using its stone cottages as seasonal cattle-grazing shelters. Their legacy endures on the southern slope of Slievemore, where the haunting ruins overlook sweeping coastal panoramas.
Achill Island, mayo
Perched on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain, this historic cemetery holds the quiet legacy of Achill’s pre-Famine families. Step among the moss-covered headstones, take in sweeping Atlantic vistas, and walk straight into the adjacent Deserted Village, where 80 ruined stone cottages tell the story of Ireland’s last booleying community.
Sruwaddacon Bay, mayo
Sruwaddacon Bay is a greyhound-shaped tidal estuary in the Erris Gaeltacht of north Mayo, an EU-protected habitat for salmon, dolphins and breeding seabirds. Its name means 'stream of the long hound', the tide runs hard at its mouth, and an 18th-century drowning ballad, Liam Ó Raghallaigh, still ties the place to local memory.
Ballina, mayo
St Muiredach’s Cathedral rises above the River Moy in Ballina, its limestone cruciform shape and Victorian spire marking centuries of faith in North Mayo. Step inside to find a flood of coloured light from historic stained glass, while just a short walk away, Augustinian abbey ruins and a replica high cross connect visitors to the town’s early Christian roots.
Off Benwee Head, mayo
The Stags of Broadhaven rise nearly 100 metres from the Atlantic, forming a remote archipelago accessible only by water. Kayakers and divers navigate the natural tunnels and sheltered coves, while the islands' SPA status protects Ireland's only breeding colony of Leach's Storm Petrels.
Killerduff, mayo
Perched on a dramatic headland above Bunatrahir Bay, Stella Maris Heritage Centre blends maritime history with modern coastal comfort. This former coast guard headquarters and Sisters of Mercy residence now offers boutique rooms, a relaxed lounge, and direct access to rugged Mayo walking trails.
Straide, mayo
Straide is a compact Mayo village where 19th-century land reform, medieval monastic life and Bronze Age archaeology converge. Follow the River Moy, explore the Michael Davitt Memorial Museum, and wander among the quiet ruins of Straide Abbey.
Cong, mayo
Step off the Wild Atlantic Way into The Neale, a quiet limestone plateau village where 19th-century tenant resistance coined the word 'boycott'. Wander past eccentric estate follies like a 30-foot stepped pyramid and an unfinished Doric temple, all linked by a self-guided heritage walk through the Joyce Country Geopark.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre, mayo
Step onto the raised boardwalk of the Tóchar Daithí Bán trail and leave the car park behind for a quiet immersion into Wild Nephin National Park. This easy 2km loop features interpretive panels, a seasonal dipping pond, and a gentle climb to Cleary’s Hill, offering sweeping vistas of Achill Island and the Atlantic blanket bog.
Tourmakeady, mayo
Tourmakeady is the one Irish-speaking village in south Mayo, sitting between Lough Mask and the Partry Mountains. Its Millennium Forest hides a multi-step waterfall reached by an easy loop walk from the community centre, and Lough Mask draws anglers for some of the best wild brown trout fishing in the country.
Tourmakeady, mayo
Tourmakeady Waterfall drops over stepped rocks into a quiet pool surrounded by oaks, ash and seasonal bluebells. Set within a millennium forest on the shores of Lough Mask, it offers a peaceful, free-access walk with clear waymarking and nearby village amenities.
Turlough, mayo
Turlough offers a compact heritage experience in County Mayo, anchored by a remarkably small 12th-century round tower and the free National Museum of Ireland, Country Life. Explore award-winning gardens, wander the Great Western Greenway, and step into everyday Irish life from the 19th century.
Castlebar, mayo
Turlough Park houses the only National Museum of Ireland branch outside Dublin, showcasing rural life from the 19th and 20th centuries. Set within a restored Victorian estate, the site offers free entry, accessible grounds, and 30 acres of formal gardens, woodland trails, and an ornamental lake.
galway
The Western Way traces a rugged, atmospheric route across the Irish west, linking Lough Corrib to the Atlantic coast. Walkers cross quartzite peaks, traverse ancient pilgrimage passes and follow quiet forest tracks through some of Connemara and Mayo’s most remote landscapes.
Westport, mayo
Westport’s tree-lined Malls, colourful shopfronts and active quay make it one of Ireland’s most livable coastal towns. With Westport House, daily boat cruises to 365 islands, and a traffic-free greenway stretching to Achill, it serves as a practical and scenic base for exploring Mayo’s west coast.
Westport, mayo
Built on the ruins of Grace O’Malley’s castle, Westport House blends aristocratic history with modern family entertainment. Wander through 30 furnished rooms, tackle Ireland’s longest zip-line in the pirate adventure park, or stroll the 400-acre demesne with Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay as your backdrop.
Mayo, mayo
Stretching from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s premier coastal touring brand. Mayo’s 543 km section delivers sheer sea cliffs, sheltered bays and world-heritage archaeology along a flexible, self-paced route.
mayo
Wild Nephin National Park spans 15,000 hectares of untouched Atlantic bog, dramatic mountains and a wild coastline. Visitors can follow accessible boardwalks, spot rare upland birds, and stargaze under a Gold-Tier dark-sky designation.
