Mayo is the third largest county in
Ireland (after Cork and Galway) and it is located in the very west
of the country within the province of Connaught. Despite its large
size in area, and a healthy population of 124,000 residents, the
county is actually the second least densely populated county on the
island. Whilst some areas are fairly remote, a large portion of the
county is now easily accessible by road, rail or air (via Ireland
West’s international airport at Knock, located near to Ireland’s
foremost Christian shrine). This, plus the fact that Mayo is one of
the most scenic counties in Ireland, makes the locality an
attractive proposition for a truly Irish rural home. However, the
county’s administrators are keen to limit over-development, so
planning permissions for new houses follows strictly controlled
procedures.
Holiday Home Mayo
The largest towns are Castlebar and Ballina with about 10,000
residents apiece. Castlebar is the administrative headquarters for
the county straddling the N5 primary route westwards, whilst Ballina
is situated on the River Moy and is renowned for attracting salmon
fishermen from around the globe. Westport is a very popular tourist
town of around 5,000 permanent dwellers living next to Clew Bay and
overlooked by the religiously sacred mountain of Croagh Patrick.
Another popular destination is the scenery of Achill Island which
can be accessed by car via Achill Sound Bridge. Conversely, Clare
Island can only be reached by regular small ferries for foot
passengers which depart from Roonah Quay near to the town of
Louisburgh. The village of Cong in the south of County Mayo was used
as the backdrop for the film The Quiet Man featuring John Wayne, as
were the magnificent grounds of the imposing Ashford Castle right
next door to Cong.
Matt Molloy's Pub - Westport
It is not surprising that Matt Molloy's Bar overflows all year with
visitors - from the bewitched to the baffled - from all four
continents. Thousands more who haven't made it to the door, have
bought the CD, Music from Matt Molloy's, produced by Real World
records. What is surprising is that the pub manages to keep the
sense of intimacy which is vital for the music to flourish. Knowing
that traditional musicians, like starlings, prefer cosy nooks and
crannies, Matt has purposely kept the pub small, so that they can
congregate - as they do, from all 32 counties - to enjoy a pint and
a tune. If he's not on tour Matt joins in the session, and if you
have been dazzled by his flute playing with The Chieftains, you can
sit down here for the price of a pint and hear the same music more
electrifyingly pure, more hair-raisingly personal. The magnet at
Molloy's is the atmosphere. Generated by the presence of Matt and
Geraldine themselves, disseminated by their fascinating staff, it
builds up with each repeated reel set, packing in the crowds, the
famous and the obscure pressed chest to chest like pilchards, until
the music is borne aloft - as it authentically should be - by a
steam train of conviviality. Authenticity is the last of the world's
hard currencies; Molloy's is coining it.
Holiday Home Rental Mayo
Céide Fields
Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the
most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field
systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone walled
fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years
old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural
blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Visitor
Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for
architecture. It is located beside some of the most spectacular
cliffs and rock formations in Ireland and a viewing platform is
positioned on the edge of the 110m high cliff. Visitors are advised
to wear weather protective clothing and footwear suitable for
walking on uneven terrain.
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Cottages Mayo
Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre
Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre was opened in May 1992. It
tells the story of a remarkable nun, Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard
(1842-1932), who founded the Foxford Woollen Mills in 1892 and
transformed the town and district. She made Foxford synonymous
throughout the world with high quality tweeds, rugs and blankets.
The story is told in the centre using an ingenious three-dimensional
audio-visual presentation incorporating animated life-size models
(including 'talking people') in authentic settings. The narrator is
Mayo-born actor Michael Lally (of RTE 'Glenroe' fame). Following
'The Foxford Story', visitors are taken on a guided tour of the
working woollen mills, where skilled craftspeople can be seen at
work. Other facilities include a shop, restaurant, art gallery,
exhibition centre, bureau-de-change and ample carparking facilities.
Turlough Park
Turlough Park is a small demesne in the parish of Turlough. In the
mid 19th century the Fitzgerald Family commissioned the
distinguished Architect Sir Thomas Newenham Deane to design the
house which was built in 1865. A splendid landscaping scheme was
implemented to compliment the design. The features of Turlough Park
Victorian Gardens include terraces, a manmade lake and islands. The
main focal point from the front of the house is an ornamental
freestanding glasshouse. A central path to the rockery is flanked by
formal flower beds, surrounded by paths and lawns. A conservatory,
which is curvilinear lean-to, on the stable wall is an interesting
period piece and indications are that it may be a Richard Turner.
