Exploring the Area
ATTRACTIONS & RECOMMENDED DAY TRIPS:
Local Sites
CROAGHMOYLE MOUNTAIN
A Natural Heritage Area (www.mountainviews.ie/summit/686/), that is out our front door. You can "climb" to the top by automobile on a paved road for a spectacular view. AA's Route Planner will show you the way.
NEWPORT'S ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH has a magnificent stained glass window "Last Judgement" above the alter, which was the last commission completed by Harry Clarke, Ireland's greatest stained glass artist in 1930 just before his death in 1931.
THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY is the world's longest defined coastal touring route and traverses the entire west coast of Ireland. If you watch for their uniquely designed signs when touring around, it's very difficult to get lost.
To The North
BURRISHOOLE ABBEY is a well-preserved 15th century abbey located on the Lough Furnace estuary overlooking Clew Bay.
www.mulranny.ie/burrishoole-abbey
ROCKFLEET CASTLEis located on Clew Bay a few kilometers west of the abbey. It was once the home of Mayo's pirate queen, Grace O'Malley, also known as Granuaile, who famously confronted Queen Elizabeth I in 1593. It's a wonderful story and worth reading
www.mulranny.ie/rockfleet-castle-carraigahowley-castle-2/
www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grace_O%27Malley
www.ireland-calling.com/granuaile-grace-omalley-meets-queen-elizabeth/.
MULRANNY is a scenic, sea-side village overlooking Croagh Patrick across Clew Bay. It's also a popular holiday destination because it's unique causeway (an elevated boardwalk built in 1889) from the Mulranny Park Hotel over a large salt march leads to a delightful blue flag beach (you can also drive to the beach by automobile).
ACHILL ISLAND is the largest island in Ireland with one of the country's most beautiful coastlines. Ocean Drive circles the southeastern corner of the island where you can visit Grace O'Malley's second fortress, Carrickkildavnet Castle (her third castle is on Clare Island) along the way. There are many sights to see, with Ocean Drive and Keem Strand at the top of the list. Surrounded by cliffs and overlooking a horseshoe-shaped bay, Keem Strand is considered to be one of the most scenic beaches in the world. In summer it frequently plays host to mammoth (and harmless) whale sharks who cruise the bay (bring binoculars). And, don't miss a stop for lunch at the Beehive in Keel, which offers outdoor dining with views of the ocean.
BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK has an interesting visitors centre with a boardwalk across a section of the bog just off N59 north of Mulranny. The park protects 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and the uninhabited wilderness of the Nephin Beg mountain range.
BELMULLET AND THE BELMULLET PENINSULA is a remote Irish-speaking Gaeltacht district with much to see, including Erris Head and its loop walk, Blacksod Bay with its scenic lighthouse, and the Dun na mBo blowhole, which can be quite spectacular during stormy weather.
www.mayo.me/take-the-road-to-dun-na-mbo
CEIDE FIELDS on the northernmost coast of Mayo is the most extensive Neolithic site in Ireland, dating back nearly 6,000 years. The very informative visitor centre has a 4,300 year-old pine tree excavated from the surrounding bog as its centerpiece, and the lookout tower on the roof provides views of the ocean, Downpatrick Head and the mountains of Co. Sligo. Then, a viewing platform directly across the road lets you watch sea birds flying around the 100-metre cliffs.
www.museumsofmayo.com/ceide-fields/history.html
DOWNPATRICK HEAD and its offshore sea stack Dun Bristeis an incredible natural phenomenon and a testament to the power of the sea. Because the stack is safe from land-based predators, it hosts many nesting bird species, including puffins, kittiwakes and black backed gulls (remember those binoculars?). And don't miss the blowhole Pul Na Sean Tinne (Hole of the Old Fire) because rough weather blasts foam and vapour skywards creating the allusion of smoke.
To The South
WESTPORT QUAY is a lively spot with restaurants, pubs, shops and boats of every kind moored along the quay – plus expansive views of Clew Bay and many of its islands. The historic Westport House is right next door, and a drive through the estate is very enjoyable. Then, take the Wild Atlantic Way around the bay to visit...
CROAGH PATRICK VISITOR CENTER tells the story of Ireland's patron saint who fasted for 40 days on the mountain's peak back in the 5th century before coming down to convert the island to Christianity – and drive out the snakes!
CLARE ISLAND is accessed by boat (departing from the Roonagh Quay just west of Louisburgh). Bring a bicycle or rent one on the island to tour the island to see the many sights and visit the castle and grave of Mayo's great pirate queen, Grace O'Malley (Granuaile).
www.clareislandfastferries.com
THE HAUNTING DOOLOUGH VALLEY is just south of Louisburg with two deep loughs, a famous salmon river, towering mountains and the beautiful Delphi Lodge, built for the Marquess of Sligo as a fishing lodge. The drive along the walled road on the edge of the Doolough is absolutely beautiful and well worth a side trip – and be sure to stop at the famine memorial at the north end of the valley.
FINALLY, Mayo boasts five of the best well-preserved round towers in Ireland, which can all be seen in a single day's drive. They are located at Aughagower, Balla, Killala, Meelick and Turlough.
www.westporttourism.com/the-round-tower
www.mayo-ireland.ie/en/about-mayo/history/round-towers.html
Here are some additional useful websites for exploring further: