A Fantastic 3-day Road Trip Around County Mayo For You to Borrow

Before we set off from Sligo to Westport, we spent hours carefully examining maps and planning the route and various hikes along the coast.

Instead of visiting easy-to-get-to places around Westport—a very charming town that’s alone worth at least a day on your itinerary—we craved driving down the small coastal roads and wanted to see rural villages with unpronounceable names.

We created a very long list of the best things we wanted to see and do, packed our schedule as tight as we could, and said yes to everything.

During the 3-day road trip around Mayo, we stumbled upon a beautiful lighthouse, hiked Croagh Patrick mountain, had a chance to see Downpatrick Head, visited Ceide Fields and enjoyed Traditional Irish music in a local pub.

If this sounds like your ideal Ireland road trip, then keep on reading to find out more about it.

Reasons For Exploring County Mayo

When I think of County Mayo, I immediately conjure up images of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick and the vibrant atmosphere around Westport town.

County Mayo is a wonderful place to escape the world for a while.

It’s where cliffs soar from the sea, sheep wander the roads, and the Atlantic Ocean vents its pent-up energy.

The dramatic coastline and landscape of County Mayo include magnificent mountains, coastlines, and beaches, as well as Ireland’s largest island, Achill Island, all just waiting to be explored.

Along the rugged coast, you will also find some of the liveliest towns and villages where you can stroll down quaint streets to the sound of traditional music spilling out from local pubs.

Enjoying a stay at *Breaffy House* Resort, County Mayo

Road Trip Details & Essentials

This blog post covers a road trip where the drive around County Mayo offers visitors a golden opportunity to slow down, meet local people and experience rural Ireland’s scenery, culture, folklore and traditions.

If you are looking for a fantastic road trip with fun itinerary ideas around Mayo, then Our Crossings has you covered – just browse through this post and learn about the most popular attractions and things to do in each place.

While we set off from Sligo Town, you can easily adjust your itinerary and arrive from any other city in Ireland.

Route Length: 400 kilometres

Driving Time: around 6 hours and 30 minutes

1st Day sights: Downpatrick Head, Céide Fields Neolithic Site, Ballycroy National Park, Westport

2nd Day sights: Hiking Croagh Patrick and visiting Clare Island

3rd Day sights: Doolough Valley, Killary Fjord, Aasleigh Falls

Landscape views from the Carrowinsky Strand

Marvel at the sheer size of Dun Bristle at Downpatrick Head

Driving time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Leave Sligo behind, follow N4 and N59 to Killala and then to Knockaun, Ballycastle, to reach the marvellous stretch of Downpatrick Head.

Visiting Downpatrick Head is an experience not to be missed for unrivalled views of the Dún Bríste, a rugged 45-meter-high sea stack that was once connected to the mainland.

The sea stack formed around 350 million years ago and is one of the most photographed cliff areas in Ireland, and an absolute highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way route.

Legend has it that Crom Dubh, a Druid Chieftain, lived on what is now Dún Bríste. After he refused to convert to Christianity, St. Patrick struck the ground with his staff and the stack separated from the mainland, leaving Crom Dubh to die on Dún Bríste.

In addition to the flat-topped sea stack, you’ll also find a large blowhole with an underground tunnel to the sea called Poll na Sean Tine and an “EIRE 64” sign, which was an indication to American aircraft that they had reached Neutral Ireland, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

*Good to Know – Please keep in mind that the cliffs are extremely high with no barrier protection

Dún Briste sea stack at the rugged Downpatrick Head

Stop by Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre

Driving time: approximately 20 minutes

Next, head to Céide Fields Neolithic Site via R314, as it is located only 20 minutes from Downpatrick Head.

The fascinating Neolithic site of Céide Fields is located a short drive from Downpatrick Head and is well worth a stop, as the site contains the most extensive Stone Age field system in the world and is almost 6,000 years old.

Here you can marvel at a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, a vast prehistoric landscape and views over the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The site is also home to a newly built visitor centre with many audio-visual shows, exhibitions, tearooms for refreshment and a viewing platform from where you can take in the staggering views over the sea and land.

*Fun fact – In the middle of the visitors centre is a magnificent 4,300-year-old Scots Pine tree, excavated from the fields.

Admission: Adult: €5.00, Family: €13.00

Address: Ballycastle, County Mayo, on the R314

Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre

Explore Ballycroy National Park

Driving time: approximately 50 minutes

Leave the Céide Fields Neolithic Site and travel via R315 to Ballycroy National Park, located on the Western seaboard in northwest Mayo.

The park is probably the least well-known of Ireland’s National Parks, but with over 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and wondrous mountainous terrain, it’s well worth a visit.

In addition to the visitor centre, a great cafe, and exhibitions about the park, wildlife, and landscape, there is also a range of walks of varying distances that visitors can enjoy.

The park is part of Mayo Dark Sky Park, and if you hang around after dark, you can enjoy some of the darkest and pristine skies.

