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Ireland
Ireland – Cycle County Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast
A 10 day self-guided cycling adventure into the wilderness of County Mayo
Highlights
We’ve included all cycle equipment hire and luggage transfers for you so you can get on with enjoying your holiday
Our route plan joins the sights and experiences of this remote and diverse county by taking you via the quiet back roads, often shared only with sheep
Experience the legendary local hospitality as you journey between family-run guesthouses
Explore the isolated and stunningly beautiful Mullet peninsular and Achill Island
Finish off with a drop of local culture in colourful and friendly Westport
On our Ireland – Cycle County Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast holiday, we’ll take care of the logistics – all you need to do is cycle to your next destination. There’s no need to worry about your luggage and you can relax at your hotel once you have arrived.
Cycle hire, luggage transport, route maps on printed cards and GPS files are all included, leaving you free to explore unencumbered and at your own pace.
You’ll stay in bed and breakfast accommodation along the way, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet the locals and join in the craic. You’ll cycle the most scenic Irish roads, through Ballycroy National Park and onto the beautiful Achill island before visiting colourful and friendly Westport. At the end of the trip you return to Ballina.
Day 1
On arrival you’ll transfer to your accommodation for your first night, in the lovely town of Ballina, northern Mayo.
You’ll be taken through your itinerary for your week and your bikes will be fitted to you. Later if you like, you can take part in a Whiskey Appreciation Session, to learn about the craft of Irish whiskey and taste the unique styles – pop into Ballina to explore the town.
For dinner there are two award winning restaurants minutes away.
Accommodation on this day: Brigown Bed & Breakfast
Day 2
To Ballycastle (40Km). This week, your bikes each have 25l panniers so you can carry your spare clothing, food and drink for the day. We’ll provide the equipment you need like a helmet, pump, spare tube, a basic repair kit and a lock. The bikes are new models with hydraulic disc brakes and there’s a handlebar mount for your smartphone so that you can easily follow the GPS directions.
Each day you’ll send your overnight luggage on with our transport so it’s waiting for you on your arrival at your next accommodation.
Today your guide will accompany you from your accommodation until lunchtime, setting you up for a great holiday.
Your route today takes you from Ballina to Ballycastle. Setting off through Beleek woods, you’ll quickly leave town behind, following the Moy estuary and Atlantic coastline. After stopping by the monasteries of the Moy, Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey, you will arrive in the historic fishing town of Kilalla.
From here, your guide will bid you farewell and send you on your way, passing the golden sandy beaches of Lacken Strand and Dun Briste, reaching the iconic sea stack and cliffs of Downpatrick Head.
This evening you’ll receive a warm Irish welcome at a family run guest house in Ballycastle. For dinner you could savour a typical Irish meal in their home or take a stroll into Ballycastle to experience the Irish country pub life.
Accommodation on this day: Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel
Day 3
To Kilcommon (50Km). Your self guided route today continues west along the open coastline, ascending to the cliff tops site of Ceide Fields. There’s time to explore this site if you wish – the visitor’s centre is very informative and well worth a visit. The Ceide Fields are the world’s oldest known field system dating back to c.3,500BC.
Mayo’s roads are quiet and great for cycling. Often you’ll share them with the local sheep! Tonight you’ll stay in Kilcommon Lodge in the wilds of North Mayo, with its cosy living room and open turf fire. Dinner is available in-house or you could walk to the local pub.
Accommodation on this day: Kilcommon Lodge
Day 4
To Blacksod (52Km). On this part of your journey you’ll explore the remote western peninsular of Mullet. Mullet is technically an island, connected as it is to the mainland by a short bridge over a narrow channel excavated so that fishing boats could easily access the long inlets of Broadhaven Bay to the east and Blacksod Bay to the south of Belmullet.
Road access to Mullet is via this bridge in Belmullet. Your accommodation is 15km from the town and you’ll need to stock up with food on crossing the bridge, maybe even eating your main meal of the day.
You’ll stay at the end of the wild Mullet peninsular, set between the open Atlantic and Blacksod Bay.
Accommodation on this day: Léim Siar Bed and Breakfast
Day 5
To Bangor Erris (40Km). It’s back inland today as you continue to explore the region of the Barony of Erris. Passing back through Belmullet you can stock up on fuel and it’s then back on the saddle for a short but spectacularly wild spin into the country village of Bangor Erris.
