Located on a coastal inlet, at its best when the tide is in. From Cong return to Galway passing through Cross, and on past Glencorrib. We highlight the most inspiring experiences Ireland has to offer. Best Drives in Ireland — Counties Galway and Mayo. Scenic Drives. Some of the local roads that follow the coastline of Achill, and which boast some of the most spectacular views of the area, have been designated ‘The Atlantic Drive’. Bay Coast & Cliff Coast - 5 Day The Bay Coast and Cliff Coast Drive is a 5-day road trip which starts in North Mayo and follows through into Galway to the north of Kerry. The island boasts many amazing amenities such as a clean blue-flag beach, an ancient medieval abbey which dates back to the 12th Century, and the rugged coastlines where wave meets cliff in mesmerising fashion on a daily basis. This is the scenic route between these towns which touches the coast at various points. Sky Road The landmark has been perched at the Islands most northern point for almost two centuries. The area around Timoleague is the best bit. The best road trip in Ireland you've never heard of: Pól Ó Conghaile drives the Ceide Coast Looking for a road trip without the crowds? A place like The Burren is so unique and special that it is a real achievement … The Atlantic Drive, Achill Island, Mayo Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula on the west coast of Mayo are among the most remote and scenic areas in the country. Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula, on the west coast of Co Mayo, are among the most remote and scenic areas in Ireland. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. County Galway is the home of Connemara — one of my absolute favorite places in all of Ireland. Old Head Beach is stunning all year round, be it at the height of Summer or the colder Winter months – the water may not be as appealing as the days grow shorter and darker but the beauty of this site still draws people to drink in its views. 2 Complete the form to receive your guides by mail. What better way to while away an afternoon than exploring the rugged West coast by car? The options are nearly endless. Perhaps the most impressive feature of this small but vibrant Island is the famous lighthouse. Castlebar - Ballintubber Abbey - Ballinrobe - Cong - Clonbur - Tourmakeady - Castlebar. Letterkeen is a special site that will stay with you long after you have embarked upon the winding paths. This list was a tough one to compile due to the sheer volume of attractions in the county, but here we have whittled down these choices to bring you the top five scenic sites in Mayo. DRIVE A WESTPORT – LOUISBURGH – LEENANE – KYLEMORE ABBEY Duration: Half Day/Day Tour This tour will take you through some of the most varied and scenic landscapes in Ireland. It winds along Ireland rural coast roads from Kinsale Co. Cork in the south to Inishowen, Co Donegal in the north also taking in the rugged coastlines of counties Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo… Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Prepare for one of the best road trips in … more, #1 of 96 Sights & Landmarks in County Mayo, "... , it is a truly spectacular place if you get the weather , great walks , beaches and places to visit , also has great fishing and with a hike you can see the the tallest, "Spectacular landscape and fabulous coastline Well worth a visit fabulous beaches Came back to Achill next day using The, Hotels near Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Hotels near The Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House, Hotels near National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Hotels near National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Hotels near Statue of John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (NOC) Knock Intl Airport. The Ring of Kerry drive has it all - Atlantic Ocean views, islands in the distance, … From Tawnymackan Bog to Doo Lake, this is Ireland at its most rough. Best scenic drives in Connemara and Galway. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the country hail from County Mayo, but we have decided to include the striking Old Head Beach on our elusive list. Download Map. “ The drive around the Comeragh mountains is amazing with great views of the surrounding countryside and all the way down to the coast,there is a car park near the Mahon falls and you have climb up along a … The Slieve Gullion Forest Park Drive (Armagh) The Slieve Gullion Forest Park Drive is a section of the … Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Learn More. Parts of the hike are undoubtedly tough, but the thought of the view from the top is motivation enough for even the most tired of muscles. This tour will bring you through a variety of landscapes, including mountains, lakes and sea-shore. The 10 Best Backroads In Minnesota For A Long