Achill Island– located
northwest of Westport, Achill is the largest island off the coast
of Ireland. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the beautiful
landscape of Achill remains largely unspoilt.
Ballintubber Abbey – founded
in 1216 by the King of Connaught, near the site of a church supposedly
built by St. Patrick, Oliver Cromwell destroyed the abbey in 1653.
Completely restored in 1966, its interior now hosts a video display
and interpretative centre.
Céide Fields Visitor Centre
– provides a detailed explanation of the geology and archaeology
of the north Mayo area. The centre is set on a hill, which when
combined with the surrounding area, constitutes the most extensive
stone-age monument in the world. Under this beautiful landscape,
excavation has revealed the existence of a farming community,
whose stone walls and buildings have now been rescued from oblivion
after millennia of neglect.
Clare Island - set in the entrance
to Clew Bay, this is where Gráinne Ní Mháille
had her fortified headquarters. Her castle has now passed into
the hands of the coastguard service, while Gráinne herself
is believed to be buried in a tomb in the nearby 13th century
Clare Abbey, now in ruins.
Ireland's Holy Mountain
Croagh Patrick – standing over
1,800 feet in height, this is known as Ireland’s holy mountain
and it is believed that St. Patrick spent much time here. On it
stands the highest church in Ireland and pilgrims still make the
journey to climb its summit each year.
Granuaile (Gráinne Ní Mháille)
Heritage Centre – situated in the fishing village
of Louisburgh, this centre reveals the history of the O’Malley
clan and gives extensive coverage to the life and times of Gráinne
Ní Mháille, the colourful pirate queen.
Knock Shrine – situated in
Knock Village, the Knock Shrine to the Virgin Mary is famous the
world over. It is said that the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St.
John the Evangelist appeared on the gable of the parish church
at Knock in 1879, while Pope John Paul II made it the focal point
of his visit in 1979.
Michael Davitt Memorial Museum –
situated in Strade, between Foxford and Castlerea, this museum
recalls the life of Michael Davitt, who founded the Land League
in 1879 in order to combat evictions and rural injustices inflicted
by unscrupulous landlords during post-famine times.
Quiet Man Heritage Centre –
located in the village of Cong, where the film, "The Quiet
Man", starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was set,
the centre contains reproductions of the furniture and costumes
used in the film as well as other memorabilia.
Rockfleet (Carrickahowley) Castle
– set near the town of Newport, this 15th century tower house
belonged at one point to Gráinne Ní Mháille.
The castle has been partly restored, while a flight of steps and
spiral staircase enable visitors to see the restricted conditions
in which the pirate queen lived.
Westport Heritage Centre –
provides an invaluable insight into the historical background
of the area as well as displaying documents and artefacts illustrative
of the lives of famous people associated with the area.
Westport House – built
in 1730 on the site of a castle belonging to the pirate queen,
Gráinne Ní Mháille, this superb three-story
mansion is one of Westport’s major attractions. Situated
close to a lake, the house has its own zoo park in the grounds
as well as some old dungeons.
Westport Town – set at the
head of Clew Bay, one of Europe’s richest fishing grounds,
Westport is one of the few Irish towns that was planned rather
than haphazardly coming into being. Boasting a tree-lined boulevard
and central market square, this is the most attractive urban centre
in County Mayo.