Accommodation on this day: Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast
Day 6
To Achill Island (45Km). Your route today takes you through the Ballycroy National Park and along the coastline before joining the Greenway to Achill Island.
At the well-designed visitors centre of Ballycroy, there’s a chance to learn about the nature and wildlife of the National Park, and the Park’s importance in containing one of the last intact active bog systems of Western Europe.
Continuing South you’ll reach the gateway to Achill, the town of Mulranny. The Great Western Greenway stretches from Westport to Achill Island via Mulranny and it’s here that you’ll join this surfaced off-road route for the 13Km stretch to Achill Sound and the bridge to the island.
You have two nights on the island so that you can properly explore.
Accommodation on this day: Pure Magic Lodge
Day 7
A day on Achill Island, with the route choice up to you! There’s lots to do on the island but as you’ve one day to explore, we’d recommend the following to experience the best of the west end.
From your accommodation, it’s a short 3.5Km ride to the village of Keel with its wide, sweeping sandy beach. You might tarry a while here on the beach or in a cafe. You can buy food here for a packed lunch.
Next take the road west up above the clifftops, dropping to stunning Keem Bay. If you’re a swimmer you might like a dip here in the crystal-clear waters. We’d suggest securing your bikes down by the bay and taking a walk up the hillside to the south, for amazing views over the Cliffs of Croaghaun and Achill Head.
Return the same way via Keel to your accommodation.
Accommodation on this day: Pure Magic Lodge
Day 8
To Westport (50Km). The Great Western Greenway is a former railway line which closed in 1937 and is now a safe paradise for cyclists and walkers. The route is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and hugs along Clew bay with views of some of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains.
You’ll follow this Greenway today, passing back past Mulranny before going on to Newport and finally Westport. The friendly towns of the west coast are a highlight of any visit to the area, with their diverse local businesses with colourful shop fronts.
You’ll have time to to explore the town – we’d recommend that you stop off in Matt Molloy’s pub for a pint of Guinness and to listen to the traditional music.
Accommodation on this day: Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast
Day 9
To Ballina (54Km). Today’s route passes the town of Castlebar and then follows the lakes road, meandering through the valleys.
Mayo’s three famous fishing lakes are decorated with the backdrop of the dramatic Nephin mountain range.
On arriving back into Ballina, your Mayo adventure finishes where it started, on the banks of the Moy. Take off your shoes, put your feet up and your host will be there to welcome you with an Irish coffee and homemade scones.
Accommodation on this day: Brigown Bed & Breakfast
Day 10
After a final delicious Irish breakfast – remember, you’ve earned it! – you’ll transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Walking
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel
Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel is a clean, modern hostel with a family ensuite room, a 6-bed dormitory and an 8-bed dormitory. Breakfast is provided, and as this is a hostel you of course have access to the kitchen should you wish. On site there are also two new self catering apartments each with two bedrooms.
A stay here is as much about the location as the hostel craic – you’re within easy walking distance of the beach, right in town for cafes and bike hire, and four miles from the impressive cliffs, stacks and blow holes of Downpatrick Head.
Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast
Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast is a couple and family-friendly guesthouse in the beautiful town of Westport in County Mayo. As the name suggests, the guest house is elevated above the centre of town, giving fantastic views across the town to Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Particularly well sited for cycling tours as it’s only minutes from the Greenway – a safe cycling route from town to Achill Island, 42km away.
Pure Magic Lodge
Pure Magic Lodge is situated on Achill Island overlooking Keel Lake. The accommodation is simple, with all the essentials you need – but you don’t travel to Achill to stay in your room! Here at the Lodge you are minutes from the idyllic beaches of Dugort to the north and Keel to the south, and are on the lower slopes of the 671m peak of Slievemore.
Include bike hire in your holiday to make the most of Achill Island, as the quiet lanes and trails provide great routes to explore the diverse beauty.
Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast
Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast is a family run guesthouse in the heart of rural County Mayo, run by your host Evelyn. The bedrooms and breakfast rooms are lovely and the garden provides a peaceful and comfortable place to relax.
The lively and friendly local pubs are the shortest of walks away, and there’s a small restaurant in town too.
Léim Siar Bed and Breakfast
Stunningly located on the tip of the Belmullet peninsular, the modern Léim Siar bed and breakfast is a perfect place to get away from it all. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the breakfast will certainly set you up for a day of exploring!
