Atlantic islands, ancient stories, hidden beaches and some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery.
Mayo is one of those counties with a surprise around every bend.
One minute you're wandering the colourful streets of Westport; the next you're looking out over an enormous Atlantic beach or standing above cliffs that seem to go on forever. There are mountains, islands, historic towns and some of the most extraordinary coastal landscapes in Ireland.
It's a county rich in stories, too, from the Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley to the traditions of Croagh Patrick. Whether you're after an active outdoor adventure or a relaxed few days on the Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo is a brilliant mix of beauty, history and character.
Westport is one of Ireland's most attractive towns: a planned Georgian town with tree-lined streets, stone bridges over the Carrowbeg River and a lively atmosphere.
It's a brilliant base for exploring Clew Bay, Achill and Croagh Patrick, and it's well known for its music and its independent shops.
Why visit? Town breaks, food, shopping and local culture.
This handsome 18th-century house was built by the Browne family, descendants of Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, on the site of an earlier O'Malley castle.
Why visit? Heritage, historic houses and grounds.
Ireland's largest island is joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound, so you can drive straight on. Expect towering sea cliffs, mountains, bogland and some of the finest beaches in the country.
Its dramatic landscape has long drawn artists and filmmakers, and parts of The Banshees of Inisherin were filmed here.
Why visit? Scenic drives, beaches and outdoor adventures.
A sheltered sandy cove at the far western end of Achill, hemmed in by steep green hills, with clear water that looks almost tropical on a sunny day. The road down to it is famous in its own right.
Why visit? Coastal photography, scenery and beach days.
A long Atlantic beach backed by mountains and the Minaun Cliffs. It's popular with surfers and anyone who loves wide-open coastal views.
Why visit? Beaches, surfing and walking.
This traffic-free trail follows an old railway line for around 42 km, from Westport through Newport and Mulranny to Achill, with Clew Bay views for much of the way.
You can hire bikes locally and choose a manageable section rather than doing the lot.
Why visit? Cycling, walking and outdoor activities.
Croagh Patrick rises 764 metres above Clew Bay and is Ireland's most famous pilgrimage mountain. Thousands climb it on Reek Sunday, the last Sunday of July.
Why visit? Pilgrimage, mountain scenery and serious hiking.
One of Mayo's most spectacular spots. From the headland you look out at Dún Briste, a huge sea stack that broke away from the mainland centuries ago. There's a blowhole here too, and the area is steeped in stories of St Patrick.
Why visit? Coastal scenery, geology and history.
Hidden beneath the blanket bog of North Mayo are stone-walled fields laid out by farmers almost 6,000 years ago, among the oldest known field systems in the world.
The visitor centre explains the archaeology, geology and nature of the area, and its viewing platform overlooks dramatic sea cliffs.
Why visit? Prehistory, archaeology and unusual landscapes.
An attractive town on the River Moy, famous for its salmon fishing and a handy base for exploring North Mayo.
Why visit? River scenery, heritage and North Mayo trips.
Huge stretches of bogland and mountains give Wild Nephin some of the most remote-feeling scenery in Ireland. It's also part of a Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing is exceptional on a clear night.
Why visit? Wilderness, nature and walking.
A pretty heritage village on the Mayo–Galway border, forever linked with the 1952 film The Quiet Man. The ruins of Cong Abbey, woodland walks and lakeside scenery make it lovely to explore.
Why visit? Film history, heritage and picturesque villages.
A mix of islands, free outdoor places and ticketed attractions, labelled so you can plan around them.
An Atlantic island at the mouth of Clew Bay, the stronghold of Grace O'Malley. Her tower house still stands by the harbour, and tradition says she's buried in the island's medieval abbey.
A small, peaceful island further out in the Atlantic, with spectacular cliffs and a real sense of remoteness. Ferries also leave from Roonagh Quay.
A coastal village on the Greenway with beautiful views over Clew Bay and a lovely beach and causeway walk.
A good base for exploring the remote and beautiful Erris peninsula in north-west Mayo.
In June 1944, a weather report sent from this remote lighthouse helped persuade the Allies to delay D-Day by 24 hours. More on that in the history section.
At Turlough Park near Castlebar, this museum explores Irish rural life, crafts, traditions and customs.
Founded in 1892 by Sister Agnes Morrogh-Bernard to bring work to a struggling community, the mills are still making blankets and throws today.
The stone ruins of around a hundred cottages stretch along the slopes of Slievemore. See the history section for the real story behind them.
The famous castle next to Cong is now a luxury hotel, but the surrounding area is lovely for a wander and a look at the castle from outside.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
We've kept history and legend clearly labelled, because the best Irish stories are usually a bit of both.
Grace O'Malley (Gráinne Mhaol) was born around 1530 into a powerful seafaring family. She became a fearless captain and chieftain who controlled trade, and raided ships, along Ireland's west coast.
Her strongholds included Clare Island and Rockfleet Castle near Newport. In 1593 she famously sailed to England to meet Queen Elizabeth I face to face, one queen to another.
Tradition says St Patrick spent forty days fasting and praying on the summit of Croagh Patrick in the 5th century. Legend adds that this was where he banished the snakes from Ireland.
The mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years, and the tradition is alive today: some pilgrims still climb barefoot on Reek Sunday.
Legend says a local pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, so St Patrick struck the ground with his staff and the land split, leaving the chieftain stranded on the newly made sea stack.
Geologists tell a different story: the Atlantic slowly wore away a sea arch until it collapsed, leaving Dún Briste standing alone. Local tradition dates the break to a great storm in the late 1300s.
It's tempting to imagine the village emptied overnight, but the history is more gradual. People lived here for generations, and the Famine and emigration took a heavy toll.
Later, families used the cottages seasonally while grazing cattle on the mountain in summer, a practice called 'booleying', which carried on into the 20th century. The ruins tell the story of a whole way of life fading away.
On 3 June 1944, Maureen Flavin, a young post office clerk at Blacksod Lighthouse, recorded a weather reading showing a storm approaching. The report reached the Allied commanders, and the Normandy landings were pushed back from 5 June to 6 June.
She and her future husband, lighthouse keeper Ted Sweeney, only learned of the report's importance years later.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days out, each focused on one part of the county.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, ferries and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. For general visitor information, see Mayo.ie and Discover Ireland.
Keep your Wild Atlantic Way road trip going:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge