Top Things to do in County Mayo
Things to do in County Mayo, Western Ireland: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in County Mayo, Ireland including The Lost Valley, Jacks Old Cottage, Jeremiah Higgins, Killala Tower, Rosserk Friary, Royal Abbey of Cong, Westport House & Gardens, The Guinness Tower/Leonard's Tower, Monk's Fishing House, Saint Deirbhle's Church.
Restaurants in County Mayo
1. The Lost Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 215 reviews
The Lost Valley offers a unique window into the cultural heritage of the west of Ireland. Indeed it is itself arguably the finest memorial of the Great Irish Famine that remains today. As The Lost Valley is an active working farm, visitors can experience life on the farm with pet lamb feeding for younger adventurers, a working sheep dog demonstration and a sheep shearing demonstration in season on request. Meeting point/Reception is located at the lost valley - Silver Strand, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, Ireland.
Reviewed By PaulTheMajor - Dublin, Ireland
This place is truly a "hidden gem" and definitely off the beaten track. With Gerard's lived experience, his vast knowledge of Irish history, his easy and informative style combined with the spectacular and rugged beauty of the valley, this is a most unique way to spend three hours on the edge of the Atlantic. Very good value for €20 each. Highly recommended.
2. Jacks Old Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
'Jacks Old Cottage' is a Heritage cottage from the 1800's. During the visit the guests will be brought back in time to see what life was like during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Jacks Old cottage was built in 1830 and lived in continuously until 1997. The cottage has many artifacts that are very rare. The cottage is steeped in Irish history and culture.
3. Jeremiah Higgins
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Discover an impressive collection of Historic Documents as well as Accessories, Leather, Gifts and more from the charming and traditional atmosphere of one of Ireland's oldest shops; Jeremiah Higgins. Trading on Main Street in the same family since 1820.
Reviewed By Carolecos21 - Claremorris, Ireland
If your in Claremorris, Co Mayo, do call into this genuinely lovely gift shop with its old Irish charm and interior. I called in on passing by in late December and was annoyed that my Christmas shopping had already been done. There were so many lovely and unusual gifts to choose from.. beautiful hand bags, leather gloves, hats, knitted goods, a veritable treasure trove of delights. The shop itself still retains much of its original fittings and parafinalia which gives the feeling of stepping back in time to a gentler more relaxed time, when shopping was a pleasure, when you could take your time and enjoy the feel and smell of leather, and enjoy the skills of local knitters and crafters. On speaking to Noreen, who was serving that day, she told me her husband was the fifth generation Higgins who had owned the shop from its inception. I happily treated myself to a wonderfully warm wool woven shawl in sumptuous shades of heathens and greens... which has received some lovely comments from friends. It's was so unexpected to find such an individual gem of a delightful shop which still offers old fashioned courtesy and a charming selection of gifts for the shopper who's looking for a special something. Take a deep breath and step back in time, you will be love it.
4. Killala Tower
5. Rosserk Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By spinellae
Amazingly quiet area with fantastic views of the lake. The friary is beautiful, very peaceful atmosphere.
6. Royal Abbey of Cong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By alisonpriceLeeds - Leeds, United Kingdom
Beautiful abbey nice streets and great John Wayne statue. A little gem - lovely drive and nice place to stop
7. Westport House & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 745 reviews
Known as “Ireland’s Most Beautiful Home”, Westport House has a story that matches its beauty. One of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland, Westport House was built by the Browne family whose connections to Mayo date back to the 1500s and even relates them to the trail-blazing pirate queen and chieftain, Grace O’Malley. A visit to Westport House will tell the story of the development of the house as well as the family’s contribution to the estate and surrounding area. We hope you’ll enjoy the tales of pirates and slave emancipators as you gain a fascinating insight into the families behind the big house as well as the members of staff who made it all possible. Families can also visit the onsite Pirate Adventure Park. Keep an eye on its vibrant Events Calendar. Or book a stay in onsite Hotel Westport, hire a bell tent or bring your own to the Caravan & Camping Park.
Reviewed By 192marilyns - Hinckley, United Kingdom
A good description by the new owners, the Hughes family, who are doing an excellent job in protecting and restoring this beautiful house and the magnificent landscaped gardens surrounding it. A reasonably priced entrance fee gives you access to 6 permanent historically based exhibitions and allows you to freely explore 30 rooms over three floors with most items original to the house from the 18th century. Don't be afraid to visit the dungeon (incorporating the remains of pirate queen Grace O'Malley's 16th century castle) - it is easy to access and quite spacious and well-lit. Also in the basement is a cafe located in the original kitchen so you get to enjoy some very reasonably priced tasty goodies and a lovely pot of tea whilst gazing at the remarkable Victorian cast iron range and vast array of copper cookware. Toilet facilities are also located on the lower basement floor and are clean, spacious and again part of the old house - so worth a visit!
8. The Guinness Tower/Leonard's Tower
9. Monk's Fishing House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By jackiebD6544KZ - Tenterden, United Kingdom
Just a stroll from Ashford Castle along the River Cong just before reching Cong Village is this lovely well preserved stone cottage where a[parently Monks would catch fish
10. Saint Deirbhle's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By RoseMarigold77 - Inishbiggle, Ireland
Living in the area, this had been on my list to explore for a while.. It was not all that easy to find as the road was not signed from the Blacksod quay. But a Polish workman pointed me on saying, "There are some nice places up there" He was right! You come across the graveyards and church almost unexpectedly . A dramatic and peaceful scene of ocean and land. The intimately small ruined church keeps vigilant watch. Utterly beautiful in its simplicity and intimacy. . Some of the nearby gravestones are ancient and breathtaking. WISH they would clear it....A place to linger in prayer and peace. The shape of the ancient stone arches, skilfully and lovingly handbuilt, after so many centuries a testament to faith,
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