It’s the location that’s key here, with views from the rooms to the Atlantic and to neighbouring Achill Island, and the beautiful coastline of Belmullet is on the doorstep.
Kilcommon Lodge
Kilcommon Lodge provides simple accommodation in private and dormitory rooms in the wild north west coast of County Mayo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available as options, or you can cook for yourself in the well equipped self catering kitchen. As with all the accommodation choices in the rural west coast, a stay here is all about the world outside the Lodge – the beautiful countryside and scenery.
Brigown Bed & Breakfast
A warm welcome is assured at Brigown Bed & Breakfast. Your host Marjorie is a household name in Ireland when it comes to cooking and will ensure you feel at home here in her charming guesthouse on the banks of the river Moy in Ballina. Breakfast is particularly good here – a great chance to sample Marjorie’s culinary skills!
The Quay is a short walk away for food and drink, and you’re not far from the centre of town. The garden is a great place to sit and relax to watch the river and the world go by.
What’s the currency in Ireland?
The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (€) and has been since Ireland withdrew legal tender status for the Irish Pound in 2002. Ireland was one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, in 1999.
What’s the craic?
If you’re having a good time with others in Ireland, you’re almost certainly having a good craic (pronounced the same as the English word ‘crack’). Craic is a Gaelic word that’s hard to precisely define in English. Essentially it’s ‘fun’ but there’s definitely a social element to the definition. Generally, craic is a noun and it can be used in the singular or plural: ‘Yeah, we had some great craic today’. ‘Today was a good craic’.
Craic can’t be purchased, unless you’re in the middle of a serious misunderstanding.
You’re guaranteed to have a good craic on our holidays in Ireland!
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a road route along the length of the Atlantic west coast of Ireland, stretching from Londonderry in the North to Kinsale in the South. The Wild Atlantic Way was launched in 2014 by the Irish Tourist Board to raise awareness of and showcase the stunningly beautiful, diverse and lesser-populated Atlantic west coast of Ireland.The full signposted route is some 2,500Km long and passes through nine counties. It’s subdivided into six zones: The Northern Headlands, The Surf Coast, The Bay Coast, The Cliff Coast, The Southern Peninsulas and The Haven Coast.
For our Ireland holidays, we’re focusing on County Mayo and County Sligo, bounded by The Surf Coast and The Bay Coast sections of the Wild Atlantic Way.
How do you pour the perfect pint of Guinness?
You’ll have the chance to learn from a local if you’re on some of our guided days out in our Ireland holidays. But here are the steps to pouring a perfect pint of the Black Stuff.Step one – the glass is important. Choose a slightly ‘tulip’ shaped glass with a Guinness logo. As well as looking the part, the logo provides a visual aid…
Step two – you’ll need to hold your Guinness glass at a 45 degree angle whilst the Guinness logo is facing downwards.
Step three – here’s where the logo is helpful – pull the Guinness tap towards you and position your glass so that the stream hits in the area of the harp logo. The angle works it’s magic here as it discourages the Guinness stream from bouncing and creating large air bubbles.
Step four – watch for the liquid level and as it reaches the bottom of the harp, slowly return the glass to the upright position. Once the Guinness reaches the top of the harp, smoothly and slowly close the tap to stop pouring.
Step five – place the glass down for the magic phase, the ‘surge and settle’, as tiny bubbles form the iconic creamy head. If you’ve done it right then once the liquid is settled the wording ‘Guinness’ on the logo should be framed in black liquid, whilst the head should be between the bottom and the top of the harp.
Step six – hold the glass again under the pouring tap and push the tap away from you to slowly raise the head to the top of the glass. The perfect head should be about 20mm in height.
Step seven – drink and savour! If you need more practice, simply pour another ;).
Where are the tallest cliffs in Ireland?
The most well-known cliffs in Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher which run for some 14Km along the coast of County Clare. They’re certainly impressive with their vertical drop of 214m and they’ve become famous due to the visitor’s centre developed in the 1990s and opened in 2007. Between one and two million people visit every year. However, these cliffs are dwarfed by the tallest Ireland has to offer…The cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal fall steeply from the summit of 601m to the ocean far below. Slieve League can be accessed by a short walk from the road. The drop is not as sheer as Moher but the cliffs are nearly three times as high! They’re still not the winner though… Slieve League is notable due to it’s accessibility however the real winner of the title is further south and west in County Mayo.
