Mayo – a county steeped in history

From left to right: Achill Island, Ashford Castle, Killary Harbour, Westport

Standing out as one of the most scenic counties in Ireland, Mayo is framed by the breathtaking Atlantic on the rugged West coast and is home to some of Ireland’s most important Christian heritage and historical sites. St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, spent 40 days and nights fasting at the top of Croagh Patrick near Westport; and these days pilgrims follow in his footsteps on Reek Sunday to ascend this 2500 foot summit. Further inland, Knock Shrine is where the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist appeared in 1879, and this rural spot has now become an internationally recognised Marian Shrine. Bringing us further back in time, County Mayo’s historical Ceide Fields date back to 5000BC and are the oldest known field systems in the world...

Mayo’s natural beauty

The county’s greatest appeal, though, is that nature bestowed it with awe-inspiring vistas, including Clew Bay, Achill Island and the glorious Foxford Way. These wonderful landscapes also bring a vast array of activities to choose from, including all sorts of fast-paced watersports in the Atlantic Ocean, sublime angling along the Moy River, Lough Conn and Lough Mask; plus excellent walking and cycling routes along the length and breadth of the county.

Irish festivals, music and accommodation

Mayo is certainly not short on entertainment, too, with traditional Irish Music celebrated in pub sessions every night, as well as the annual Feile Chois Chuain in Louisburg. And if you’re looking for luxury from hotels in Ireland, you won’t be disappointed, with the luxurious Ashford Castle and blissful Rosmoney Spa indulging your every need. Of course, Mayo also offers plentiful B&Bs, self-catering cottages and guesthouses, from where you can make your base for the perfect vacation in Ireland. So what are you waiting for? Go wherever Mayo takes you...