Mayo

County Mayo is Ireland's third largest county and has some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country. The wild landscape has rugged mountains, sandy beaches and a long stretches of beautiful coastline.

It’s hardly surprising that Mayo was chosen as the quintessentially Irish setting for the 1951 John Ford classic, The Quiet Man. This beautiful Western county has a charm that is traditional in a wholly unsentimental way. See the rugged scenery of The Quiet Man setting in Cong, climb the pilgrim’s route up Croagh Patrick, or view the vast prehistoric landscape of the Céide Fields

The Ceide Fields, which is Europe's largest Stone Age land enclosure, is one of the most popular attractions and is located along a dramatic stretch of north Mayo coastline. Stone age megalithic tombs and habitations found here date back some 5000 years. There is a fine visitor centre on the site to explore and rest tired legs.

Other must-see places in Mayo include Achill Island, Croagh Patrick and the popular tourist town of Westport.

A trip to Achill is a must when touring the North West of Ireland. It is Ireland's largest island and has spectaculr beaches at Keel and Keem and is a mecca for surfing year round. The island has some quaint villages to explore too such as Dooega, Dooagh or even the deserted village and Slievemore. The high sea cliffs provide a magnificent scenic backdrop to the beaches at Keel and Keem. Achill now forms part of the Wild Athlantic Way, the 2500 km drive from Cork to Donegal.

Croagh Patrick is located about 8km west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road (R335), and is 764m (2,507ft) high. Named after Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, is it believed that he spent forth days fasting at the summit in 441AD. It has long since become one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations in the country.  Those who make the climb will find a small chapel at the top which was built in 1905 by men from the area using donkeys to bring the materials they needed to construct it.

Westport Town is an attractive, lively town and was recent winner of the best place to live in Ireland. It is a very popular tourist town as it provides a base for touring the area while also offering great pubs and dining with an exciting nightlife. Live traditional music can be found in most pubs. Renowned for its friendliness, civic pride, and scenic surroundings, Westport is the ideal location to base yourself for a tour of Ireland's north-west.