Louisburgh is a beautiful small market town that retains many 18th century features in style and scale. Louisburgh village is a great location for discovering Mayo, the Wild Atlantic Way and Connemara. It is an area of immense natural beauty with Croagh Patrick to the east, the Atlantic to the west, the Sheaffrey and Mweelrea Mountains to the south and Clew Bay to the north.
The Louisburgh area boasts a number of beautiful beaches. Some of these are top surf beaches along the west coast of Ireland. Silver strand beach, about 15 min drive from the village, is a stunning expanse of beach. Located at the end of a narrow road, you will feel like to are driving to the middle of nowhere, when this hidden gem appears.
If you are looking for some great Irish Music, the pubs in Louisburg are renowned for their talented musicians. Féile Chois Cuain is an annual festival which celebrates this cultural heritage and it has a well-deserved reputation as one of Ireland’s premier traditional arts festivals. It is a magical weekend of music, song and dance which takes place ever May Bank Holiday. If you rent a a holiday cottage in the Louisburgh area you have a great centre for exploring the West of Ireland
The small Tourist Office in the village is a great place to find out what to do and see in the area but also goes through the history of Granuaile – Pirate Queen of Connaught, and is worth the visit.
The Bunowen River rises in the Sheefry Hills in south Mayo, and flows though peatland and rough pasture to the sea at Louisburgh, near the mouth of Clew Bay. Although this is a spate river, there are some deep pools providing excellent lies for salmon and sea trout. Permits are available from Durkan’s Gala Shop in Louisburgh.
Croagh Patrick is almost on your doorstep when you visit Louisburgh, and several hundred people climb it daily during the summer months. On the last Sunday in July (“Reek Sunday”) upwards of 25,000 pilgrims make the ascent. A rewarding panoramic view of Clew Bay dotted with its 365 islands makes the experience worthwhile after such a strenuous climb if the clouds lift. Enjoy at pint in Campbells pub at the base as well done to yourself.
The market town of Westport is approx 14 miles north of Louisburgh. This is a great shopping town or make a day of it and visit Westport house. Leenane village, just 20 mins away, is located on the boarder of Mayo/Galway and is the gateway to Connemara. It is located on Irelands only fjord and is stunning location where the mountains run right down to the sea. The stunning drive from Louisburg to Leenane takes you through the Doolough Valley which is steeped in history. For a day trip you can take a ferry to either Inishturk or Clare island and immerse yourself in island life.
