Destinations > Ireland > Connaught > County Mayo

County Mayo

Largely composed of rolling hills, boggy plains and the odd mountain, County Mayo is known for its rugged coastline and vibrant towns like Westport. However the most famous attraction is Croagh Patrick, the mountain where St Patrick is believed to have fasted in 441.

Cong (Conga)

This small village is set on an island on the Cong River that runs between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask.

The classic film the Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, was shot here in 1951 and ever since it has attracted movie buffs that come here to visit scenes from the film. However Cong is surrounded by historic and prehistoric monuments, which indicate that it has a lot more to offer than a few film locations.

The village centre features the medieval Cong Abbey and the ruins of the 12th century Monks Fishing House. Attractions in the surrounding countryside include Ashford Castle as well as Neolithic tombs and stone circles.

Practical Information

Cong Tourist Information Centre

Abbey Street, Cong

Tel (092) 46542

Website www.visitmayo.com

Open Mar-Nov 10am-1pm & 2pm-6pm daily

Accommodation

Cong Youth Hostel

Lisloughrey, Quay Road, Cong

Tel (092) (094) 954 6089

Courtyard Hostel

Garracloon Lodge, Cross

Tel (092) 46203

Quiet Man Hostel

Abbey Street, Cong

Tel (094) 954 6511

Sights

Ashford Castle

Between 1852 and 1939 Ashford Castle was home to the heirs of the Guinness empire however it is now a luxury hotel and the most backpackers can see is its exterior while strolling around its gardens.

Cong Abbey

This important early Christian monument dates from the 12th century and during its turbulent history the Vikings, Normans and English have ransacked it.

Abbey Street, Cong

Admission free

Always open

Monks Fishing House

The ruins of this 12th century structure sit over the river and feature a hole in the floor where monks would sit and fish.

Admission free

Always open

Quiet Man Cottage Museum

This museum recreates the film set of the Quiet Man with the ground floor of the cottage designed as a replica of the "White-o-Mornin" cottage.

Circular Road, Cong

Tel (094) 954 6089

Website www.quietman-cong.com/museum.htm

Admission €3.75

Open 10am-5pm daily

Westport (Cathair na Mart)

This small, but bustling, town is home to some good pubs but most people visit for easy access to Croagh Patrick, which is only 8km from here.

Practical Information

Westport Tourist Information Centre

James Street, Westport

Tel (098) 25711

Website www.irelandwest.ie

Open Apr-Jun Mon-Sat 9am-5.45pm; Jul-Aug Mon-Sat 9am-6.45pm, Sun 10am-6pm; Sep-Oct Mon-Sat 9am-5.45pm

Coming & Going

BUS

Bus Éireann (website www.buseireann.ie) has buses to Achill Island, Ballina, Dublin and Galway. Buses leave from Mill Street.

TRAIN

There is a direct train service between Westport and Dublin. The train station is on Altamont Street.

Accommodation

Abbeywood House

Newport Road, Wesport

Tel (098) 25496

The Old Mill

James Street, Westport

Tel (098) 27045

Sights

Clew Bay Heritage Centre

This 19th century stone building features displays about the history of Westport.

The Quay, Westport

Tel (098) 26852

Website www.museumsofmayo.com/clewbay.htm

Admission €3

Open Apr-May Mon-Fri 10am-2pm; Jun Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Jul-Aug Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sun 3pm-5pm; Sep Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Oct Mon-Fri 10am-2pm

Croagh Patrick

Located 8km from Westport, this 765m high mountain – known as the Reek – is closely linked to St Patrick. Many believe that in 441 St Patrick fasted on the mountain for forty days and each year on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July) over 25,000 pilgrims visit the Reek.

Many travellers climb to the summit for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. It takes two hours to climb to the top and another one and a half hours to come back down.

Croagh Patrick Information Centre

This information centre at the foot of Croagh Patrick has exhibits about the mountain and its historical and cultural significance. Anyone contemplating climbing Croagh Patrick is advised to visit the centre first.

Teach na Miasa, Murrisk

Tel (098) 64114

Website www.croagh-patrick.com

Admission free

Open 17 Mar-May 10am-6pm daily; Jun-Aug 10am-7pm daily; Sep-Oct 11am-5pm daily

Westport Heritage Centre

The Westport Heritage Centre is located inside the tourist information centre and features exhibits relating to Croagh Patrick and the history of Westport.

James Street, Westport

Tel (098) 25711

Achill Island (Acaill Oiléan)

Achill Island is a relatively accessible place as a bridge connects it with the Corraun Peninsula. The island has some nice scenery but the settlements on the island feel a little drab.

Practical Information

Achill Tourist Information Centre

R319, Cashel, Achill Island

Tel (098) 47353

Website www.visitachill.com

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Coming & Going

Bus Éireann (website www.buseireann.ie) runs buses to Achill Island from Westport and Galway, however services aren't very frequent and many travellers rely mostly on hitching.

Accommodation

Railway Hostel

Polrany, Achill Sound

Tel (098) 45187

Rich View Hostel

R319, Upper Keel, Achill Island

Tel (098) 43462

The Wayfarer Hostel

Keel, Achill Island, Co Mayo

Tel 098 43266

Ballina (Béal an Átha)

Mayo's largest town is a vibrant place with some excellent pubs. It is renowned throughout Ireland for its fishing but the town doesn't attract many backpackers.

Practical Information

Ballina Tourist Information Centre

Cathedral Road, Ballina

Tel (096) 70848

Website www.ballina.ie

Open May Mon-Sat 10am-1pm & 2pm-5.30pm; Jun-Aug 10am-5.30pm daily; Sep Mon-Sat 10am-1pm & 2pm-5.30pm

Coming & Going

BUS

Bus Éireann (website www.buseireann.ie) has buses to Donegal, Dublin, Sligo and Donegal. Buses stop on Kevin Barry Street near the train station.

TRAIN

Ballina lies at the end of the train line linking it with Dublin. Change at Manulla Junction for trains to Westport.

Accommodation

Blind Brook Hostel

Sligo Road, Ballina

Tel (096) 72939