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Europe Ireland

Meandering around Mayo, Ireland

Mayo panorama
Mayo panorama

I feel that Ireland is enjoyed best by, not travelling from one attraction to the next, but by meandering and happening upon scenes that are straight from picture postcards. A friend once told me that she felt underwhelmed by Ireland’s scenery compared to Scotland. I asked her where she had been. Dublin, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher she started to list.

Lost in Mayo
Lost in Mayo
A peaceful scene in Mayo
A peaceful scene in Mayo

That was her problem. She had stuck to the road well travelled. I believe you have to get lost down the back roads to see the true beauty of Ireland. The other day I had intended to visit the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary but made a late start. After revising my plans I decided to head in the opposite direction to Clifden in Mayo instead. I got to a town called Oughterard and had to stop. I wanted to clear my head so I stopped for lunch in a nice little pub there.

I love the Irish mountains
I love the Irish mountains
Late afternoon in Mayo on an early November day
Late afternoon in Mayo on an early November day

Feeling refreshed and rested I headed off but never made it to Clifden. Instead at some point I made a right turn and headed over some mountains and into some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. My photos really don’t do it justice and unfortunately I did start losing some light. But that feeling of meandering over one hill after the other and into valleys with the most beautiful lake scenes was so rewarding.

The Mayo lakes are beautiful at this time of day
The Mayo lakes are beautiful at this time of day
Lough Mask, County Mayo, Ireland
Lough Mask, County Mayo, Ireland
Heading toward Tourmakeady on Lough Mask, County Mayo
Heading toward Tourmakeady on Lough Mask, County Mayo
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Europe Ireland Travel

Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland

At Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
At Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

Embarking on a journey to Croagh Patrick and Achill Island, County Mayo offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, spiritual exploration, and coastal serenity.  On the west coast of Ireland Croagh Patrick is very close to the town of Westport, in fact only 8kms away. It was on this mountain that Ireland’s patron saint fasted for 40 days and nights and where he supposedly banished venomous snakes from Ireland. Climbing the mountain, which is 765m high, is an act of penance for thousands of pilgrims on the last Sunday of July (Reek Sunday). 

Visitor's Centre, Croagh Patrick
Visitor’s Centre, Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick from the car park
Croagh Patrick from the car park

There is a Visitor’s Centre and opposite the car park is the National Famine Memorial. The trail starts outside the Visitor’s Centre. On this occasion I did not walk up the mountain but I would like to return to do so when in the right mindset.

The track up Croagh Patrick starts outside the Visitor's Centre
The track up Croagh Patrick starts outside the Visitor’s Centre

Next I headed off to Achill Island stopping off briefly at Newport, a lovely town with a very nice looking viaduct. I liked the feel of this town.

Newport, County Mayo, Ireland
Newport, County Mayo, Ireland
Viaduct at Newport
Viaduct at Newport

Achill Island covers 55 square miles and is Ireland’s largest off shore island. It is connected to the mainland by a short bridge making it an easy place to get to by car. Dramatic mountains, moors and wonderful beaches made this island a great place to drive around. I stopped off in Keel and walked along the beach. There was a camping park and shops nearby. I thought it was really beautiful down at the beach. Keel seemed to be the main town on the island and would make a great holiday spot. I would also say if you like hiking that Achill would be a fantastic place to explore.

Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Looking across to Achill Sound
Looking across to Achill Sound
Off to Keel, Achill Island
Off to Keel, Achill Island
Keel Beach, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Keel Beach, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
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Europe Ireland

The Joy of Travelling Solo – Maghery, Co. Donegal, Ireland

Maghery, Wild Atlantic Way
Maghery, Co. Donegal

I love travelling solo, especially in Ireland. It makes me feel special. Those times when I am on public transport abroad and I don’t speak the local language and nobody there speaks English, this makes me feel unique. I love that people still try to help me. I also love that other English speakers are very willing to start up a conversation. This is something I don’t think would happen with such frequency if I wasn’t travelling solo. Opportunities seem to present themselves as well… 

Read more: The Joy of Travelling Solo – Maghery, Co. Donegal, Ireland