| Louisburgh County Mayo Ireland |
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| Louisburgh County Mayo - (Cluain Cearban) |
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Louisburgh ( Cluain Cearban or Kerwan's meadow ) is the main town of South West County Mayo and is situated on a coastal plain at the mouth of the Bunowen River. Louisburgh is the focal point of an area some 450 square miles in extent, stretching from Killary Fjord to the South, to the Owenree River to the North, and from the coast to the Erriff valley watershed in the East. All of this landscape is designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Mayo County Development Plan.
Main Street Louisbourgh County Mayo
There are a wealth of activities for the visitor to Louisburgh. The highlights include the following:
Known locally as the Reek, Croagh Patrick rises 760 meters and is the most recognisable mountain in the West of Ireland. Saint Patrick was said to have spent 40 days on the sumit in 441AD fasting and praying for the people of Ireland. Since early christian times a pilgramage has taken place every July on Reek Sunday when devout followers climb to the top of the mountain in the Patron Saint's own footsteps. T the sumit there is a hill fort surrounding a dry stone orratory which is one of the oldest churches in Ireland.
Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre is located in Murrisk. The centre includes video and photographic exhibitions about Saint Patrick and the archeological sites in the area.
Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre Co Mayo Ireland
Across the road from the Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre is the National Famine Memorial, a bronze sculpture by John Behan which depicts a "coffin ship".
National Famine Memorial County Mayo Ireland
Clew bay eco-tours operates from Old head pier. You can explore the islands and sheltered waters of Clew Bay in an 8 metre all-weather RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). Life jackets and waterproof suits are provided.
Surf Mayo runs 2 hour surf lessons twice daily from mid March to Mid November and 3 times daily during July & August. This caters for adults, teenagers, families, social groups, clubs, schools, individuals etc etc... available to all young and old....
July & August the kiddies surf camp commences. It starts every morning at 10am til 12pm. The duration of the kiddies surf camp lasts 5 days - Monday until Friday.
The town of Westport is renowned as Ireland's premiere Sea Angling destination and for many years anglers have come and fished the calm and sheltered waters of Clew Bay. the Helm offers a range of services to facilitate your visit. Hump backed glacial deposits known as drumlins are scattered throughout Clew Bay forming a delightful archipelago and a topic for continued discussion as to the exact number of islands, it is 365 one for each day of the year. The calm inshore waters among these islands produce Ray, Bullhuss, Monkfish, Dogfish, Conger, Pollack and occasional Tope. Large Skate over 45kgs are caught with a fair degree of regularity.
All fish are tagged and returned alive as part of a programme to help conservation and research. The surf beaches and rocky inlets dotted around the bay produce Flounder , small Turbot , wrasse, Conger , Ray and occasional Bass. The Helm are now offering you an opportunity to fish these islands and will arrange to have your group landed on an island of your choice, and collected again that evening, A minimum of 6 anglers are required.
Learn a creative craft in an idyllic rural setting only nine miles south of Westport. Open all year round Derryaun crafts specialises in craft courses, including traditional felting and basic jewellery making.
Clare Island, a paradise of historical, geographical, geological and spiritual wonders. Anchored in the peaceful harbour of Clew Bay, Clare Island's earth and rock has protected the inner islands of West County Mayo from the Atlantic Swells for millions of years. There are countless islands surrounding the coast of Ireland, but none so rich in culture, geological and geographical diversity as Clare Island. Its massive cliffs are home to rare birds, flora and fauna.
In the 16th century the Island was home to the O'Malley Clan, whose most famous member Grace O'Malley, summered here in the Castle overlooking the harbour where her fleet of ships would be safely anchored On a rocky headland at the harbour is the square tower, which served as Grace O'Malley's Castle. Clare Island was the stronghold of this remarkable 16th-century queen who lived by her family trade of piracy and plunder. So widely feared was "Granuaile" (as she was known), that she was received with full honours at the Tudor Court of Elizabeth I. She maintained her dominance into old age, died in her seventies in 1603, and was buried in the tiny Abbey on the Island. Clare Island's 12th century Cistercian Abbey contains a remarkable series of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. Only four other such examples still exist in Ireland, and Clare Island's are the most intriguing and best preserved.
Ferries for Clare Island depart daily from Roonagh Quay.
With panoramic views and beautiful sandy beaches bordering on crystal clear waters, free from pollution, Inishturk provides peace and tranquility for the visitor. It is an ideal place for all the family and for anyone who wants to escape the pressures of today's way of life.
Inishturk is located in the far west of Ireland, 9 miles off the county Mayo and Galway coast. There is easy access from Roonagh Quay ( County. Mayo ) .Inishturk is specially noted for the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants. You will come first for its landscape, but will come back for its people.
From hill walking and outdoor activities to fishing and angling, from golf, painting or horse riding to surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving, your visit to Achill can be as active as you like. Or just relax with a coffee or a pint and a view of Achill's spectacular mountains, cliffs and five Blue Flag beaches.
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