Mayo is a county in the middle of the west coast of Ireland . It is bounded on the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean; to the south by County Galway; the east by County Roscommon; and the northeast by County Sligo. Mayo is the third-largest of Ireland’s 32 counties in area.

There is a huge variety of landscapes in County Mayo, from the lakes in the east to the Atlantic coast with its beaches and cliffs in the west..

  • The highest point in Mayo (and Connacht) is Mweelrea, at 814 m (2,671 ft) but the most widely known and recognised mountain is Croagh Patrick. This mountain is a favourite climb and there is an annual day of  pilgrimage to the top when thousands climb it.  This is usually the last sunday in July and there is a lot of people and a great atmoshphere.  Make sure to bring a drink as it gets very expensive at the top!
  • Ireland’s largest island, Achill Island, lies off Mayo’s west coast. You can drive to it over a bridge. The Island also has some of the most attractive beaches on the West Coast.
  • Mayo has Ireland’s highest cliffs at Croaghaun, Achill Island, while the Benwee Head cliffs in Kilcommon Erris drop almost perpendicularly 900 feet (270 m) into the Atlantic Ocean. A great spot for watching seabirds, seals, whales and dolphins.
  • The Great Western Greenway is a greenway rail trail in County Mayo, Ireland. It is 42 kilometres long and begins in Westport and ends in Achill, passing through the towns of Newport and Mulranny as it runs along the coast of Clew Bay. It is an off-road trail intended for use by cyclists and walkers. It is the longest off road trail in the country.

 

  • The River Moy in the northeast of the county is renowned for its salmon fishing. The river Moy has more salmon running its system than the whole of Scotland. The Ridge Pool in Ballina is possibly the most productive salmon fishery in Ireland . Brown trout enthusiasts will have to make do with Lough Cara, Lough Mask and Lough Corrib. The largest and best wild brown trout lakes in Europe.
  • The northwest areas of County Mayo have some of the best renewable energy resources in Europe, if not the world, in terms of wind resources, ocean wave, tidal and hydroelectric resources.

Some Useful Links

The Great Western Greenway  26km cycling and walking trail from Westport to Achill.
River Moy Salmon Fishery  One of the top Salmon fisheries in ireland.
Lough Mask Fishery a huge and productive trout lough.
Whale Watching Achill Lots of sea creatures can be seen on the west side of Achill
Hill Walking in Mayo There are endless walks where ever you are, here is a guide to get you started.