Discover the Best of County Mayo
If you’re planning a trip west and wondering what to do in Mayo, you’re asking the right question. Mayo isn’t a place that lays everything out neatly. It rewards curiosity, patience, and a willingness to go off the beaten track now and again. The pay-off is big scenery and a strong sense of history, with experiences that still feel grounded in everyday life
County Mayo covers serious ground, from the islands of Clew Bay to the Nephin mountains and the exposed Atlantic coast. You’ll move through farmland, peatlands, wooded valleys, and long stretches where the landscape sets the rhythm of the day.
This guide to what to do in Mayo Ireland focuses on places that hold your attention once you arrive. Not filler attractions. Just solid experiences that help you understand the county and enjoy it properly.
Must-See Attractions in Mayo
National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park
Just outside Castlebar, this museum is one of the most engaging cultural sites in the west of Ireland. It explores rural life from the mid nineteenth century onwards, covering housing, work, travel, and domestic routines. The exhibitions are clear without being dry, and the parkland setting adds to the experience.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre
Ballycroy gives context to the vast landscapes of Wild Nephin National Park. The centre explains how blanket bogs formed, why the area feels so empty, and what wildlife still thrives here. It’s a useful stop before heading deeper into the park or tackling one of the longer walks nearby.
Slievemore Deserted Village
At the base of Slievemore Mountain on Achill Island, this abandoned village tells its story quietly. Stone cottages line an old roadway, many roofless now, all facing the same direction. There’s no signage overload or guided route. You wander, pause, and piece things together yourself.
Moore Hall
Set beside Lough Carra, the ruins of Moore Hall reflect a more turbulent chapter of Mayo’s past. Once a grand Georgian house, it was burned during the Irish Civil War and never rebuilt. What remains is atmospheric rather than polished, with woodland paths leading to views across the lake.
Outdoor Activities and Mayo’s Wild Scenery
Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head is one of Mayo’s most striking coastal locations. Sheer cliffs drop to the Atlantic, blowholes send spray skywards, and the Dún Briste sea stack stands just offshore. It’s exposed, dramatic, and very much shaped by the weather. Take care near the edges and allow time to explore beyond the main viewpoint.
Croagh Patrick
Overlooking Clew Bay near Westport, Croagh Patrick is Mayo’s most recognisable mountain. The climb follows an old pilgrimage route and is steep throughout, with loose stone underfoot. In clear conditions, the views across the bay and surrounding countryside are wide and rewarding. In poor weather, it’s a serious walk, so timing and preparation matter.
Portacloy Loop Cliff Walk
This loop walk near Belmullet offers sustained coastal views without heavy footfall. The route follows cliffs and headlands, opening out to wide Atlantic horizons before looping inland again. Conditions can change quickly, so proper footwear and layers matter. On a clear day, it’s one of the most rewarding walks in north Mayo.
Belleek Woods
Belleek Woods sits on the edge of Ballina and offers a calmer counterpoint to Mayo’s open landscapes. Trails wind through mature woodland alongside the River Moy, with options for short strolls or longer loops. It’s especially welcome if you want something shaded or less exposed to the elements.
Cathedral Rocks
Close to Louisburgh, Cathedral Rocks are best visited when the tide is low. The rock formations rise sharply from the shoreline, sculpted by centuries of Atlantic weather. You can walk among them, climb carefully, and get a close-up view that photographs never quite capture.
History and Heritage Sites in County Mayo
Céide Fields
Hidden beneath blanket bog near Ballycastle, the Céide Fields are one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Ireland. Stone walls, field systems, and house sites date back nearly 6,000 years, making this one of the oldest known organised farming areas in the world.
Ballintubber Abbey
Founded in the 13th century, Ballintubber Abbey has seen more than its share of upheaval, destruction, and rebuilding. Despite periods of suppression, it remained a place of worship for centuries and is still active today. It’s a good stop if you want history that still feels connected to daily life.
Rockfleet Castle
Also known as Carraigahowley Castle, Rockfleet sits at the edge of Newport Bay and is closely associated with Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht. It’s an easy stop if you’re exploring the area around Newport or Clew Bay.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mayo
Mayo’s a big county so the list of where to eat and drink is long. We’ve put together a few of our top choices to make things easier for you.
Dillon’s Bar & Restaurant
A dependable choice in Ballina, particularly if seafood is on your list. The menu balances familiar dishes with local produce, and the atmosphere stays relaxed even during busy periods.
Nevin’s Newfield Inn
Nevin’s has a strong reputation for good reason. Cooking is confident, portions are generous, and ingredients are treated with respect. It’s worth planning around if you’re staying nearby.
The Tavern Bar & Restaurant
Right in the centre of Westport, The Tavern suits both casual meals and longer evenings. After exploring Clew Bay or returning from Croagh Patrick, it’s a comfortable place to settle in.
Old Arch Bar & Bistro
In Claremorris, Old Arch Bar & Bistro offers a wide-ranging menu and friendly service. It works well as a stopover meal or a local night out, depending on your plans.
Plan Your Trip to County Mayo Today
Mayo doesn’t demand a rigid itinerary. Some days will revolve around weather windows. Others will unfold more slowly than expected. That flexibility is part of the appeal. If your travels follow the west coast, Mayo fits naturally into a wider route along the Wild Atlantic Way. Having a clear overview helps, and the Wild Atlantic Way Ireland Map is a useful planning tool.
In terms of accommodation, choosing the right base matters here. Above & Beyond offers a broad range of holiday homes across the west of Ireland, from coastal properties to countryside retreats. They’re well placed for exploring properly, without rushing from one stop to the next. If Mayo’s on your list, settling in with the right accommodation makes all the difference.