The tallest cliffs in Ireland are the sea cliffs of the remote mountain of Croaghaun on Achill Island which rise an incredible 688m from sea to summit. This makes them the highest not only in Ireland but also in all of the British Isles. They’re proudly also the third highest in all of Europe. To view the cliffs from Croaghaun summit requires commitment and fitness – and plenty of British hill walking experience or a guided hill walking day.
There’s a chance to see the cliffs of Croaghaun on our holidays in Ireland that include time on Achill Island.
Is Ireland in the UK?
By area, the Republic of Ireland is roughly 85% of the island of Ireland, the remaining 15% being Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is a unitary sovereign state currently comprising Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. So no, the Republic of Ireland is not in the UK. But yes, Northern Ireland is in the UK. You may find this confusing but confusion’s been the least of it since the creation of Northern Ireland via the Partition Act of 1922.Where is Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is part of the British Isles, an archipelago of over six thousand islands large and small lying off the coast of continental Europe, bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the North Sea. The two largest of these islands are Great Britain (comprising England, Scotland and Wales) and the island of Ireland (comprising the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).How do I get to Ireland from the UK?
For UK travellers, the good news is that there are daily flights from many UK airports straight to County Mayo, arriving at Knock airport. There are also daily flights to other Irish airports including Dublin and Belfast making a through-trip possible on your Irish holiday.How do I get to Ireland from the US and Canada?
From the USA and Canada, direct flights go from many international airports to Dublin – from New York, Chicago, Orlando, Toronto, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, Baltimore.How do I get to Ireland from continental Europe?
Very many continental European airports offer direct flights to Dublin.
Dublin airport is very well connected and so we can organise your holiday in Ireland to include flights from anywhere in the world.Highlights
We’ve included all cycle equipment hire and luggage transfers for you so you can get on with enjoying your holiday
Our route plan joins the sights and experiences of this remote and diverse county by taking you via the quiet back roads, often shared only with sheep
Experience the legendary local hospitality as you journey between family-run guesthouses
Explore the isolated and stunningly beautiful Mullet peninsular and Achill Island
Finish off with a drop of local culture in colourful and friendly Westport
On our Ireland – Cycle County Mayo’s Wild Atlantic Coast holiday, we’ll take care of the logistics – all you need to do is cycle to your next destination. There’s no need to worry about your luggage and you can relax at your hotel once you have arrived.
Cycle hire, luggage transport, route maps on printed cards and GPS files are all included, leaving you free to explore unencumbered and at your own pace.
You’ll stay in bed and breakfast accommodation along the way, giving you plenty of opportunity to meet the locals and join in the craic. You’ll cycle the most scenic Irish roads, through Ballycroy National Park and onto the beautiful Achill island before visiting colourful and friendly Westport. At the end of the trip you return to Ballina.
Day 1
On arrival you’ll transfer to your accommodation for your first night, in the lovely town of Ballina, northern Mayo.
You’ll be taken through your itinerary for your week and your bikes will be fitted to you. Later if you like, you can take part in a Whiskey Appreciation Session, to learn about the craft of Irish whiskey and taste the unique styles – pop into Ballina to explore the town.
For dinner there are two award winning restaurants minutes away.
Accommodation on this day: Brigown Bed & Breakfast
Day 2
To Ballycastle (40Km). This week, your bikes each have 25l panniers so you can carry your spare clothing, food and drink for the day. We’ll provide the equipment you need like a helmet, pump, spare tube, a basic repair kit and a lock. The bikes are new models with hydraulic disc brakes and there’s a handlebar mount for your smartphone so that you can easily follow the GPS directions.
Each day you’ll send your overnight luggage on with our transport so it’s waiting for you on your arrival at your next accommodation.
Today your guide will accompany you from your accommodation until lunchtime, setting you up for a great holiday.
Your route today takes you from Ballina to Ballycastle. Setting off through Beleek woods, you’ll quickly leave town behind, following the Moy estuary and Atlantic coastline. After stopping by the monasteries of the Moy, Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey, you will arrive in the historic fishing town of Kilalla.
From here, your guide will bid you farewell and send you on your way, passing the golden sandy beaches of Lacken Strand and Dun Briste, reaching the iconic sea stack and cliffs of Downpatrick Head.
This evening you’ll receive a warm Irish welcome at a family run guest house in Ballycastle. For dinner you could savour a typical Irish meal in their home or take a stroll into Ballycastle to experience the Irish country pub life.
