Top Things to do in County Mayo
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in County Mayo, Western Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Mayo, Ireland including The Great Western Greenway, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre, Connacht Whiskey Company, Croagh Patrick, Keel Beach, Westport House & Gardens, Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre, Ashford Castle, The Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House.
Restaurants in County Mayo
1. The Great Western Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,438 reviews
Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy
Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.
2. Atlantic Drive on Achill Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,306 reviews
Reviewed By Venture14995
I love Achill Island and visit it at least twice a year. There is a lovely drive from Mulranny along by the coast with views of Clare Island & lots of sheep on the road. Keem beach is worth a visit at any time of the year.
3. Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
Reviewed By Mollymullet
Carrowholly Stables Westport Co.Mayo. We weren't expecting the experience we got - in a great way. For the price of €30 pp, we got a little more than an hour. The staff were so calming and helpful, that we couldn't have been made feel more relaxed or at ease. I had Graham as my guide. He was gentle and very nice to chat with. I had Molly Mullet as my horse, she was sweet and she took good care when I was on her back. But the nicest thing we got to do was not only trek on the beach but to walk through the water up to the horses chest. Wow what an experience to do and on such beautiful creatures. I would like to thank Kitty and her staff who run a beautiful establishment with so many wonderful horses. What an experience and I would hope tourist will visit this place when in Westpost Co. Mayo, Ireland. You won't be disappointed. Thanks to Joe also who was our other guide. For a beginner and the first time on a horse, I was able to trot after a while, due to the staff. They take great care in every way to make you feel at ease and place you on a horse that suits you. Myself and my 2 friends loved it. I would go again
4. Connacht Whiskey Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
We are an independently owned craft Irish whiskey distillery located in the town of Ballina, County Mayo Ireland. Situated in a beautiful setting across from the River Moy, the distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a gift shop. You will learn how pot still Irish whiskey is made and get to enjoy a sampling of our products. The Visitor Centre is open Wednesday - Friday 10.30AM-18.00PM and Saturday's 12.00PM-17.00PM. The guided tours of the distillery are scheduled and run from Wednesday- Saturday at 12:00 PM, 13.30PM and 15:30 PM Booking online is necessary as we can only accomidate smaller groups due to the new governement restrictions. Please note our guided tours are running from August 1st please book online and read our new terms and conditions to avoid dissapointment. You will be asked to full out a health declartion and travel form for the past 14days on arrival, your co-operation at this time is appreciated. Please wear a mask or purchase one on arrival.
Reviewed By D9448DDdenisec - Ballina, Ireland
This tour is well worth a visit,we went as a family for a birthday treat,although the tour itself takes place in only one room is extremely interesting and informative,the lady conducting the tour was really good at her job,after the tour it was time for the taste testing,which again was very interesting,we have been on many of these tours and never experienced this type of tasting session before,really good, very relaxed ,would definitely recommend a visit
5. Croagh Patrick
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 768 reviews
One of the oldest religious sites in Ireland, this mountain is home to an 11th century monastery.
Reviewed By lillybelf - Belfast, United Kingdom
We headed from Belfast in the early hours and landed to Croagh Patrick early to get stuck into the climb. With covid there are a few restrictions. The centre and cafe aren't open but there is a small kiosk shop. There's a pay and display car park for a few euro. You can buy poles on site. I brought my own and would definitely recommend. Allow yourself approximately 3_3.5hours with a stop and lunch at the top. Weather changed constantly up and down. Very warm going up and very cold at the top. If you've time and the views are obscured wait a while because the clouds can pass very quick and the views of clew Bay are stunning. As mentioned the path and footing is stone and rock on the way down you're practically surfing on stones everyone warned us and they were 100% correct be prepared and take your time and wear proper shoes. There are toilets at the bottom the water in the area is discoloured as are the toilets but they are clean and grand for use. We'll worth the early start and views.
6. Keel Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By Ubergene - Belfast, United Kingdom
Perhaps one of the most romantic locations I’ve ever been- the cliff views, the wild Atlantic Ocean, the soft white sand and the waves!! Stunning spot! Don’t miss it!
7. Westport House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Known as “Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home”, Westport House has a story that matches its beauty. One of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland, Westport House was built by the Browne family whose connections to Mayo date back to the 1500s and even relates them to the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain, Grace O’Malley. A visit to Westport House will tell the story of the development of the house as well as the family’s contribution to the estate and surrounding area. We hope you’ll enjoy the tales of pirates and slave emancipators as you gain a fascinating insight into the families behind the big house as well as the members of staff who made it all possible. Families can also visit the onsite Pirate Adventure Park. Keep an eye on its vibrant Events Calendar. Or book a stay in onsite Hotel Westport, hire a bell tent or bring your own to the Caravan & Camping Park.
