Croagh Patrick:
Dominantly referred to as the “Holy Mountain” in Ireland, the place is of great spiritual meaning and hosts the most popular pilgrimage, especially on “Reek Sunday.” From the mountain, the activity that tests hiking activity and panoramic view towards Clew Bay is attractive to the locals, as it is said that St. Patrick drove out snakes.
Achill Island:
Linked by bridge to the mainland, this is Ireland’s largest island and has very good accessibility for visiting people. The island does host some scenic cliffs, wonderful beaches, and rough terrains suitable for different outdoor activities – hiking, cycling, and water sports activities. The highlights include the very beautiful Keem Bay and the sandy beach folded between cliffs.
Ceide Fields:
The largest Neolithic site in the world, with field systems conserved under the bogland for over 5,000 years. It offers visiting explanations, from exhibitions to know this place, to guided tours that explore this fascinating window opened on ancient human settlement.
Humanize:
National Museum of Ireland: Country Life. Located just outside Castlebar, the museum presents collections of national folklife, reflecting the way people lived in Ireland in days gone by. The collection includes clothes, tools, and home implements from the
Ballintubber Abbey:
Founded in 1216 by King Cathal Crovdearg O’Connor, this is the most unusual monastic abbey since it is in continuous use for 800 years, even when the religious house was suppressed during reformation. In more modern times, the abbey has a visitor center and holds a very popular traditional candlelit Christmas Eve mass.
Mayo Dark Sky Park:
It is one of the identified Gold Tier Dark Sky Parks in the whole of Ireland, identified accordingly. From here, a person can enjoy some of the darkest skies, which are thereby perfect for viewing the skies. It provides educational programs and public viewings surrounding the Mayo Dark Sky Festival, particularly in and around the immediate area of the Ballycroy National Park and Wild Nephin Wilderness.
Murrisk Abbey:
Murrisk Abbey ruins date back to 1457 and are located at the foot of Croagh Patrick. The area offers peace to ponder one of the most intense pilgrimage histories while one enjoys the beautiful view that extends over Clew Bay.
Foxford Woollen Mills:
The birth of Foxford Woollen Mills was given by the founder, Sister Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, in 1892. It still ranks among the working mills of Ireland. The mill has a visitor center on its premises that even offers fully guided tours so the visitors can witness the making of traditional Irish woolen products. Besides, the mill has a shopping outlet for blankets, scarves, and many other woolen products.
The Great Western Greenway:
This is Ireland’s longest off-road walking and cycling trail, measuring 42 kilometers between Westport and Achill, following the route of the former Westport to Achill railway line. “With the Greenway running parallel to the Atlantic Coast, looking down on breathtaking views over Clew Bay and the interior, really is the ideal way to see the best of Mayo.
Each attraction bears the very special charm and historical importance that adds even greater meaning to County Mayo, making it one of the richly rewarding places for those interested in the tapestry of Ireland’s natural and cultural landscape.