West Mayo Tour

The Mayo Tour is like stepping back 20 years in time to an Ireland before the Celtic Tiger!. It is the quietest of our routes in terms of traffic and offers up a wild windswept landscape full of changing light. You will get to visit the largest Stone Age site in Europe, an ancient cattle field system and also spend your rest day on Achill Island with its wonderful mountains and white sandy beaches as well as its breathtaking cliff walks. This is also the country of Grainnuiale, a famous female pirate in the 16th Century whose ships attacked fleets all along the coastline and we visit one of her fortress houses. The last day of our cycle takes us along the Achill -Westport Greenway. A newly opened dedicated cycle route along an old railway line, one of the most cycled paths in the country since it was opened and a real highlight to finish the tour. 

Westport is a heritage town in Co Mayo and is a great place to visit any day of the year. A colorful town with great bars, restaurants and music. Looming over the town is Croagh Patrick – Irelands holy mountain and where on the last Sunday in July, every year, pilgrims climb the Reek (Croagh Patrick). Climbing enthusiasts can climb the mountain anytime they wish. Also in the area is the town of Knock which is famous for its Marian Shrine. The Ceide Fields (less than 50 miles from Westport) and which is older than the pyramids is also worth a visit and a rare treat for those interested in archaeology. Less ancient and worthwhile places to visit in the area is the village of Cong (film set for John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara’s Quiet Man) and the esteemed Ashford Castle which is another old-world treasure.