Accommodation on this day: Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel
Day 3
To Kilcommon (50Km). Your self guided route today continues west along the open coastline, ascending to the cliff tops site of Ceide Fields. There’s time to explore this site if you wish – the visitor’s centre is very informative and well worth a visit. The Ceide Fields are the world’s oldest known field system dating back to c.3,500BC.
Mayo’s roads are quiet and great for cycling. Often you’ll share them with the local sheep! Tonight you’ll stay in Kilcommon Lodge in the wilds of North Mayo, with its cosy living room and open turf fire. Dinner is available in-house or you could walk to the local pub.
Accommodation on this day: Kilcommon Lodge
Day 4
To Blacksod (52Km). On this part of your journey you’ll explore the remote western peninsular of Mullet. Mullet is technically an island, connected as it is to the mainland by a short bridge over a narrow channel excavated so that fishing boats could easily access the long inlets of Broadhaven Bay to the east and Blacksod Bay to the south of Belmullet.
Road access to Mullet is via this bridge in Belmullet. Your accommodation is 15km from the town and you’ll need to stock up with food on crossing the bridge, maybe even eating your main meal of the day.
You’ll stay at the end of the wild Mullet peninsular, set between the open Atlantic and Blacksod Bay.
Accommodation on this day: Léim Siar Bed and Breakfast
Day 5
To Bangor Erris (40Km). It’s back inland today as you continue to explore the region of the Barony of Erris. Passing back through Belmullet you can stock up on fuel and it’s then back on the saddle for a short but spectacularly wild spin into the country village of Bangor Erris.
Accommodation on this day: Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast
Day 6
To Achill Island (45Km). Your route today takes you through the Ballycroy National Park and along the coastline before joining the Greenway to Achill Island.
At the well-designed visitors centre of Ballycroy, there’s a chance to learn about the nature and wildlife of the National Park, and the Park’s importance in containing one of the last intact active bog systems of Western Europe.
Continuing South you’ll reach the gateway to Achill, the town of Mulranny. The Great Western Greenway stretches from Westport to Achill Island via Mulranny and it’s here that you’ll join this surfaced off-road route for the 13Km stretch to Achill Sound and the bridge to the island.
You have two nights on the island so that you can properly explore.
Accommodation on this day: Pure Magic Lodge
Day 7
A day on Achill Island, with the route choice up to you! There’s lots to do on the island but as you’ve one day to explore, we’d recommend the following to experience the best of the west end.
From your accommodation, it’s a short 3.5Km ride to the village of Keel with its wide, sweeping sandy beach. You might tarry a while here on the beach or in a cafe. You can buy food here for a packed lunch.
Next take the road west up above the clifftops, dropping to stunning Keem Bay. If you’re a swimmer you might like a dip here in the crystal-clear waters. We’d suggest securing your bikes down by the bay and taking a walk up the hillside to the south, for amazing views over the Cliffs of Croaghaun and Achill Head.
Return the same way via Keel to your accommodation.
Accommodation on this day: Pure Magic Lodge
Day 8
To Westport (50Km). The Great Western Greenway is a former railway line which closed in 1937 and is now a safe paradise for cyclists and walkers. The route is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and hugs along Clew bay with views of some of Ireland’s most dramatic mountains.
You’ll follow this Greenway today, passing back past Mulranny before going on to Newport and finally Westport. The friendly towns of the west coast are a highlight of any visit to the area, with their diverse local businesses with colourful shop fronts.
You’ll have time to to explore the town – we’d recommend that you stop off in Matt Molloy’s pub for a pint of Guinness and to listen to the traditional music.
Accommodation on this day: Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast
Day 9
To Ballina (54Km). Today’s route passes the town of Castlebar and then follows the lakes road, meandering through the valleys.
Mayo’s three famous fishing lakes are decorated with the backdrop of the dramatic Nephin mountain range.
On arriving back into Ballina, your Mayo adventure finishes where it started, on the banks of the Moy. Take off your shoes, put your feet up and your host will be there to welcome you with an Irish coffee and homemade scones.
Accommodation on this day: Brigown Bed & Breakfast
Day 10
After a final delicious Irish breakfast – remember, you’ve earned it! – you’ll transfer to the airport for your journey home.
Walking
The perfect way to explore Ireland's unspoilt scenery from gentle strolls on isolated golden sand beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way to the more challenging ascents of Achill island's two 650m peaks, there are walks to suit everyone.
