This piece is from issue two of Go Wild Magazine.
Journey to the West coast of Ireland and once you meet the ‘Welcome to Mayo’ sign you’ll know that you have arrived at a unique place. Mayo really is wild and wonderful, with broad magnificent landscapes, storm carved coasts, majestic cliffs and hauntingly beautiful mountains all set beneath massive and awe inspiring skies.
Mayo is steeped in history, home to the Ceide Fields and the first farmers. Widely known as the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo boasts the longest coastline of any County in Ireland, and Ireland’s largest island, Achill and highest cliffs. Mayo offers something for everyone, from the history seeker to the religious pilgrim, from the culturally curious to the outdoor adventure enthusiast.
And what better way to discover Mayo’s charm than by taking to the great outdoors. The Great Western Greenway connecting Westport to Achill Island offers an award-winning family-friendly biking trail with stunning scenery, historic villages, ancient ruined abbeys, and local artisan food and arts and crafts. Right at the heart of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Mayo embraces the Atlantic Ocean with many of the County’s unforgettable landmarks dotted along its coastline – spiritual Croagh Patrick, sumptuous Clew Bay and Achill’s majestic cliffs. Mayo’s Atlantic coastline is a playground for those with an adventurous spirit, offering world class deep sea fishing, kite surfing, wind surfing, coasteering, kayaking and many beautiful Blue Flag beaches. The Blueway Trails at Old Head, Killary and Achill offer the opportunity to experience world class snorkelling and ocean kayaking.
For something a little slower paced Mayo is a haven for walkers and anglers alike, offering a myriad of spectacular walks and journeys including Croagh Patrick and Cong. The rivers Moy, Furnace and Owenmore are internationally renowned for salmon and sea trout angling. The hiker can escape the bustle of urban life by climbing one of our many mountain ranges including Mweelrea, the highest peak in Connaught. At Wild Nephin and the Ballycroy National Park spring is heralded by the elusive call of the corncrake. Get to grips with its vastness by rambling its highlands, on the Bangor Trail, reaching without sign of civilisation as far as the eye can see. And when you’ve had your fill and are ready to rejoin the human race, or just ready to rest your weary head, the necklace of rural towns and seaside villages of Mayo’s wild heartland offers a true and authentic Céad Míle Fáilte as ageless, authentic and genuine as the wilderness itself.
Wild Mayo – Escape, Explore, Enjoy!
