North West Ireland Tourism
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
Visitor Guide to Mayo, Sligo, Donegal, Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan
The Mayo Experience
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The Mayo Experience
Galway - Claregalway - Tuam - Milltown - Claremorris - Knock - Kiltimagh - Bohola - Foxford - Pontoon - Castlebar - Ballintubber - Ballinrobe - Headford - Galway (178km / 112mls).
From Galway, take the N17 (Tuam Road) to Claregalway, a village with a ruined Franciscian Friary, standing near the Clare River. The flat farmland along here is relieved by Knockma Hill where, it seems, fairies once lived. Tuam, an ancient town has fine monuments, including a 12th century High Cross. In early christian times, St Jarlath founded a monastery here. Tuam is also home to Irish band, the Saw Doctors. Continue on to Milltown, with its restored mill tank, and to Claremorris, an attractive market town. From here continue to Knock, where on 21st August 1879, an apparition of Our Lady, St Joseph and St John appeared. It is now a Marian Shrine, attracting 1,500,000 visitors annually.
Leaving Knock, turn left for Kiltimagh and continue on to Bohola. After Bohola turn left then right for Foxford by a very pleasant route. A trip to Foxford's Woollen Mills and Visitors Centre is recommended. A nun, Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard founded the mills in 1892 and Foxford became famous for its tweeds, rugs and blankets. An audio-visual history of the mills is followed by a tour. For further information Tel 096-56756. Next stop is Pontoon, via the scenic road which is bordered on either side by Lough Conn and lough Cullin. Pontoon is a famous angling centre where the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson has her summer home. Take the R310 to Castlebar and N84 to Ballinrobe. The famous and beautiful Ballintubber Abbey is off this road. Founded in 1216, it was suppressed by both Henry VIII and Cromwell, but still remains a place of worship. Continue on to Ballinrobe and return to Galway via Headford. Distance 178 km/ 112miles (approx).
From Galway, take the N17 (Tuam Road) to Claregalway, a village with a ruined Franciscian Friary, standing near the Clare River. The flat farmland along here is relieved by Knockma Hill where, it seems, fairies once lived. Tuam, an ancient town has fine monuments, including a 12th century High Cross. In early christian times, St Jarlath founded a monastery here. Tuam is also home to Irish band, the Saw Doctors. Continue on to Milltown, with its restored mill tank, and to Claremorris, an attractive market town. From here continue to Knock, where on 21st August 1879, an apparition of Our Lady, St Joseph and St John appeared. It is now a Marian Shrine, attracting 1,500,000 visitors annually.
Leaving Knock, turn left for Kiltimagh and continue on to Bohola. After Bohola turn left then right for Foxford by a very pleasant route. A trip to Foxford's Woollen Mills and Visitors Centre is recommended. A nun, Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard founded the mills in 1892 and Foxford became famous for its tweeds, rugs and blankets. An audio-visual history of the mills is followed by a tour. For further information Tel 096-56756. Next stop is Pontoon, via the scenic road which is bordered on either side by Lough Conn and lough Cullin. Pontoon is a famous angling centre where the President of Ireland, Mary Robinson has her summer home. Take the R310 to Castlebar and N84 to Ballinrobe. The famous and beautiful Ballintubber Abbey is off this road. Founded in 1216, it was suppressed by both Henry VIII and Cromwell, but still remains a place of worship. Continue on to Ballinrobe and return to Galway via Headford. Distance 178 km/ 112miles (approx).
