Ireland County Mayo

Ireland County Mayo is one of Ireland’s most scenic areas. It adjoins more populous County Galway, which gets more visitors. This means that the natural landscape around places to visit in Mayo is similar to Galway, but have much smaller crowds. Accordingly, tourists will find many things to do, and enjoy a more intimate experience.

Any brief history of Ireland County Mayo has to mention the 19th century potato famine. It was particularly devastating for the county, which lost a majority of its population. It’s one of the reasons that County Mayo is still less populated than other regions.

However, Mayo’s past stretches back to the prehistory era, and it features many fascinating ancient archeological sites. St. Patrick spent time here during the fifth century. The Vikings arrived in the ninth. Anyone interested in more than a brief history of County Mayo would certainly enjoy a visit to the area’s archaic sites.

Places to visit in Mayo include Céide Fields, a 5,000 year old settlement that includes an award winning interpretive center. Visitors can experience a breathtaking car trip along the Wild Atlantic Way with its 15 Signature Discovery Points. The fishing is excellent in Lough Conn and the River Moy. Moreover, the county’s largest town, Ballina, bills itself as the “home of the Irish salmon.” Visitors looking for shopping and other fun things to do will love the charming 18th century resort town called Westport.

Ireland County Mayo hosts several fun festivals and events. Festival season gears up in May and doesn’t slow down until December. There are festivals celebrating traditional music and dance, events paying tribute to Grace O’Malley, otherwise known as the Pirate Queen, and the magical Winter Wonderland Christmas house.

Guesthouses are a popular choice for people visiting this friendly area. Most of the guesthouses in County Mayo are small, family run properties where the staff is always willing to provide suggestions for sights that shouldn’t be missed. Hotels are suitably diverse, with some being modern and efficient while others possess an undeniable old world glamour. Most hotels are clustered in Mayo’s urban areas, and guests will find them well placed for exploring popular attractions.

Restaurants and pubs in County Mayo are numerous. The pubs offer ideal opportunities to mix with the locals and hear some outstanding live music. Restaurants range from simple cafes serving fish and chips to upscale eateries where gourmet modern Irish cooking is served.

County Mayo Ireland

Ireland County Mayo Westport Town