Inishturk
Rich in archaeological sites. Great to explore. Inishturk, which
translates as ‘Island of the Wild Boar’, is a beautiful island
located off the west coast of Mayo. It lies between the islands of
Inishbofin and Clare Island. Rising boldly from the wild north
Atlantic, with wall-like cliffs to the north west and steep hills to
the north, the ruins of the old Napoleonic Signal Tower stand 209
meters above sea level. Inhabited on and off since 4000 BC, the
island is rich in archaeological sites and its rugged pathways and
lesser-known trails offer hill-walkers plenty of opportunities to
explore. Exotic deep sea diving and boat trips to the neighbouring
islands are only a chat away and can be organised by the boatmen. On
the eastern side on Inishturk are the secluded Tranaun and Curran
beaches, with fantastic clear blue waters, ideal picnic and swimming
spots after a hike.Watch the sun go down on what locals claim to be
the best views in Europe! For the full island experience, round the
day off with a pint of porter and an hour or two of set dancing in
the island's lively community centre.
Kiltimagh - The Artisan Village
Kiltimagh, the Artisan Village and birthplace of Rafteiri the blind
Irish poet, lies in the very heart of the West of Ireland. Much of
its bygone charm as a bustling market town is still evident in the
architectural outline of the town, the Market Square and the shop
facades. The trades and crafts of the many artisans once found there
are being revived to provide a living, historical experience. Among
the many interesting attractions to visit in Kiltimagh are: The Town
Museum, the Stationmaster's House Arts Exhibition Centre and the
Sculpture Park, all to be found in the grounds of the tastefully
restored old railway station, and well worth a visit.
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Ireland
Mayo North Heritage Centre & Enniscoe Gardens
Mayo North Heritage Centre, agricultural and household Museum and
ornamental Garden.The Mayo North Heritage Centre is enclosed by
woodland on the shores of Lough Conn. We are the genealogy centre
for people of North Mayo looking to research their family history.
This Centre is a founder member of the Irish Family History
Foundation, and is part of the national network of family history
research centres. We have a Museum with household and agricultural
machinery. The reception area has a shop with many items exclusive
to us. Antique and contemporary collectables, linen and lace, and
many other attractive and unusual items are to be found there, and
also featuring the work of local potter, Kay Ellen. Visit our
working blacksmith in the forge, or just sit back and enjoy a snack
in our tearoom overlooking the Victorian Walled Garden. There is
also an organic vegetable garden and pleasure grounds extending to
the shores of Lough Conn. The Walled Garden dates back to the 18th
century, but the present focus of the garden is on the late
Victorian period with plants of that era, and on the architectural
features which have been restored under the Great Gardens of Ireland
restoration programme. A feature of the garden is the rustic stone
archway planted with hardy ferns and the long rockery.
Ballycroy National Park
Ballycroy National Park, was established in November 1998 and
consists of c.11,779 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog in the
Owenduff/Nephin Beg area of North West Mayo. It is is one of the
largest expanses of peatland in Europe providing a unique habitat
and a wide selection of flora and fauna. The scenery and wilderness
qualities of this area are outstanding. The area of the proposed
National Park is a candidate Special Area of Conservation and it is
proposed to develop a Visitor Centre there in the near future.
Knock Museum
Knock Museum captures the unique story of the Knock Apparition of
1879. The exhibition places all people connected with Knock, from
the witnesses to present day pilgrims, at the centre of the story.
Msgr. James Horan, cures wrought at Knock, pilgrim stories, the
Knock Shrine Society of volunteers, are just some of the themes
included. The Apparition is also placed in context of life in 1879
from living in the thatched cottage to working in the forge.
Granuaile Visitor Centre
The maritime exploits of the O'Malleys and O'Flahertys have become
the stuff of legend. The pirate queen, Granuaile, or Grace O'Malley
(1530-1600), is associated with the west of Ireland, particularly
with the western coastline around Clew Bay. She lived in the
turbulent times which saw the death throes of Gaelic Ireland and
witnessed Elizabeth I of England's plantation policy take permanent
effect on the country's laws and customs. She battled against the
English, and ruled the Baronies of Burrishoole and Murrisk around
Clew Bay in County Mayo. Her exploits at sea are legendary and are
recounted in Elizabethan state papers.
Lough Mask
Lough Mask is a large limestone lough of 22,000 acres in area and,
along with Lough Corrib, is one of the best-known brown trout
fisheries in Ireland. The lough produces good catches to wetfly from
about mid April, and it continues to produce more trout with every
season. The vast waters of Lough Mask, in County Mayo, contain some
of Ireland's largest brown trout. Here, the May fly season is world
famous and a week 'on the dap' is never easily forgotten. These
waters, although noted internationally as game fisheries, provide
some pike and perch fishing for the coarse angler.
Towns and Villages in County Mayo
Other towns not to be overlooked include Balla, Ballindine,
Ballinrobe, Ballycastle, Ballyhaunis, Bangor Erris, Belmullet,
Charlestown-Bellahy, Claremorris, Crossmolina, Foxford, Keel-Dooagh
(on Achill Island), Killala (with views of Killala Bay), Kilkelly,
Kilmaine, Kiltimagh, Newport, Shrule and Swinford.
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