Mayo
Mayo, bordered by the Atlantic on the north and west and Galway on the south-east and south is home to splendid lakes, holy mountains, imposing mountains and high cliffs. With marvelous salmon and trout fishing, and some of the loveliest scenery in the country- and a portfolio of outdoor pursuits that include rock-climbing, windsurfing, hill-walking, pony-trekking, water-skiing and swimming. The setting for the legendary Quiet Man movie Mayo has long entranced the world. With thirteen blue-flag beaches, wonderful golf courses and world-class fishing venues, it’s only a matter of time before the spell is cast on you.
With delightful towns such as Westport, Newport and Ballina, mountains such as Croagh Patrick and home to the most only section of the National Museum located outside of the capital Dublin, a look at more of the sights and sounds on offer in ‘the plain of the yew trees’ is a requirement. Signpost Tours are delighted to introduce "Magical Mayo"
At a Glance
- Magical Mayo
- Explore Ireland's largest Offshore Island- Achill
- Climb Ireland's Holy Mountain- Croagh Patrick
- Stay at the planned Heritage town of Westport
- Breathe fresh, crisp air!
Our Take
Granuaile Visitor Centre
Surely the only museum in the world dedicated to a seafaring woman. Located in Louisburgh, 20 miles from Westport the museum tells the story of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's infamous "Pirate Queen"!
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is like something from an Arthurian tale, is a 13th century castle hotel located on the shores of Galway & Mayo's Lough Corrib. Located on the old Guinness estate, Ashford Castle certainly lays claim to being one of Ireland's top luxury hotels.
Foxford Woolen Mills
Over a century ago, the woollen mills were set up by the Sisters of Charity to provide employment in an area that was suffering great economic and social deprivation.
Quiet Man Cottage
In 1951 John Ford's greatest movie "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara and Barry Fitzgerald was made. It was set in the beautiful west of Ireland with filming being centred in the village of Cong on the Mayo-Galway border.
Ceide Fields
The Ceide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over 5,500 years old. This unique neolithic landscape which has shed much light on the daily lives and habits of Stone Age people.
Achill Island
Achill Island is Ireland's largest offshore island. Though nowadays connected to the mainland with a bridge- Achill is Wild Ireland. With a population of 3,000 in a space 15 miles long by 11 miles wide, it is a place of sheer beauty, with mountains, lakes, valleys, wild moors and some of the most magnificent cliff scenery in Europe.
Mayo
Mayo, or as Tony Blair remarked on a recent holiday- "Magical Mayo!". Even among Irish people Mayo has become known for its rain washed pristine landscape. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and west and Galway on the south and south-east, it is a county to take time in.
National Famine Monument
The Nationa Famine Monument is located at the foot of Ireland's most sacred mountain near Westport, Co. Mayo and is a poignant reminder of the tragedy and devastation visited upon the people of this island over 150 years ago.
Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s “Holy Mountain” and one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, soaring to a height of 762 metres. St. Patrick is reputed to have spent 40 days and nights praying and fasting on the reek in 441 AD as part of his efforts to convert pagan Ireland to Christianity
Ballintubber Abbey
Mass has been said in Ballintubber Abbey without a break since its foundation in 1216. Considering the fact that for 236 years the Abbey was unroofed this is testament enough to the faith of the local population.
Cong Village
Cong Village would never have been as renowned as it currently is had it not been chosen as the location for the shooting of "The Quiet Man" movie. However, many of Ireland's High Kings are buried in the hallowed ground of Cong Abbey, so it is a place that is well deserved of its recognition.
The Clew Bay Trail
The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail: Covering a story 6,000 years and 35 kilometres long, Clew Bay in County Mayo is one of Ireland’s most spectacular sea inlets.
Clare Island
Clare Island, with its rugged, mountainous sea cliffs, storied past, and miles of stunning beaches, is one of our favorite walking destinations. Clare Island is synonymous with Grace O'Malley, the formidable Pirate Queen who ruled these lands during the 16th century.
