Our Favourite Things To Do in County Mayo
Known for Anchill Island, ancient Abbeys, and the dramatic sea cliffs of Downpatrick Head along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Scroll Right and Jump to a Category
All In One Spot
We’ve gathered our list of 23 things to do in one convenient Google Map for you. We hope you find it helpful!
Keep Scrolling to Find Key Info Below
Tourist Attractions in County Mayo
Let’s cut straight to the chase – County Mayo is especailly well known for Achill Island, Downpatrick Head, and Ashford Castle. If you only had the time or ability to see three attractions, we couldn’t recommend these more. Downpatrick head is like something out of a movie, and Achill Island is utterly breathtaking.
1. Ashford Castle
Click for More Info
Ashford Castle is an 800-year-old luxury hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib, offering fine dining, falconry, and lakeside walks. We explored the castle’s massive grounds, including the walled gardens and lakeside paths. The falconry experience was a highlight, allowing us to handle birds of prey. Dining in the George V Dining Room was amazing.
- Price: Rooms start from around €600 per night
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 94 954 6003
- Website: https://ashfordcastle.com
- Ideal For: Couples, luxury seekers, history enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Spring to early autumn
- Top Tip: Non-guests can book afternoon tea or falconry experiences
2. Achill Island
Click for More Info
Achill Island is Ireland’s largest island, known for its dramatic cliffs, Blue Flag beaches, and Atlantic views. We drove across the Michael Davitt Bridge onto Achill Island and followed the Atlantic Drive, stopping at viewpoints along the way. We also visited the Deserted Village at Slievemore, walking among the ruins of stone cottages.
- Price: Free to access
- Opening Times: Accessible year-round
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 98 20400
- Website: https://achilltourism.com
- Ideal For: Outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, families
- Best Time of Year: Late spring to early autumn
- Top Tip: Visit Keem Bay for a secluded beach experience
3. Downpatrick Head
Click for More Info
Downpatrick Head is a coastal headland featuring the Dún Briste sea stack, blowholes, and ruins of a church founded by St. Patrick. We parked near Ballycastle and walked the short trail to Downpatrick Head. The views of the Atlantic crashing against the cliffs were impressive. Dún Briste sea stack stood out, rising from the ocean just offshore.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Hikers, photographers, history enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; the cliffs can be slippery
4. Westport Town
Click for More Info
Westport is a planned Georgian town with tree-lined streets, a lively music scene, and access to outdoor activities. We spent a day in Westport, starting with breakfast at a local café. We then rented bikes and rode part of the Great Western Greenway, enjoying views of Clew Bay. In the afternoon, we visited Westport House and its gardens.
- Price: Free to explore
- Opening Times: Shops and attractions vary; generally 9am–6pm
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Families, foodies, cyclists
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Rent bikes to ride the Great Western Greenway
Proud to Partner with Tripadvisor
Viator is a Tripadvisor company, providing you with unfrogettable experiences. We’ve collected some of their top-rated activities and tours across County Mayo for you. Book through Ireland Wide for a discount.
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Popular Historical Sites in County Mayo
It goes without saying that County Mayo has loads of really interesting historical sites to explore. There are lots of abbeys in Mayo so perhaps you could organise a bit of an abbey-off, or you could visit one on the way to one of our other top suggestions, like falconry or a museum!
5. Moyne Abbey
Click for More Info
Moyne Abbey is a 15th-century Franciscan friary near Killala, featuring a well-preserved cloister and a tall bell tower. We approached Moyne Abbey through a grassy path and the cloister’s arches and the tracery in the east window was amazing. Despite it being a ruin, the abbey’s structure is still impressive with lots of insights into monastic life.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: History enthusiasts, photographers
- Best Time of Year: Spring to autumn
- Bare in Mind: Access is via a narrow lane with limited parking.
6. Cong Abbey
Click for More Info
Cong Abbey dates back to the 12th century and it showcases early Gothic architecture. It also has a unique monks’ fishing house looking out over the River Cong. We wandered through the abbey’s remains and examined the stone carvings. The monks’ fishing house was rally unqiue and makes for a really picturesque spot. There are excellent informational plaques providing context throughout the visit.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Don’t miss the fishing house which is a short walk from the main ruins.
7. Rockfleet Castle
Click for More Info
Rockfleet Castle is a 16th-century tower house near Newport, associated with the pirate queen Grace O’Malley. We mainly saw Rockfleet Castle from the adjacent path, as entry was restricted. The castle’s position near the water was amazing, especally given that it is a single striking structure. Informational signs provided background on Grace O’Malley’s connection to the site.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Exterior viewing only
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: History enthusiasts, fans of maritime lore
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Do a semicircle walk about 500m out to find a great angle of the castle.