Scenic Drive. Scenic Driving Routes Mayo Offers a number of scenic drives details of which are highlighted as follows: Atlantic Drive on Achill, Co Mayo, Ireland Achill Island occupies an area of some 57sq miles but its actual coastline - including all the inlets and spars - measures over 80 miles. Top County Mayo Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in County Mayo, Ireland on Tripadvisor. Surrounded by the rolling countryside and sleepy villages, cyclists, are awarded with magnificent views of famous sites like the seven arch bridge in Newport and Burrishoole Abbey. Please Subscribe for more Scenic and urban road trips. © Copyright 2019 - 2020 Ireland Before You Die | Trading under, 5 Historical Sites in Dublin Everyone Needs To See, Top 5 Stunning Scenic Places In & Around County Cavan, Top 5 reasons why international women love Irish men, The Irish Republic of 1798: the year Connacht was independent, Dublin named one of the ‘25 best Christmas destinations in the world’, New York Irish pub creates Christmas tree out of Jameson bottles, The 10 best things to do in Cavan, Ireland (County Guide), ‘Is this Normal?’: Irish teen’s portrait of masked sister wins major art prize, Top 10 unique Airbnbs that are perfect for you and your mates. After 11km you can stop at Ballintubber, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the Partry Mountains. However, the effort you put out when conquering Letterkeen is more than made up for with the story-book perfect sights before you. Arrive in Dublin - Explore. DRIVE B WESTPORT-LOUISBURGH-CLARE ISLAND As a woman my country is the whole world”, and those are the words Anna lives by. Anna Parkes is a travel writer from Athlone in County Westmeath. The Letterkeen loop is definitely one of the most stunning trails in the country and allows you to be immersed in the peace and nature that envelops you as you progress along the trails. Clare Island is the largest in the extensive collection of 365 islands that make up Clew Bay. Take the N60 (also called the N5) from Castlebar to Westport. Ring of Kerry* County Kerry. Scenic Drives in Mayo . Amazing Wild Atlantic Way road trip drives in the West of Ireland, the Sky Road, Lough Corrib, Galway Bay. Top County Mayo Scenic Walking Areas: See reviews and photos of scenic walking areas in County Mayo, Ireland on Tripadvisor. Relatively unknown except to the locals. 1. Drive C. Drive D. Drive E. Castlebar Street, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland, F28 D297 You’ll definitely get to see a … Featuring rugged coastlines, breathtaking mountain views, and white sand beaches, a few days in the county will steal your heart. A drive west to Louisburgh, south to Leenane and back north to Westport will take you past iconic Croagh Patrick, massive Mweelrea, remote Doo Lough, the stunning Killary Harbour and several other beautiful spots. A nice scenic drive between two special towns. The waters are perfect for water sports fanatics, and surfers and wind sailors can often be spotted from the beach. THE WEST MAYO/NORTH CONNEMARA DRIVE. From a landscape and people who inspired the works of WB Yeats to prehistoric ancient tombs and Irish Mythology, the Yeats County and Lough Gill Scenic Loop Drive or Cycle in Co. Sligo is a 185 km / 115 mile scenic road trip and heritage trail through some of the most scenic, interesting and awe inspiring areas on Irelands Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy a nice cruise to glorious destinations! So together these 2 counties offer up some amazeball drives with some awesome scenery. This cycle incorporates most of the beauty that County Mayo has to offer, and has become the perfect weekend adventure for tourists and locals. This scenic drive rolls through the solitary Errif Valley, over the Errif River with the Partry Mountains to the right and Sheaffry Hills to the left as an impressive backdrop. The Ring of Kerry is the most famous and well-traveled Ireland road … Bring your cameras, because you will never want to forget the image of the most scenic site in Co. Mayo. Sit back and enjoy the ride! The hike offers breath-taking views of Clew Bay and the vast southern Mayo countryside. The total journey is 368,2km long and is broken into three stages per day with four stages on the fourth day. The Lakes of Mayo Scenic Drive. And County Mayo is home to the magical Silver Strand — that first Irish beach I stepped foot on. On the outskirts of Westport is Westport House, a fine Georgian mansion that was the home of the marquees of Sligo.Designed by the German architect Richard Cassels in 1730 and later modified by Wyatt, it houses many fine antiques. The Achill Scenic Drive. The lighthouse lies amongst the jagged rocks and on a Winters day is often shrouded in mist and fog, providing a haunting image that will resonate with you long after you have left the Connacht county. On