Starting in Ballina and working your way throughout the region. here’s a list of 5 great things to do in North Mayo. There are things here for families, historians, culture vultures, outdoor adventurers and lots more.
Of course, this is only a fraction of the great things to do in Mayo, so if you’re planning a visit, be sure and leave yourself enough of time to explore the stunning coastline, dine in great cafés and restaurants and avail of the famous Mayo hospitality.
1. Marvel at the Signature Discovery Point, Ballycastle’s Downpatrick Head
A few kilometres north of Ballycastle village lies the windswept outcrop of Downpatrick Head – the perfect place for an invigorating coastal walk. St Patrick himself founded a church here, the ruins of which can still be seen today alongside a stone cross and holy well. The giant sea-stack at Downpatrick Head is called Dún Briste (the broken fort). Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top!
One of the most fascinating things to do in Mayo, studying the geology of the sea stack is a few minutes well spent with its layers upon layers of multi-coloured rock strata.
See also the huge blowhole, the ÉIRE 64 aerial sign designed to guide WWII pilots and the WWII lookout post.
2. Savour a tour and tasting at the Connacht Whiskey Distillery
Based at the site of the old Duffy’s Cakery, Ballina, beside the River Moy, the grain is now being put to use in a different way as the team at the Connacht Whiskey Company produce pot still Irish whiskey by the banks of the River Moy.
The Connacht Whiskey Distillery Experience offers visitors an authentic, guided craft distillery tour where visitors can learn about whiskey production from grain to glass, while also exploring the history and heritage of Irish spirit making.
The tour includes fun and informal tastings of the distillery’s whiskey, vodka, gin and traditional Irish poitín, and allows visitors to gain an in depth knowledge of the Connacht Whiskey brand and the stories behind each of our spirits. Upon completion, each participation receives a signed certificate.
For more information and for bookings, visit connachtwhiskey.com.
3. Discover Mayo’s forgotten history at Céide Fields and the Belderrig Valley Experience
After you’ve visited the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, experience the excitement of discovery and hands-on research in the most intensely researched 30km of the entire Wild Atlantic Way.
Based at the Belderrig Research and Study Centre, visitors can participate in one, two or three day-long archaeological experiences. You will be introduced to the excitement of discovery in the outdoor laboratory with guided walks, demonstrations and hands-on data collection including turf-cutting and other activities. Indoors at the Research Centre laboratories examine your findings with cutting-edge scientific equipment.
And of course, no visit to the area is complete without a visit to the famous Céide Fields Interpretative Centre.
For more information and for bookings, visit belderrigvalley.com or CeideFields.com
4. Weave an unforgettable experience at Foxford Woollen Mills
Originally founded by Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, Irish Sister of Charity in 1892, the fledgling woollen and textiles business at Foxford Woollen Mills overcame many challenges through the past 100 years in order to survive and thrive today. In their newly designed visitor tour, enjoy an interactive journey through the working mills and learn of its fascinating history.
Watch master craftspeople work on some of the world’s finest weaves, using techniques and traditions passed down through generations to create contemporary blankets, garments and products that are sought after worldwide. Have lunch in the bright and airy gourmet café where local ingredients are prepared fresh daily, and pick up a memento of your Mayo holiday from the fabulous store.
For more information or book tours, visit foxfordwoollenmills.com or call +35394 9256104.
5. Go beach-hunting
North Mayo is blessed with some incredible beaches, very few of them overcrowded even of the hottest summer day. Starting with neighbouring county over the border in Co. Sligo, Enniscrone is just a 10-minute drive from Ballina.
There’s Ross Strand, Ballycastle Beach, Lacken Strand (and the secret Kilcummin Back Strand), Portacloy, Rinroe and over on the Erris Peninsula, even more treasures in the shape of Elly Bay and Carne.
The only way to discover them is to get out and find them. So, start planning your Mayo home swap adventure now!
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