This northwestern region of Ireland is less visited by foreign visitors than many other parts of the country. Yet, it has some astonishing sites well worth a visit.
1. From Connemara to central Mayo:
Starting from the southern side of Lough Corrib to Joyce Country, the road follows the western shore of the lake, offering some stunning views of the countryside.
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| One of the many islands of Lough Corrib |
CONG is a picturesque village located between the northern tip of Lough Carrib and the southern tip of Lough Mask, another big lake in the region. This is a much-visited place, not only because it is a lovely country village but also because Hollywood chose the location for its vintage movie 'The Quiet Man" (1952) by John Ford, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.
Nowadays, this village is known also for its salmon population that attracts many fishermen and has also become a lucrative industry.
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| Salmon farm |
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| Cong area |
Consequently, the tourists come to Cong also for its historical sights as well as its typical rural Irish atmosphere.
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| Entrance to the Abbey |
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| The Royal Abbey cloister |
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| The film cottage |
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| ... and its window! |
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| The 'Quiet Man' Museum |
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| Another view of Cong |
2. Lough Lannagh (central Mayo):
Further north, at Castlebar, there is another smaller lake near the town, which is a favorite hike for people because they have turned its shores into a public park.
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| Sunset on Lough Lannagh |
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| Sunset view |
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Parkview
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| Park flowers |
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| A pink beauty |
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| Way up to Castlebar |
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| From Castlebar to Achill Island |
Castlebar has nothing in particular as a town, but it is a good starting point to explore the rest of Couty Mayo.
The drive to Achill Island from Westport proved to be an excellent way to visit the beauty of the western coast of Mayo.
The first step is for the lovely town of WESTPORT, considered to be one of the most pleasant Irish towns to live in.
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| A view of Westport central square |
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| A Westport house |
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| Hillside street |
Newport is further north. The road around the ocean bay to Mallaranny is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Mallaranny is already a lovely sight. From there, you may choose to cross a peninsula to reach Achill Island. But I highly recommend going to Mallaranny Beach first and then use the scenic coastal road around the peninsula leading to the Spanish Armada Viewpoint. This is one of the most scenic roads of this trip!
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Mallaranny Beach
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Amazing colors
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| The pebble beach on the Bay |
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| Sheep grazing |
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| Panoramic view of Mallaranny Beach |
As it was a fine day, driving along the coastal road to the Spanish Armada Viewpoint was truly a magic moment.
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| Above Mallaranny Beach |
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| Panoramic coastal view |
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| The story of the Spanish Armada |
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| A view of the coast |
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| A view of the cliffs |
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| Amazing sea colors |
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| The full story of the Spanish Armada sinking |
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| The strait to Achill Island |
Achill Island is linked to the peninsula by a bridge. But once you are there, it feels you are in one end of the Earth, although it is popular with campers and hikers in the summer.
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| Achill Island: Keel Beach |
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| Pub & restaurant at Keel Beach |
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