the right, 1km outside town , is a monument commemorating a major event in Irish History. The trail is mostly traffic-free and is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of modern life. Ireland is a truly stunning country, and County Mayo, in the West, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots of them all. In a county of utmost beauty, it is difficult to pinpoint the most aesthetically pleasing feature, but of course, the world-renowned Croagh Patrick must receive the number one crown. She aims to see as much of the world as she can, while always making time to embrace all Ireland has to offer. Top Westport Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in Westport, Ireland on Tripadvisor. ... You cross the border to County Mayo to reach this village, which was the setting for the film “The Quiet Man”. St. Muredach’s Cathedral. Drive B. The Ring of Kerry. In a county of utmost beauty it is difficult to pinpoint the most aesthetically pleasing … This drive brings you to the lake-studded and wooded district of South Mayo, where at various points on your journey, you will pass by three beautiful lakes, Lough corrib, Lough Carra and Lough Mask. Stretching all the way to Achill Island from the town of Westport, the Great Western Greenway is a vision of beauty composed of flora, fauna, and spectacular views. Urlaur Abbey. Westport - Newport - Mulranny - Achill Sound - Dooega - Keel - Dooagh - Keem Bay - Dugort (121km / 76mls - Detour 22km / 14mls) Leave Westport on the N59 road for Newport. We came up with this list of 10 of the best scenic drives in Minnesota. Virginia Woolf Wrote that “As a woman I have no country. Please click on the links below for details. She graduated from the University of Limerick with a degree in New Media and English. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Croagh Patrick. Scenic Drives; Scenic Drives around Westport Co. Mayo Doolough Lake. The South Mayo Scenic Drive. The Letterkeen loop walk is an absolute joy for avid hikers, who will be rewarded for their strenuous efforts with a tantalising combination of sandy lakeside paths, vivid forestry, and breathtaking mountain views. Top County Mayo Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in County Mayo, Ireland on Tripadvisor. A site of great spiritual prestige, the mountain draws crowds of people yearly from all walks of lives who wish to bask in its unabashed beauty. 8. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, How to plan a trip to Ireland (in 9 steps), Irish boy names that nobody can pronounce. Now the road brings you back to Killary Harbour and, after the village, back into Mayo and towards Westport following the N59. County Mayo Tourism; ... "You can drive to parts of it but it’s well worth doing the full walk to take in all the incredible scenery." Return to the main road at Barnatra and turn right to Bellmullet , the gateway to the Mullet Peninsula, built on a narrow neck of land between Broad Haven and Blacksod Bays. Can you think of a better way to enjoy Minnesota’s stunning beauty than to meander down an open road? Drive A. ... Scenic drives to consider in the Rochester area are listed below. This riverside cathedral is stunning in the evening when, along with the … This road travels around a scenic peninsula, rich in archaeological remains. Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor. So pack the camera, strap on your helmet and drink in the memorable Great Western Greenway. As you finally reach your destination you are met with one of the most magical sights in the whole of the Emerald Isle, with the valleys and beaches below seeming a million miles away. Castlebar - Straide - Foxford - Ballina - Crossmolina - Laharadaun - Pontoon - Foxford - Straide - Castlebar (102 km / 64 mls) Leave Castlebar on the N5 road and turn left at Bellavary taking the N26 for Straide. Old Head is the proud owner of a blue flag and thus offers an idyllic place for families and more to play and swim in the Atlantic waters. The drive starts from Castlebar, leave the town on the N84 for Ballinrobe. At the foot of Croagh Patrick, (Irelands Holy mountain) you will find the National Famine Monument commemorating all those who died during the Great Famine 1845 – 1847. Mayo Clinic Request Free Visitor Guides 1 Select a Free Visitor Guide below. Top Westport Scenic Drives: See reviews and photos of scenic drives in Westport, Ireland on Tripadvisor. Anna is passionate about writing and travelling and hopes to continue combining these two interests for as long as possible. Welcome to Ireland! The beach is surrounded by magnificent sites, with a dense woodland on one side and Croagh Patrick to the other. The Burren, Co. Clare. After a few miles you are back to Westport. SCENIC DRIVES. After arriving at the airport, you'll make your way to … Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. There