Reviewed By 192marilyns - Hinckley, United Kingdom
A good description by the new owners, the Hughes family, who are doing an excellent job in protecting and restoring this beautiful house and the magnificent landscaped gardens surrounding it. A reasonably priced entrance fee gives you access to 6 permanent historically based exhibitions and allows you to freely explore 30 rooms over three floors with most items original to the house from the 18th century. Don't be afraid to visit the dungeon (incorporating the remains of pirate queen Grace O'Malley's 16th century castle) - it is easy to access and quite spacious and well-lit. Also in the basement is a cafe located in the original kitchen so you get to enjoy some very reasonably priced tasty goodies and a lovely pot of tea whilst gazing at the remarkable Victorian cast iron range and vast array of copper cookware. Toilet facilities are also located on the lower basement floor and are clean, spacious and again part of the old house - so worth a visit!
8. Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
The Achill Experience contains an Aquarium, an exhibition on Island life, a Replica deserted village boley house complete with artifacts of the era, an art exhibition and a History Room as well as an audio visual room showing documentaries covering historical information from Achills past. It is a great all weather facility, ideal for people of all ages, families and school groups. There is also a stand alone Gift Shop.
Reviewed By Nadine12342345 - Dublin, Ireland
We all enjoyed the Achill experience...from my 2 year old nephew, my sister and I and the grandparents...we all learned so much about the sea life around the island. Tom was brilliant at explaining it all and keeping it exciting and engaging. The little nephew loved touching the starfish and baby cat shark. The fish are kept in very natural surroundings and Tom assured us that they are released back into the sea after a while "a little holiday" as Tom put it. Great place to spend a few hours especially when it's raining out. Nice little gift shop is an added bonus.
9. Ashford Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By 562dianed - Highland Heights, United States
My husband and I splurged and stayed one night at Ashford Castle. Just driving through the gates and down the long driveway is like leaving the modern world behind. Then the Castle comes into view and takes your breath away! The Staff is warm, welcoming, and efficient from the time you pull up to the front gate and throughout your stay. We were greeted with a welcome cocktail, quickly checked in, and given a tour of the Castle and its amenities while being escorted to our room. Our luggage was delivered within 5-10 minutes. The grounds of the Castle are absolutely gorgeous, and, together with the inlet, provide an unbelievable setting. Our room was beautiful, nicely sized with a large bathroom, with an illuminated make up mirror, and a heated floor (should you desire). We had a very limited view of the fountain, lawn, and inlet, but mostly of the stone exterior wall of the Castle, as our room was located in a “nook” of the outside structure. However, we were not in our room much, except for at night, and it didn’t really matter at that point. There is a Billiards room and bar that contains a tent on the back patio, which is a Cigar Smoking Lounge. It has comfortable couches and chairs, and even throws, in case you get chilled in the evening. They sell only Cuban Cigars there, as well, and this was my husband’s favorite part of the Castle—having a Monte Cristo and an Irish Whiskey after our dinner. The Fitness Center was located in a glass gazebo and had a gorgeous view of the inlet. It was not very large, but contained two each of treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bicycles. It also had a universal weight machine, dumbbells, and exercise balls. They offer golf, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, a Spa, zip lining, boat cruises, and falconry. There are several restaurants, bars, and afternoon tea is also available. It was an experience that was worth the splurge, and a Castle experience you’ll never forget!
10. The Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,153 reviews
The Pirate Adventure Park is the ideal family day out for kids under 12 with rides, slides, boats and trains to entertain - all set out doors on the stunning setting of the historic Westport House estate. Named after the famous Pirate Queen of Connacht - Grace O'Malley - who once lived on this very site and was a 16th century ancestor of the owners of the house too. Splash out at the Pirate Adventure Park with the Cannonball Run Slide, the Pirate Queen Swinging Ship and the thrills and spills of the Pirates Plunge log flume ride. Wind down on the Swan Pedal boats. Climb aboard the Westport House Express around the lake. Ride the Jump Around, Mini Ferris Wheel and Kiddie Zipwire. Test your balance in the Vortex Tunnel. Give our games a while - Pan for Gem Stones & Hook a Duck. Make time for a visit to Tiny Town and the playground at Gracy's Pizzeria. Get the whole family in on a game of Disc Golf. Swash-buckling fun awaits!
Reviewed By ikea77
We celebrated my son's birthday (6) in the park by inviting friends to join. We all had a blast, especially on the Cannonball Run slide and the Pirates Plunge, thanks to Kevin and Tony. Best suited for children from 5-10.
