Jutting Proudly Into The Atlantic...

The county of Mayo boasts a stunningly beautiful unspoiled environment and a magical attraction for visitors. Cosmopolitan towns positively burst with charm and personality, as welcoming as the Mayo people themselves.

The standard and availability of accommodation is excellent and the range of visitor attractions and activities expands every year. Unique highlights include Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain with the starkly beautiful National Famine Memorial at its foot, Knock Shrine, scene of an miraculous apparition in 1879 and charming Cong, forever associated with Hollywood and The Quiet Man.

The Mayo 5000 celebration in 1993 really inspired interest in Mayo and indeed the world famous Riverdance was a spin off from The Mayo Suite composed by Bill Whelan, John McColgan and Moya Doherty, working together for the first time.

History comes alive at the world famous Céide Fields near Ballycastle in North Mayo, at The Foxford Woollen Mills, Hennigans Heritage and museums including the new National Museum of Ireland Country Life just outside Castlebar, the county town.

Festivals are a part of life here, particularly in the summer months when choosing is your only challenge - will it be beach racing, arts, busking or a children's festival.

Sporting and outdoor opportunities abound, especially fishing of all sorts including on the world famous River Moy in Ballina where the salmon is king.

There's coarse and fly fishing and plenty of sea angling so if you fancy landing a shark there's no better place!

There are watersports, hiking and walking, golf links and courses, horseriding and cycling... the list is endless. Sandy EU Blue Flag beaches, clear waters and beautiful islands.

Superb restaurants, pubs of character and of course the irresistible flowing melodies of traditional music. Quite simply Mayo is Amazing!

Meallfaidh draíocht na háite ar ais tú - The magic of the place will lure you back.

Ireland's Western Islands

You should not visit Ireland's West without taking in one of the seven islands off the coast - the three Aran Islands of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr and further north Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island and Achill Island. Island life is difficult to describe, and difficult to forget.

Everything moves just that little bit slower on the islands, and stress levels are just what you want them to be. However, there is still plenty to do.

You can visit historical sites, go walking and cycling, take photos of the breathtaking scenery, spend time in visitor centers, and take part in local music, art and walking festivals.

Regular ferries run to all seven islands (except Achill, which has a land bridge); you can even fly to the Aran Islands - a scenic flight taking all of 10 minutes. It couldn't be easier!