8. Burrishoole Abbey
Click for More Info
Burrishoole Abbey, founded in 1469, is a Dominican friary ruin located near Newport, overlooking Clew Bay. We explored the abbey’s remains which is right by the water, and we explored the many gravestones dotted around the site. The site is easily accessible, with a small parking area nearby. As you might expect, there are lots of informational signs to provide you with historical context throughout.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: History lovers, photographers
- Best Time of Year: Spring to autumn
- Our Recommendation: Take a look at some of the gravestones and search their owners
Outdoor Activites and Hikes in County Mayo
Given that it’s renowned for its natural beauty, it comes as no surprise that we’re recommending some things to do outdoors in County Mayo. We’ve included an activity for all fitness levels and outdoor interests, with climbs, walks, and beach visits. Don’t forget your trunks – but only if you’re brave enough for the Atlantic!
9. Croagh Patrick Climb
Click for More Info
Croagh Patrick, known as Ireland’s holy mountain, stands at 764 metres and offers panoramic views over Clew Bay. But be careful because the hike is 7km long and can take 3 to 4 hours to complete, with some steep and rocky sections. We began the ascent from Murrisk. The lower path was manageable, but the final stretch to the summit was challenging due to loose stones. At the top, we found a small chapel and a really expansive view of Clew Bay. Afterwards, we stopped at Campbell’s Pub at the bottom for a well-earned drink.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Fit walkers, pilgrims, outdoor enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Late spring to early autumn
- Top Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the upper section has lots of loose scree
10. Walk Around Cong Woods
Click for More Info
Cong Woods offers a network of forest trails that weave through woodlands and streams near the village of Cong. We entered the woods from the village and followed a looped trail under tall trees. The path was mostly flat, with occasional limestone outcrops and views of the river. We paused at the monks’ fishing house, a small stone structure over the water.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Open year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Families, casual walkers, nature lovers
- Best Time of Year: Spring to autumn
- Top Tip: Look out for the monks’ fishing house near the river
11. Loop Around Lough Mask
Click for More Info
The route around Lough Mask has plenty of scenic views of the lake, rolling hills, and rural landscapes, passing through villages like Tourmakeady and Finny. We drove clockwise from Ballinrobe, taking in views of the lake and surrounding countryside. In Tourmakeady, we parked and walked a short trail through the woods to a waterfall.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Accessible year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Drivers, photographers, leisurely explorers
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- We Recommend: Stop at Tourmakeady for a short forest walk and picnic
12. Keem Bay Beach Visit
Click for More Info
Keem Bay, located on Achill Island, features a sheltered sandy beach surrounded by cliffs, popular for swimming and relaxing. We reached Keem Bay via a winding cliff road with stunning views. The beach had soft sand and clear water, suitable for a swim. There were no facilities, so we brought our own supplies. The surrounding hills offered short hikes with panoramic views of the bay.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Accessible year-round
- Location: View Here
- Ideal For: Beachgoers, swimmers, families
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Arrive early on sunny days as parking is limited
Our Favourite Tours in County Mayo
There’s somethign really nice and relaxing about not having to research, book, and organise a day out. County Mayo has some amazing experiences and tours to offer, and it’s a great way to discover hidden gems you didn’t know were there in the first place!
13. Ashford Castle Falconry Experience
Click for More Info
The Falconry Experience at Ashford Castle offers a unique opportunity to handle and fly Harris hawks within the castle’s historic grounds. We took a one-hour Hawk Walk, where the falconer introduced us to the basics of falconry. We then had the hawks fly from tree to glove which was a truly unique experience both for us and the kids.
- Price: Around €120 per person
- Opening Times: Daily, 9am to 5pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 94 954 6820
- Website: https://ashfordcastle.com
- Ideal For: Adults, wildlife enthusiasts, couples
- Best Time of Year: Year-round
- Bare in Mind: You’ll need to book this experience in advance, especially during peak seasons
14. Clew Bay Bike Trail Guided Tour
Click for More Info
The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a 105km loop combining cycling and ferry rides, offering views of islands, mountains, and the Atlantic coastline. We started our guided tour in Westport, cycling along the Great Western Greenway towards Mulranny. The route was mostly flat, with scenic views of Clew Bay and its islands. After a ferry ride to Clare Island, we explored its trails before continuing to Achill Island.
- Price: Around €50 per person (including bike hire and ferry tickets)
- Opening Times: Daily, 9am to 6pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 98 24818
- Website: https://www.clewbaybiketrail.ie
- Ideal For: Active travellers, cycling enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Late spring to early autumn
- Top Tip: Electric bikes are available for those seeking an easier ride
15. Achill Island Day Tour from Westport
Click for More Info
This full-day coach tour departs from Westport, taking you through Newport and Mulranny before exploring Achill Island’s dramatic landscapes. We boarded the coach in Westport and made our way to Newport and Mulranny. On Achill Island, we visited Keem Bay, the Deserted Village, and other landmarks.
