County Mayo Tourist Attractions List of sites and attractions in County Mayo

With Ashford Castle's sweeping aspect across Lough Corrib stretched out before you from its shoreline vantage point, it's easy to realise why it's said that time stands still in Ireland. 700 years commanding the water's edge and with the Castle's 350 acres of private woodland it all begins afresh as a new discovery each day.

Rising steeply 2,500 feet above the coast, Croagh Patrick is Ireland's holiest mountain, to which the saint is said to have retreated in penance. The place is biblically imposing. Traditionally, barefoot pilgrims climb it on the last Sunday of July, but in recent years, hundreds of Nike-shod tourists have been making the ascent daily. The view from above can be breathtaking or nonexistent--the summit is often wrapped in clouds, adding to its mystery.

It's never a surprise in Ireland when someone says Westport is his favorite town--it's small and bursting. Someday it might explode into a city, but for now Westport remains a hyperactive town that somehow manages to be as friendly and welcoming as a village.

Ballina, (gaelic Béal an Átha) home of the famous River Moy, is Mayo's largest town. There is a rich variety of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs in the town, which is famous for its hospitality and excellent accommodation base. Among Ballina's key visitor attractions are the ruins of Moyne Abbey, and Rosserk Friary dating back to the 15th century and the impressive St Muredach's Cathedral stands imposingly on the banks of the River Moy.

Bangor Erris (in Irish Beannchar or Baingear) in North Mayo is the gateway to the Erris Peninsula linking Belmullet with Ballina and Westport. It nestles at the foot of the "Bangor Trail" a 22 mile mountain pass across the Nephin Beg Mountain Range to Newport. The historic Ceide Fields Farming Settlement is close by as is a superb Carne 18-hole golf links in Belmullet with magnificent panoramic views of the islands of Inniskea and Innisglora.

On the 21st of August, 1879, Our Lady, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. This Apparition was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. From this miraculous occurence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine. The personal pilgrimage of Pope John Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the Apparition, inspired an even greater devotion to the Shrine and endorsed the indelible seal of Vatican approval. Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June of 1993. One and a half million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually.

Mayo is the 3rd largest county in Ireland and Castlebar (gaelic Caisle?n an Bharraigh) is the county town and also the administrative seat for the county. It is a busy bustling Market Town and is one of the fastest growing towns in the country. Castlebar was originally a garrison town and derives its name from a settlement around the de Barra Castle in the 11th century. A town steeped in history with one of the oldest buildings being Christchurch whose foundation stones were laid in 1739. Since then it has featured in the battles of 1798 and has been the birthplace of many a famous son.

Westport, designated one of Bord Failte's Heritage Towns, is situated in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay. One of the few planned towns in the Country, Westport was designed in the 18th Century by James Wyatt. It has become one of Ireland's established tourism centres, with many outstanding features, most notably the beautiful tree lined boulevard known as The Mall, running parallel to the Carrowbeg River.

Ballinrobe is an ideal centre from which to enjoy walking and cycling tours throughout the South West countryside. Maps and brochures on this, and on other activities are available locally. The modern sports complex in Ballinrobe, with its newly equipped gymnasium is yet another feature that caters for visitors to the town. Saint Mary's Choral Society stages a musical performance annually and several plays by both local and visiting groups are also staged at this venue.

Lying midway between Galway and Sligo on the N17 and nestled in central Connaught, the small town of Claremorris is the hub of the West, in the heart of beautiful Mayo. A beautiful town steeped in history with a totally unspoilt environment and a relaxed way of life. Looking westwards, Croagh Patrick can be seen in the distance, giving the false impression of flatness around Claremorris when, in fact it is an area of rolling drumlins, eskers, woods and impressive lakes.

(6,611 Metres / Par 72) Spectacularly located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with the Twelve Bens Mountains as a background, this is a big hitter's championship course and as challenging as any to be found.

(6,950 Yards / Par 73) Situated on the shores of Clew Bay and set in 260 acres of parkland, Westport offers golfers a memorable challenge. The course commands a wonderful view of Clew Bay and is dominated by the Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. The best known hole on this course is the par 5 fifteenth which reaches 580 yards and features a long carry from the tee over an inlet of Clew Bay. Designed by the noted golf architect Fred Hawtree, who also designed the St. Andrews New Course.

Visitors to the garden can do a self guided tour or we can organise group tours that include a guide. We are located on the Atlantic Drive not far from Achill Sound. The garden opens to the public in March and closes after the August Bank Holiday weekend. Private tours can be arranged between those dates. We charge €8.00 for adult and €5.00 for child admissions but we are offer reduced rates for larger groups and parties. Refreshments in the boat house are always served following the tour and are included in the admission price. These can include fresh teas made from fresh herbs from the garden, regular tea, coffee and something sweet…