Plan a trip to Mayo

With a long and ragged coastline that is part of the Wild Atlantic Way you have many opportunities to partake in many activities and because the terrain in the county is ragged as well, hiking, biking and climbing is a popular pastime. 

The Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road trail in Ireland and follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway line which opened in 1895 and in 1924 became a part of the Great Southern Railway until it closed in 1937.  Today, the station is a hostel.

The mountain Croagh Patrick at 764 meters is aka The Holy Mountain, where it is believed that Ireland’s Patron Saint Patrick fasted 40 days and nights. This makes it a magnet for pilgrims, especially on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday of every July.  From the peak, you can see the ruins of the Murrisk Augustinian Friary, founded in 1457 and you can capture a “Kodak Moment” of the Bay, which the Irish associate with the “Pirate Queen of Ireland”, Grace O'Malley, a heroine from the mid-1500s.  

Throughout Ireland there are countless monuments to commemorate the million people who died during The Great Famine from 1845-1852. In 1997, the government of Ireland commissioned the Irish sculptor John Behand to memorialize this enormous tragedy. Opposite the Holy Mountain and overlooking the Clew Bay, the bronze sculpture called “the Coffin Ship” was unveiled by then President Mary Robinson.

While you’re driving around the county be sure to visit some of the well-known larger towns, such as Castlebar, the largest town in County Mayo, or Westport, very popular for its charm as well as the beautiful Carrowbeg River running through the town and don’t skip Ballina, which is at the mouth of the River Moy close to Killala Bay. Meandering through the county don’t forget to include the small villages between the hills and vales, where you will have the chance to hike, bike and visit museums, dine in local restaurants and enjoy the Irish hospitality and of course traditional music and dances.