Mayo County

Itineraries

Mix the natural beauty of County Mayo with its historical sites and local, lively culture. To fit some of the most interesting and memorable experiences in the county—all into one short visit, or a longer stay designed to allow you to sample the best of what County Mayo can offer.

One-Day Discover Mayo Itinerary:

  • Morning: Wake up to the day on the edge of Castlebar at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life. It provides a really good impression of Irish traditional life with its huge exhibits and interactive screens.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Castlebar, sampling traditional Irish fare at a local pub or café.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ceide Fields, where you can explore this mysterious Neolithic landscape, also with visitor center. Experience how people farmed in ancient times and see some of the oldest field systems in the world.
  • Evening: Drive to Westport for dinner. This town sports charming dining spots around Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.

Weekend Getaway in Mayo:

  • Day 1: Follow the One-Day Discover Mayo itinerary.
  • Day 2:
    • Morning: Climb Croagh Patrick for breathtaking views over Clew Bay—known for its association with Saint Patrick.
    • Lunch: After descending, enjoy lunch in the nearby village of Murrisk.
    • Afternoon: Drive along one of the scenic routes to Achill Island, then savor some of its beautiful beaches, including Keem Bay, and its dramatic cliffs, such as Croaghaun.
    • Evening: Return to Westport for an evening of live traditional music in one of its lively pubs.

Five-Day Mayo Explorer Itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Follow the Weekend Getaway in Mayo itinerary.
  • Day 3:
    • Morning: Visit Ballintubber Abbey, an active religious site continuously used for worship since its foundation in 1216.
    • Afternoon: Explore the historic town of Ballinrobe and the picturesque ruins of Moore Hall.
    • Evening: Stay in Ballinrobe or head to Claremorris for dinner and accommodations.
  • Day 4:
    • Morning: Spend the morning fishing or boating on Lough Mask or Lough Corrib.
    • Afternoon: Visit the Cong Abbey ruins and the Quiet Man Museum, dedicated to the classic film shot in the area.
    • Evening: Enjoy fine dining in Cong, renowned for its luxury accommodations and exquisite restaurants.
  • Day 5:
    • Morning: Drive to the north Mayo coast and visit Downpatrick Head to see the stunning sea stack Dún Briste.
    • Afternoon: Visit Foxford Woollen Mills for a guided tour and, of course, shopping for their handwoven Irish goods.
    • Evening: End your day back in Ballina, either enjoying the nightlife and buzz of the night, or another pleasant evening walk along the River Moy.

These itineraries offer very structured, albeit quite flexible, schedules in experiencing the very best from County Mayo that would have its historical explorations, cultural engagements, and outdoor adventures guaranteed in offering nothing short of the best. It’s the county where you can do it all: hike on sacred mountains, laze in quirky, quaint towns, and spill ancient history—all while keeping yourself steeped in a rich, diverse Irish experience.