County Mayo – Places to see and things to do on Ireland’s west coast

County Mayo, located on the west coast of Ireland, is one of the most historic and scenic parts of the country. It is one of the largest counties by area, covering approximately 5,600 square kilometers.

Mayo is home to Ireland’s largest island, Achill island, as well as containing a large proportion of the islands off the country. With it’s rugged coastline, sandy beaches, mountains, lakes and bogs, Mayo is one of the most diverse geographies on the island of Ireland.

Also located within the county is Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest pilgrimage mountain closely related to St. Patrick’s missions in Ireland.

Visitors to Mayo can also expect to find:

• Fishing: The county has many lakes, with Lough Mask, Lough Corrib, and Lough Conn being the largest. The River Moy is renowned for salmon fishing.
• Prehistoric Sites: Mayo has a rich archaeological heritage with ancient monuments like the Céide Fields, one of the oldest known field systems in the world, dating back to the Neolithic period.
• Medieval History: The county has several historical sites such as Ballintubber Abbey, founded in 1216, and the National Museum of Country Life located near Castlebar.
• Famine History: Mayo was heavily affected by the Great Famine of the 1840s. Many famine memorials and deserted villages, like Doo Lough Valley, serve as reminders of this tragic period.
• Irish Language: There are Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas in Mayo, particularly around Achill Island and the Belmullet region, where the Irish language and traditional customs are preserved.
• Folklore: Mayo is steeped in folklore and storytelling, with many legends, such as those surrounding the pirate queen Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Mhaol), who commanded the seas in the 16th century.
• Events and Festivals: Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival: A well-known annual event attracting musicians and fans from around the world. Ballina Salmon Festival: One of Ireland’s longest-running festivals, celebrating the fishing heritage of the area.
• National Parks and Trails: Mayo is home to Ballycroy National Park, one of the six national parks in Ireland, and the Great Western Greenway, a 42-kilometer trail from Westport to Achill, ideal for walking and cycling.