History

5,000 years ago, Mayo basked in glorious sunshine as early settlers established themselves. Today, remains of those first colonists, the original tourists, are still visible. The area is rich in archaeological treasures and ancient monuments - standing stones, fulachta fiadh (Bronze Age cooking sites), ring forts and more. A rugged terrain and relative isolation leave many in better condition than in intensively farmed areas.

There are two internationally significant sites of pilgrimage within County Mayo. One is the Marian Shrine at Knock in the east of the county which is a mecca for pilgrims from all over the world and was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979. The other is Croagh Patrick, the holy mountain named for Irelands Patron Saint, located further south, just outside Westport. The Reek as it is known locally has been a pilgrimage destination for many thousands of years since before the dawn of Christianity. It is climbed regularly by pilgrims (some barefoot), especially on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday in July when thousands of pilgrims attempt the steep ascent.

Ruined Abbeys, Friaries and Churches are dotted all over the county, indicating the significance of the area in early Christian days. North Mayo and Croagh Patrick in particular have strong associations with St. Patrick.