County Mayo
Dipping its toes into the River Rosserk, this sublime Franciscan abbey dates from the mid-15th century. An eye-catching double piscina (perforated stone…
Must-see attractions in Counties Mayo & Sligo
County Sligo
This handsome Dominican friary was built around 1252 but burned down in the 15th century, to be later rebuilt. Friends in high places saved the abbey from…
County Mayo
With the bow of the RMS Titanic cast in bronze and statues of several of the 14 local passengers who were on the ship when it went down, this memorial…
Granuaile Heritage Centre & Famine Exhibition
County Mayo
Acquire an illuminating glimpse into the life and times of Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille or Granuaile; 1530–1603), the infamous pirate queen of…
County Mayo
Starting when he was 12 in 1939, the late Jackie Clarke was a businessman who amassed an extraordinary collection of 100,000 items covering 400 years of…
County Sligo
Don’t miss a chat with woodcarver, raconteur and local legend Michael Quirke as he hand-carves his wooden creations. Opening times can vary, so take a…
County Mayo
Rising from a narrow isthmus, the hillside village of Mulranny overlooks a wide Blue Flag beach on the road from Newport to Achill Sound and on the cusp…
County Mayo
This small museum follows the story of the first witnesses to the vision of Mary in the parish church in 1879, through to the miraculous cures attributed…
County Mayo
The 40ft-high, 15th-century tower house rising beside the shore at Kildownet is associated with the pirate queen Grace O'Malley. Entering through a steel…
County Mayo
Opposite the car park on the far side of the road is the National Famine Memorial, a spine-chilling sculpture of a three-masted ghost ship wreathed in…
County Sligo
In a pretty setting in a former 1895 bank, the WB Yeats Exhibition has details of his life, draft manuscripts and special summer programs. Admission…
County Sligo
Multimedia exhibits, workshops and performances keep things lively at this music centre. You can add to your music collection or pick up instruments and…
County Mayo
Stretching up 23m and featuring a single lofty window, the magnificent Turlough Round Tower, a short distance northeast of the National Museum of Country…
County Sligo
Eagles soar straight over your head at this volunteer-run research centre as you learn about these birds of prey during demonstrations. There's also a…
County Sligo
The major draw of Sligo's small county museum is the Yeats room, which features photographs, letters and newspaper cuttings connected with WB Yeats. Also…
County Mayo
The ruins here mark the site of St Deirbhile miraculously regaining her sight after plucking out her eyes to make herself less attractive to an unwanted…
County Sligo
A lovingly restored 19th-century cottage sits at the heart of this endearing museum. Humble thatched structures complement this centrepiece, along with…
County Mayo
If you can squeeze your way through the west window of this ancient 12th-century church ruin three times, you will never die from drowning (legend attests…
County Mayo
As the name implies – a ribbon of golden heaven; in the north of Achill Island near Dugort.
County Mayo
Dugort's Silver Strand beach is a prime example of the island's many fine coves.
County Mayo
Murrisk Abbey was founded by the O'Malleys in 1547. Its scant remains sit beside the shore; a path leads here from beside the National Famine Memorial.
County Mayo
These ruins probably date to the 17th century, but an earlier church dating to the 16th century also existed here, perhaps built by Grace O'Malley who…
County Mayo
This small and roofless 16th-century monk's fishing house juts out into the River Cong just south of the bridge, designed so monks could haul their catch…
County Sligo
This central stone bridge spanning the River Garavogue was built in 1845. It was originally named after Queen Victoria, then re-named after the first…
County Mayo
Associated with the pirate queen Grace O'Malley, this compact castle tower was her stronghold, although it was altered considerably when the coastguard…
County Mayo
The 8km drive west from Keel to what is literally the end of the road is spectacular, with sweeping views across the water as the route climbs beside the…
County Mayo
Down in the southwest of the peninsula, this is a gorgeous beach. Just south of the beach, look out for the gaunt uninhabited tower ruin along Tower Rd.
County Mayo
The sheltered, broad beach at Carrowmore, just west of Louisburgh village, offers good views of Croagh Patrick and has a lifeguard on duty in summer.
County Sligo
This 63ft-high 12th-century tower near the water's edge is a ruined, though formidable, stronghold. The uppermost level is known as the Sailor's Bed.
County Mayo
A hike up 462m Knockmore in the northwest of the island rewards with superb views over Clare Island's sheep-dotted moorlands to the mainland beyond.
County Mayo
Head east from Louisburgh for a couple of kilometres and look out for the turning north to the pleasant and secluded beach at Old Head.
County Mayo
Set in a 19th-century stone building 2km west of town, this museum traces the history, customs and traditions of Westport and Clew Bay.
County Mayo
A climb up Mt Croaghaun (664m) near Achill Head invites hikers to walk atop what locals claim are Europe's highest sea cliffs.
County Mayo
Mt Slievemore (671m) can be climbed from behind deserted Slievemore Village for terrific views of Blacksod Bay.
County Mayo
Bilingual arts centre in Belmullet that features changing displays on local history and culture.
County Mayo
This lovely beach is a prime spot for birdwatchers and dolphin-watchers, as well as surfers.
County Mayo
Founded in 1892, the Foxford mill was set up to ease post-Famine suffering and provide much-needed work. It remained open until 1987, during which time…
County Mayo
This cave, in a pine forest about 1.5km west of Cong, can be reached via a signposted walking loop from the abbey. Steep, slippery stone steps lead down…
