Sacred Peaks, Atlantic Shores, and Ireland’s Wild Heart
County Mayo, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is a place where tradition, wilderness, and coastline come together. From the holy summit of Croagh Patrick to the rugged expanse of Wild Nephin National Park, Mayo offers some of the country’s most rewarding walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Its landscapes are diverse — Atlantic islands, sweeping bays, mountains, boglands, and tranquil greenways — making it a county full of contrasts and discoveries.
For walkers, Mayo is a county of journeys: pilgrimages, long-distance trails, island loops, and short scenic hikes. Whether climbing a sacred mountain, exploring the vastness of Nephin Beg, or strolling along the beaches of Achill Island, Mayo combines challenge, spirituality, and serenity in equal measure.
Trails & Routes
- Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage mountain, with panoramic views over Clew Bay and its 365 islands.
- The Western Way – A long-distance trail linking Connemara to Mayo, passing through Maumturk valleys, Lough Mask, and the Partry Mountains.
- Wild Nephin / Ballycroy National Park – Remote walking in Ireland’s first designated wilderness area, with loop trails and rugged uplands.
- Achill Island Trails – Coastal and mountain walks, including Slievemore, Croaghaun Cliffs, and Keem Bay.
- Great Western Greenway – A 42 km off-road walking and cycling trail from Westport to Achill, following a disused railway line.
Adventure Highlights
- Croagh Patrick – climb Ireland’s holy mountain and experience centuries of pilgrimage.
- Achill Island – dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and Atlantic headlands.
- Clew Bay – dotted with islands, ideal for coastal walking, kayaking, and cycling.
- Wild Nephin National Park – a true wilderness of bog, mountain, and forest.
- The Western Way – multi-day walking across rugged landscapes.
- Westport – a lively town and gateway to Mayo’s trails.
Explore the Area
- Westport – colourful, lively, and a hub for walking holidays.
- Achill Island – a mix of wild cliffs, heritage villages, and sandy beaches.
- Newport – starting point of the Great Western Greenway.
- Ballina – on the River Moy, close to Belleek Woods and coastal routes.
- Ballycroy – gateway to Wild Nephin National Park.
