County Mayo is one of the least tourist-developed counties in the west of Ireland, despite having some of its most dramatic landscapes. The Atlantic coastline north of Galway takes in Achill Island — Ireland's largest island, connected by bridge — the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, the sea-stack headland of Downpatrick Head and the oldest known field system in the world at Céide Fields.
Westport is the natural base: a well-organised Georgian market town at the foot of Croagh Patrick with a good range of accommodation and restaurants. The town sits at the top of Clew Bay, which contains 365 islands — one for each day of the year, according to local tradition. Croagh Patrick is visible from almost everywhere in the bay, its quartzite summit catching the light above the water.
The Great Western Greenway — a 42 km off-road cycling trail from Westport to Achill Sound along a disused railway — is one of the best cycling routes in Ireland. It passes through Atlantic bogland with Clew Bay views the whole way, and bikes can be hired in Westport and Achill Sound.
Suggested itinerary
Westport + Croagh Patrick
Arrive in Westport — one of Ireland's most enjoyable small towns. The tree-lined mall, the quay and Matt Molloy's pub make a great evening. Croagh Patrick is best climbed in the early morning for the clearest views: the quartzite path takes 2.5–3 hours return from Murrisk car park. Westport has a good range of restaurants for the evening.
Achill Island
45 min from WestportAchill Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. Drive to Keem Beach at the western tip — the clifftop road is one of the most spectacular short drives in Ireland, but arrive early in summer as the car park fills fast. Slievemore Deserted Village on the hillside above Keel is a hauntingly preserved Famine-era settlement. The Atlantic Drive loop around the island takes 2–3 hours with stops.
North Mayo — Downpatrick Head + Céide Fields
1 hr from AchillDownpatrick Head is a dramatic Atlantic headland with Dún Briste — a 45m sea stack that detached from the cliff during a storm in 1393. Céide Fields is 30 minutes east: the oldest known enclosed field system in the world, 5,500-year-old Neolithic walls preserved under 4m of north Mayo bogland. Return to Westport or continue to Sligo or Galway.
Highlights
- Achill Island — Ireland's largest island, connected by bridge; Keem Beach in a horseshoe bay at the western tip is one of Ireland's finest beaches
- Croagh Patrick — Ireland's holiest mountain (764m); 25,000 pilgrims climb it barefoot on Reek Sunday (last Sunday of July); Clew Bay views are extraordinary on a clear day
- Downpatrick Head — dramatic Atlantic headland with Dún Briste, a 45m sea stack that detached from the cliff during a storm in 1393
- Céide Fields — the oldest known enclosed field system in the world; 5,500-year-old Neolithic walls preserved under 4m of north Mayo bogland
- Great Western Greenway — 42 km off-road cycling trail from Westport to Achill Sound through Atlantic bog; bikes available to hire at both ends
- Slievemore Deserted Village (Achill) — a hauntingly preserved Famine-era stone village on the hillside above Keel; one of the most evocative sites in Mayo
Attractions in this guide
Local tips
- →Westport is one of Ireland's most enjoyable small towns — the tree-lined mall, the quay and Matt Molloy's pub (owned by The Chieftains flautist) make a great evening
- →The road to Keem Beach on Achill Island is one-way and very narrow in summer — arrive before 9am to avoid queues or walk down from the Atlantic Drive road above
- →Croagh Patrick is best climbed in early morning for the clearest views and to avoid afternoon crowds; the descent on loose quartzite is harder than the ascent
- →Book accommodation on Achill Island well in advance for July and August — capacity is very limited and it fills completely
- →The Great Western Greenway can be cycled as a one-way ride from Westport to Achill — shuttle services bring bikes and riders back to the start
- →Céide Fields visitor centre is worth the extra 15 minutes from the coastal road — the scale of the Neolithic landscape only makes sense with a guide
Ready to go?
Plan your Mayo trip
Best time to visit
May – September (Achill is accessible year-round; Croagh Patrick is most popular July–August)
Getting there
Fly into Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), 30 minutes from Westport. Westport is served by rail from Dublin (3.5 hrs, Westport line) — one of Ireland's most scenic train journeys. A car is needed for Achill Island, Downpatrick Head and Céide Fields.
Region
Mayo · Ireland
Attractions covered
5 in this guide
