County Mayo

Here’s an invitation! Come to County Mayo on the spectacular Atlantic west coast of Ireland for the holiday of a lifetime!

Mayo is the Ireland you’ve been looking for. Packed full of jostling pubs with traditional music, charming towns and villages, long deserted sandy beaches and magnificent cliffs. And of course, smiling faces with the gift of the gab.

It’s not a relic of the 1950’s though, Mayo is as modern as you want it to be with the best of accommodation, eating choices and activities.

Towns

Irish towns, in the west at any rate, are still market towns and shopping towns. They serve a large hinterland, drawing weekly shoppers and small farmers selling stock from miles around. And those looking for the social life too of course, the pubs are still an essential meeting place for locals and visitors alike. It’s no wonder people say a week in the west of Ireland is like letting a refreshing wave wash right through your body - wonderful.

The three main towns are Castlebar (the county town), Ballina and Westport each of which has an excellent accommodation base and plenty of entertainment options. Smaller towns and little villages are scattered throughout the county and almost all have small hotels or the traditional Bed & Breakfasts where visitors are welcomed into family homes.

History

Mayo has a wonderfully rich history, much of which is still visible in the landscape. There are hundreds of archaeological sites dotted all over the county, many open to the public free of charge. The modern Museum of Country Life, just outside Castlebar houses the folklife collection of the National Museum and brings you right back in time. Entry is free of charge. The new Clew Bay Archaeological Trail is a driving trail around South Mayo bringing you to an eclectic range of ancient treasures (guide books available at tourist offices). Discover 5,000 years of habitation at Céide Fields in North Mayo or choose some of the many local visitor centres.

Landscape

Scenery created for artists with a perfect palette, timeless and uncrowded! That describes Mayo’s varied landscapes perfectly. A long coastline with superb safe beaches - 13 of which are of EU Blue Flag standard - contrasts with all the drama of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Ballycastle. Romantic islands include Clare Island, historical home to Grace O’Malley, the 16th century pirate queen, Inishturk and Achill Island, Irelands largest island, joined to the mainland by a bridge. Croagh Patrick that iconic mountain, its stony pathway trodden by thousands upon thousands of pilgrims over the ages.

Mayo Naturally

Mayo Naturally Ltd. is the organisation responsible for promoting Country Mayo. We hope this web site will serve as an introduction to our unique county and links you to all the information you need. Enjoy your holiday with us - we’re looking forward to meeting you.