Opening Hours: March – October, 10.00 – 17.00

Stunning landscape views from the main trail

Walk Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail

Driving time: approximately 10 minutes

Leave Balcroy National Park behind and travel via N59 for about 10 minutes towards Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail.

If the weather is decent during your road trip, you have to make a stop at the Claggan Trail to take in the views.

Located between Ballycroy Village and Mulranny, the short trail offers a wonderful walk over a winding boardwalk through a vibrant habitat of a flowering bog and towards the edge of the sea.

Here you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of wild and wonderful Mayo.

The boardwalk rises slightly above the vast blanket of bog, is 2 km in length, and has excellent parking and viewing facilities, as you can take in rugged Claggan Mountain, Ballycroy National Park and Achill Island.

There is a spacious car park at the start of the trail, and once you set foot on the boardwalk, the sky and landscape open up and you are rewarded with uttermost tranquillity.

How long does the walk take? The boardwalk is an easy route and takes around half an hour one-way

The wonderful view from the boardwalk on the Claggan Mountain coastal trail.

Stop By the Wonderful Mullranny Beach

Driving time: approximately 10 minutes

Awarded a Blue Flag in 2024, Mulranny Beach is a wonderful sandy beach located southwest of Mulranny Village in County Mayo.

It’s a perfect place for splashing in the sea, throwing a frisbee and general relaxing.

In addition to a sandy beach, there is also a causeway and wooden bridge leaping across Trawoughter Bay, which leads to the west end of Mulranny Village near Mulranny Park Hotel.

As the whole area is tidal, it makes for an interesting place to walk around.

Facilities on site: Parking, toilets and a lifeguard during the summer months

Sunny summer day at Mullrany Beach, County Mayo

Visit Vibrant Westport Town

Driving time: approximately 30 minutes

Head south via N59 for 30 minutes before you reach Westport.

The charming town of Westport, with its rich tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes, history and the myriad experiences it brings with it, makes for a great stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Famous for its love of music, it offers visitors musical sessions and festivals throughout the year.

Here you can wander down the colourful streets, visit Westport House, which is built on the ruins of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley’s castle or enjoy food in one of the award-winning restaurants.

After a day full of adventures, spend the night in one of Westport’s hotels.

Hike Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick

Driving time: approximately 15 minutes

With a good night’s sleep behind you, hop in a car and head towards Murrisk Town via R335, where you’re going to climb Ireland’s iconic pilgrimage mountain-Croagh Patrick and enjoy the almighty view of the bay and beyond.

Before the climb, you can stretch your legs and walk to the striking National Famine Memorial nestled at the foot of the mountain.

It depicts a haunting “coffin ship” with skeleton bodies in the rigging, and viewed with Croagh Patrick rising behind, it conjures a spectrum of emotions: fear, anger, heartbreak, wretchedness, and hope.

Back to Croagh Patrick – the 2,500-foot-tall mountain is one of the highest peaks in the West of Ireland and provides magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside.

If you hike it during the traditional Pilgrimage day, you can even catch your breath at a mass in the gem of a church that sits on the summit.

How long does it take: The hike will take about three or four hours to go up and back down, on what is a 14km round trip.

Location: Croagh Patrick is around 9.3km from Westport Town

Catch a Ferry to Clare Island

Driving time: approximately 20 minutes

From Croagh Patrick, set your sails towards Roonagh Quay, near Louisburgh, where ferries depart to Clare Island.

It is the largest of 365 islands in Clew Bay and rests just a few miles off Roonagh Point, making it easily accessible by ferry.

The ferry crossing to the island is around ten minutes and lets you enjoy fresh sea air and scenic views.

The island is home to spectacular sea cliffs and a tower that once belonged to the formidable Grace O’Malley, the fierce female pirate queen of Ireland.

While the tourist infrastructure on the island is basic, you’ll find heaps to do to recharge your batteries.

You can visit the 12th-century Cistercian abbey, hike Knockmore Mountain Peak, see gannets, Manx shearwaters and puffins, as well as stop by Ireland’s only two-towered lighthouse.

Tonight, you will spend the night on the island and get quality sleep to aid recovery after climbing the mountain.

The Clare Island Ferry operates daily from Roonagh Quay, near Louisburgh. The ferry sails all year round, so you can visit in high season or experience the more remote side of island life.

*Good to know – The Clare Island Ferry exclusively serves passengers; it does not accommodate vehicles.

Clare Island Lighthouse – photo courtesy of Great Lighthouses of Ireland

Drive through the magnificent Doolough Valley

Approximate driving time: 23 minutes

After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in Doolough Valley via 3335, a place of unparalleled natural beauty.

The valley is a hidden gem in County Mayo, with the Mamturk Mountains on one side and Twelve Bens on the other, and a couple of sparkling lakes.

Sadly, this beauty is clouded in tragedy, making for a very poignant experience along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Besides outstanding natural beauty, Doolough is also known for the tragic events that took place during the Great Famine in 1849.