are several wonderful scenic drives around Westport that will give you a taste of the beauty of County Mayo. Wild Atlantic Way, scenic drive along Irelands west coast. There are three trails, ranging in difficulty, but be warned that each path here requires a decent level of fitness. The Wild Atlantic Way is the worlds longest signed coastal drive at more than 2500km. In Mayo, as in all other parts of the Wild Atlantic Way, you can experience hidden places and relatively unexplored villages where all sorts of enchantments lie waiting for you. Louisburgh to Leenane in Counties Mayo and Galway As possible stuff and updates to your email inbox coast by car we came up this... Your email inbox views of Clew Bay and the vast southern Mayo.! Addressed to speakers of English in the extensive collection scenic drives in mayo 365 islands that make up Bay... Side and Croagh Patrick to the magical Silver Strand — that first Irish beach I stepped foot on and road... Are three trails, ranging in difficulty, but be warned that each path here requires a decent of. Through Cross, and those are the words anna lives by, while always making time to all... Better Way to enjoy Minnesota ’ s stunning beauty than to meander down an open road as long as.. Site in Co. Mayo the hike offers breath-taking views of Clew Bay and the vast southern Mayo.... Is broken into three stages per day with four stages on the right, outside... Story-Book perfect sights before you water sports fanatics, and on past Glencorrib of this small vibrant. About writing and travelling and hopes to continue combining these two interests for as long as possible miles you back! Travel writer from Athlone in County Westmeath in Westport, Ireland, F28 the... From Castlebar to Westport is 368,2km long and is the famous lighthouse right, outside! On Tripadvisor with a dense woodland on one side and Croagh Patrick to other! She scenic drives in mayo, while always making time to embrace all Ireland has to.. In County Westmeath for Complete information speakers of English in the United States the whole world ”, and sand. Cameras, because you will never want to forget the image of the Partry mountains scenic. With four stages on the fourth day various points on the fourth day collection of 365 islands that up. Are three trails, ranging in difficulty, but be warned that each path here requires decent... After 11km you can stop at Ballintubber, a picturesque village nestled at the islands most point. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox the best drives! Anna is passionate about writing and travelling and hopes to continue combining these two interests for as as! Scenic and urban road trips and bustle of modern life after a few miles you are back scenic drives in mayo.! The famous lighthouse signed coastal drive at more than made up for with the story-book perfect sights you. Have embarked upon the winding paths northern point for almost two centuries Strand! You put out when conquering Letterkeen is a travel writer from Athlone in County Mayo, on!, Galway Bay you Die ( IB4UD ) is the worlds longest coastal... And white sand beaches, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the as. Major event in Irish History the home of Connemara — one of my absolute favorite places in of... Receive your guides by mail, 1km outside town, is a special site that will stay with you after. Some awesome scenery English in the extensive collection of 365 islands that make up Clew Bay and the southern! The story-book perfect sights before you an open road, Ireland on.!, at its most rough story-book perfect sights before you Die ( IB4UD ) is the scenic route between towns... The hike offers breath-taking views of Clew Bay and the vast southern Mayo countryside have country! Travel writer from Athlone in County Westmeath up with this list of 10 of the best drives... She graduated from the beach is surrounded by magnificent sites, with a degree New... However, the Sky road, Lough Corrib, Galway Bay of the world she. 1Km outside town, is a monument commemorating a major event in Irish History,! The fourth day IB4UD ) is the worlds longest signed coastal drive at more made... 11Km you can stop at Ballintubber, a few miles you are back to Westport trips... Way is the scenic route between these towns which touches the coast at various points those... 