- Price: Around €50 per person
- Opening Times: Departs at 8am, returns by 6:30pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 85 850 5025
- Website: https://achillislandtours.ie
- Ideal For: Scenery lovers, history buffs
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Bring a camera; the Atlantic Drive offers stunning photo opportunities
16. Mayo Dark Sky Park Stargazing Tour
Click for More Info
Experience the night sky in one of Ireland’s Gold Tier Dark Sky Parks, guided by experts who point out the constellations and solar systems. We joined the stargazing tour at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre, where the guide provided an overview of the night sky. Using laser pointers, they highlighted constellations and shared myths associated with them.
- Price: Around €60 per person
- Opening Times: Evenings, start times vary by season
- Phone: +353 98 49888
- Website: https://www.mayodarkskypark.ie
- Ideal For: Astronomy enthusiasts, nature lovers
- Best Time of Year: Autumn to early spring
- Top Tip: You’ll definitely want to dress warmly as temperatures drop at night
Family Friendly Things to Do in County Mayo
Whether it’s the school holidays or you’re just looking for some fun things to do in County Mayo at the weekend, there’s something for all age groups. From soft play to museums, you can make sure your kids learn as much as they play!
17. Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park
Click for More Info
Westport House combines a historic 18th-century estate with a family-friendly Pirate Adventure Park featuring rides, slides, and lakeside activities. We spent the day exploring the estate and enjoying the rides at the Pirate Adventure Park. The kids loved the log flume and the mini railway. There were plenty of picnic spots and food options available.
- Opening Times: Daily from 11am to 5pm (seasonal variations)
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 98 27766
- Website: https://www.westporthouse.ie
- Ideal For: Families with children aged 3–12
- Best Time of Year: Summer
- Top Tip: Bring swimwear for the splash areas and arrive early to avoid queues
18. Wild West Indoor Play Village (Westport)
Click for More Info
The Wild West Indoor Play Village offers a themed play area with climbing frames, slides, and a sensory room, suitable for children up to 10 years old. We visited on a rainy afternoon, and the kids were entertained for hours. The on-site café provided refreshments, and the seating area allowed us to relax while keeping an eye on the children.
- Price: Around €8 per child
- Opening Times: During school term: Thu 10am–2pm, Fri–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5:30pm; School holidays: Daily 10am–6pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 98 24634
- Website: https://thewildwest.ie
- Ideal For: Young children, toddlers, rainy day activities
- Best Time of Year: Year-round
19. National Museum of Ireland – Country Life
Click for More Info
Located in Turlough Park, this museum showcases Irish rural life from the 1850s to 1950s through interactive exhibits and lots of traditional artefacts. The interactive displays were great for the kids and there was a good amount of information for adults too. The museum’s setting in a historic estate added to the experience.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 1pm–5pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 94 903 1755
- Website: https://www.museum.ie
- Ideal For: Families, history enthusiasts, school-age children
- Best Time of Year: Year-round
20. Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre
Click for More Info
The Visitor Centre at Ballycroy National Park offers insights into the park’s unique blanket bog ecosystem and features interactive displays suitable for all ages. The children enjoyed the hands-on displays which were a thoughtful addition. We then took a short walk on the nearby trails, which were well-marked. The centre’s café was a great spot to grab some refreshments.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Daily from 10am to 5:30pm (seasonal variations)
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 98 49888
- Website: https://www.nationalparks.ie
- Ideal For: Families, nature lovers, educational visits
- Best Time of Year: Spring to autumn
What To Do in County Mayo When It Rains
It can be tricky finding fun things to do when it rains, especially when County Mayo is known for its outdoors offerings! Luckily, there are some great picks that are often overlooked to help entertain you until the sun shines once more… eventually!
21. Ballina Arts Centre
- Price: Varies by event but lots of exhibitions are free
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–6pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 96 73593
- Website: https://ballinaartscentre.com
- Ideal For: Art lovers, families, performance enthusiasts
- Best Time of Year: Year-round
- Top Tip: Check the website for current exhibitions and performances
22. Jackie Clarke Collection
Click for More Info
Situated in Ballina, this collection offers a comprehensive archive of Irish historical documents and artefacts, housed in a restored Georgian building. We spent a couple of hours exploring the collection of historical documents, photographs, and personal items. The building itself added to the experience, with its restored architecture.
- Price: Free
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 96 73508
- Website: https://www.clarkecollection.ie
- Ideal For: History buffs, researchers, families
- Best Time of Year: Year-round
- Top Tip: Don’t miss the garden area which is great for a short stroll
23. The Linenhall Arts Centre (Castlebar)
Click for More Info
Located in Castlebar, the Linenhall Arts Centre offers a diverse programme of visual arts, theatre, music, and film, catering to all ages. We visited during an art exhibition and stayed for an evening theatre performance.
- Price: Varies by event but many exhibitions are free
- Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday 11am–4pm
- Location: View Here
- Phone: +353 94 902 3733
- Website: https://www.thelinenhall.com
- Ideal For: Art enthusiasts, families, culture seekers
- Best Time of Year: Year-round