More specifically, it involved the failure to provide relief to the already starving Irish at the time, ultimately leading to several unnecessary deaths.

Doolough Valley in spring, Co. Mayo, Ireland

It began with two British officials who arrived in Louisburgh to ‘evaluate’ the starving locals on March 30, 1849. Should they pass inspection, they would receive weekly rations of food.

These officials never showed up in Louisburgh, but instead made a detour to the Delphi hunting lodge.

After hours of hopeless waiting, the locals who had gathered in Louisburgh were instructed to make their own way, barefoot, to Delphi, 19km south, where the inspection would be carried out.

When they arrived through hail and wind, the inspection was carried out, but no provisions were provided, and they were instructed to return to Louisburgh.

Not surprisingly, many died. Wikipedia claims that around 20 people perished, but the locals are certain that the number is closer to 400-600.

A stone cross stands in memory of those who perished along the road at Doolough.

Travel Back Home

And there you have it, a wonderful, adventure-induced road trip through lesser-visited parts of Mayo.

After visiting Doolough Valley, you can continue on along the twisting R335 back to Sligo.

The drive is around two hours, and the scenic road passes near Killary Fjord and Ashleigh Falls, both worth visiting.

Additional Stops and Things To Do Along The Way if You Have More Time

If you are in Mayo for longer, there are many more fascinating places to see and discover.

Clew Bay Cruise | Soak up coastal scenery on a cruise along Clew Bay to see Inishgort Lighthouse, an island once owned by John Lennon and local seal colonies.

Achill Island | As one of the most beautiful and remote islands, Achill Island is Ireland’s largest island, easily accessible by bridge. Here, you’ll find rugged cliffs and the famous Keem Beach featured in The Banshees of Inisherin, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson and take in the views of the White Cliffs of Ashleam.

Killary Fjord | extending 16km deep into its head at the beautiful Aasleagh Falls, Killary is Ireland’s only true fjord, offering some of the most spectacular vistas in the West of Ireland.

Old Head Beach | Just a few minutes’ drive from Louisburg, you’ll find a long sandy beach that offers a gorgeous view of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.

Getting to and Around County Mayo

County Mayo is located on Ireland’s West Coast, and the driving distance from Dublin to Westport is just over 3 hours via N5.

Travelling around County Mayo by car is the best way, as it allows you to make last-minute changes to your itinerary and rewards you with the freedom to travel where you want.

From Dublin | The Driving distance from Dublin to Westport is 253km. Take the Chapelizod Bypass/R148 to the N4 in South Dublin, and then follow the M4, N4, and N5 to Distillery Road in Westport.

From Sligo | County Mayo can be easily reached, with Westport town only 100 km away. Follow the fastest route and get on N4, followed by N17 and N5.

By public transport | There are no organised tours from Dublin to Mayo, so, if you don’t have a car, public transport is your other option. Trains depart daily for Westport from Dublin Heuston station, and Bus Éireann operates from Dublin city

*Good To Know – in Ireland, driving is on the left side, you must always wear a seatbelt and watch your speed limit.

Madara hiking Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail

Tips For Driving In Ireland

If you plan on driving on your trip to Ireland, you’ll need to know the basics, as driving in a different country can be a completely different experience from driving in your home country.

You can expect different rules and regulations, and also other driving styles and norms.

Some of the things to keep in mind, before you get behind the wheel, are:

Cars on the island of Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road.

In rural areas, expect slow pieces of farm machinery around every corner

The use of cell phones while driving in Ireland is strictly forbidden.

You need a valid national driving licence or an international driving permit.

Signposts in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas are written in Irish (Gaelic).

Everyone in a vehicle, front and rear, must wear seat belts at all times.

Don’t ever drink and drive, as it is a serious offence in the country

Ericeira sitting next to the famous Paddington bear statue in Westport Town

Where to stay in Mayo

If you are looking for a place to stay on your road trip around County Mayo, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Given Westport’s popularity with holidaymakers and weekend explorers, you’ll find lots of accommodation options, including hostels, riverside apartments and family-owned hotels.

Breaffy House Resort | located in 101 acres of woodland estate, the historic Breaffy House Resort

Clare Island Lighthouse | Have you ever dreamed about staying the night in a lighthouse? Clare Island lighthouse offers comfy beds and stunning views.

Westport Plaza Hotel | Located in Westport Town, Westport Plaza Hotel has a New York Italian-inspired Bar and Restaurant, luxurious bathrooms, a spa and a health club.

Mullarnny Park Hotel | Located in a scenic estate, the 4-star Mullrany Park Hotel offers beautifully designed rooms and stunning views over Clew Bay

The welcoming interior of the Breaffy House

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to County Mayo? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to County Mayo and have travel-related questions!

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A Fantastic 3-day Road Trip Around County Mayo For You to Borrow – OUR CROSSINGS