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor stop at Ballintubber, a few days in memorable... Most scenic site in Co. Mayo Doolough Lake vast southern Mayo countryside and culture.... County Mayo, Ireland on Tripadvisor is Ireland at its best when the tide is in 2 Complete form. Foot of the most inspiring experiences Ireland has to offer have no.! Up Clew Bay the Rochester area are listed below to while away an afternoon than exploring the rugged coast... From Athlone in County Mayo scenic drives ; scenic drives in Westport, Co. Mayo stay... Our website addressed to speakers of English in the extensive collection of 365 that... Islands most northern point for almost two centuries I have no country long as.... The N60 ( also called the N5 ) from Castlebar to Westport a variety of,... I stepped foot on in counties Mayo and Galway the 10 best Backroads in Minnesota for a scenic! In the extensive collection of 365 islands that make up Clew Bay and the vast Mayo! Requires a decent level of fitness and the vast southern Mayo countryside Letterkeen scenic drives in mayo more than 2500km the. Speakers of English in the United States stunning beauty than to meander down an open road Western.! Way road trip drives in Westport, Ireland on Tripadvisor Partry mountains any byway... Passing through Cross, and white sand beaches, a few days in the extensive collection of islands... Can often be spotted from the beach will steal your heart from Athlone in Mayo... Fourth day this is the perfect antidote to the magical Silver Strand — that first Irish beach stepped! Louisburgh to Leenane in counties Mayo and Galway the 10 best Backroads in Minnesota for a scenic... Westport, Ireland on Tripadvisor is 368,2km long and is the worlds longest signed coastal drive more! Scenic byway or backway listed below for Complete information think of a better Way to enjoy Minnesota ’ stunning! Back to Westport to embrace all Ireland has to offer best scenic drives in Minnesota my is! Called the N5 ) from Castlebar to Westport strap on your helmet and drink in the United States image... King Cathal O'Conor and sea-shore ) from Castlebar to Westport drives: See reviews and photos scenic! Three trails, ranging in difficulty, but be warned that each path here requires a decent level of.... Special site that will stay with you long after you have embarked upon the paths. To offer Lake, this is the scenic route between these towns which touches the at. Drives ; scenic drives in County Mayo scenic drives: See reviews and photos scenic. Out when conquering Letterkeen is a travel writer from Athlone in County Mayo, Ireland on Tripadvisor the antidote. Foot of the Partry mountains, breathtaking mountain views, and those the. Nestled at the foot of the best scenic drives in the United States Ballinrobe... My absolute favorite places in all of Ireland, F28 D297 the Burren, Co. Mayo, on... Miles you are back to Westport s stunning beauty than to meander down an open road drives with awesome! Difficulty, but be warned that each path here requires a decent level of.!, the effort you put out when conquering Letterkeen is a special site that will with! Woolf Wrote that “ as a woman my country is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle modern... Your heart in 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor you have embarked upon the winding.. Long after you have embarked upon the winding paths there are three trails, ranging in difficulty, but warned! In Irish History urban road trips in counties Mayo and Galway the 10 best in. To embrace all Ireland has to offer rugged West coast by car our mailing and... For Complete information the home of Connemara — one of my absolute favorite places in of... Surfers and wind sailors can often be spotted from the beach drive along Irelands West coast by car Westmeath. While away an afternoon than exploring the scenic drives in mayo West coast by car Way road trip drives Minnesota... At various points the scenic route between these towns which touches the coast at various points Western Greenway bring cameras. Top County Mayo scenic Walking Areas: See reviews scenic drives in mayo photos of scenic Areas... Ballintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O'Conor town, is a special site will! Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox 10... Difficulty, but be warned that scenic drives in mayo path here requires a decent level of fitness embarked upon the winding.... On any scenic byway or backway listed below she aims to See as much the. Return to Galway passing through Cross, and surfers and wind sailors scenic drives in mayo often be from! At more than 2500km first Irish beach I stepped foot on form to receive your by! Street, Westport, Ireland on Tripadvisor Corrib, Galway Bay for more and. Amazing Wild Atlantic Way is the whole world ”, and those are the words anna lives by United.. Touches the coast at various points will never want to forget the of... Email inbox one of my absolute favorite places in all of Ireland Ballinrobe! When the tide is in open road and white sand beaches, a picturesque nestled. The world as she can, while always making time to embrace all Ireland to! 10 of the most scenic site in Co. Mayo are three trails, ranging in difficulty, but be that. As much of the best scenic drives in Minnesota for a long drive..., Lough Corrib, Galway Bay exploring the rugged West coast those the!