Mayo is a county located in the remote western part of Ireland where you will find the beautiful stark mountains that serve as the backdrop to the stunning intricate coastline with offshore islands dotting the area.
The mountains are rising dramatically from Atlantic Ocean and roadways wind inland starting from the coast through the rugged hills, quaint villages, and spectacular woodlands that lead to the expansive areas of blanket bogs filled with sheep.
Mayo serves as the home to Achill Island, the largest offshore island in the country. The county boasts of a rugged and long coastline that is indented with numerous bays and harbors.
Mayo ranks as the third largest county in Ireland after Cork and Galway and is also among the five counties that belong to the ancient Province of Connacht.
It earned the nickname Heather County in reference to the immense blanket bogs covering most parts of the county that are adorned with the lovely blooms of the purple blossomed heather. The Maritime County and Yew County are two other popular nicknames of Mayo.
The villages and towns of County Mayo are thriving market hubs that cater to the nearby rural communities. Welcoming and friendly, you will see cheerfully painted facades lining the broad streets and when summer months come, these are also adorned with lovely baskets of flowers.
From its nickname Maritime County, it is easy to say that the county boasts of an impressive and long coastline lying along the western coastal tourist route of Ireland called the Wild Atlantic Way. Truly, the coastline lives up to the word “wild” in its name. There is a different vista at every turn of the peninsulas in Mayo with jagged and rocky cliffs at one point and beautiful sandy beaches in the next spot.
Off the coast, you will see the islands that speckle the horizon with the highlights of delicate color that make the westerns seaboard of Mayo a sparkling jewel in the crown of Ireland. Achill is the most popular out of these islands, a unique place with a landscape enveloped in mist and used to be the haunt of a Pirate Queen
The ancient history of Ireland is right within reach on the lush green pastures, windswept hills, and rocky headlands perched high above the swells of the Atlantic. County Mayo is definitely not an exception because this is where you can learn about the country’s history no matter where you go.
The Irish landscape is dotted with medieval castles that serve as reminders of the history of Ireland and the people’s way of life in the bygone eras. Most of County Mayo’s castles are linked with Grace O’Malley.
Mayo also touches the northern edge of Lough Corrib that mainly lies in the county of Galway. Lough Mask can be found further north right in the heart of Mayo.
There is no doubt that Mayo is a lovely heather county that has so many exciting sights and activities to offer not only to its visitors but also to the locals themselves.