Cycling
County Mayo's back roads are wonderfully quiet and picturesque - your only hazard might be a few sheep! You'll be able to cycle the Great Western Greenway (a disused railway line), cross beautiful Ballycroy National Park and explore Achill Island. Daily routes are 40-50km so there's always plenty of time for stopping to admire the scenery.
Baking
You'll get to spend time in your guide's 'Mam's' friendly kitchen where she'll have you baking scones, traditional Guinness soda bread and Irish potato cakes. Don't worry because you'll get to eat them all afterwards washed down with a nice cuppa.
Whiskey tasting
Take part in our guide's very special Whiskey appreciation session and you'll soon work out which Whiskeys you like and why.
Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel
Burkes of Ballycastle Hostel is a clean, modern hostel with a family ensuite room, a 6-bed dormitory and an 8-bed dormitory. Breakfast is provided, and as this is a hostel you of course have access to the kitchen should you wish. On site there are also two new self catering apartments each with two bedrooms.
A stay here is as much about the location as the hostel craic – you’re within easy walking distance of the beach, right in town for cafes and bike hire, and four miles from the impressive cliffs, stacks and blow holes of Downpatrick Head.
Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast
Westport Heights Bed and Breakfast is a couple and family-friendly guesthouse in the beautiful town of Westport in County Mayo. As the name suggests, the guest house is elevated above the centre of town, giving fantastic views across the town to Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Particularly well sited for cycling tours as it’s only minutes from the Greenway – a safe cycling route from town to Achill Island, 42km away.
Pure Magic Lodge
Pure Magic Lodge is situated on Achill Island overlooking Keel Lake. The accommodation is simple, with all the essentials you need – but you don’t travel to Achill to stay in your room! Here at the Lodge you are minutes from the idyllic beaches of Dugort to the north and Keel to the south, and are on the lower slopes of the 671m peak of Slievemore.
Include bike hire in your holiday to make the most of Achill Island, as the quiet lanes and trails provide great routes to explore the diverse beauty.
Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast
Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast is a family run guesthouse in the heart of rural County Mayo, run by your host Evelyn. The bedrooms and breakfast rooms are lovely and the garden provides a peaceful and comfortable place to relax.
The lively and friendly local pubs are the shortest of walks away, and there’s a small restaurant in town too.
Léim Siar Bed and Breakfast
Stunningly located on the tip of the Belmullet peninsular, the modern Léim Siar bed and breakfast is a perfect place to get away from it all. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the breakfast will certainly set you up for a day of exploring!
It’s the location that’s key here, with views from the rooms to the Atlantic and to neighbouring Achill Island, and the beautiful coastline of Belmullet is on the doorstep.
Kilcommon Lodge
Kilcommon Lodge provides simple accommodation in private and dormitory rooms in the wild north west coast of County Mayo. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all available as options, or you can cook for yourself in the well equipped self catering kitchen. As with all the accommodation choices in the rural west coast, a stay here is all about the world outside the Lodge – the beautiful countryside and scenery.
Brigown Bed & Breakfast
A warm welcome is assured at Brigown Bed & Breakfast. Your host Marjorie is a household name in Ireland when it comes to cooking and will ensure you feel at home here in her charming guesthouse on the banks of the river Moy in Ballina. Breakfast is particularly good here – a great chance to sample Marjorie’s culinary skills!
The Quay is a short walk away for food and drink, and you’re not far from the centre of town. The garden is a great place to sit and relax to watch the river and the world go by.
What’s the currency in Ireland?
The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (€) and has been since Ireland withdrew legal tender status for the Irish Pound in 2002. Ireland was one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, in 1999.
What’s the craic?
If you’re having a good time with others in Ireland, you’re almost certainly having a good craic (pronounced the same as the English word ‘crack’). Craic is a Gaelic word that’s hard to precisely define in English. Essentially it’s ‘fun’ but there’s definitely a social element to the definition. Generally, craic is a noun and it can be used in the singular or plural: ‘Yeah, we had some great craic today’. ‘Today was a good craic’.
Craic can’t be purchased, unless you’re in the middle of a serious misunderstanding.
You’re guaranteed to have a good craic on our holidays in Ireland!
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a road route along the length of the Atlantic west coast of Ireland, stretching from Londonderry in the North to Kinsale in the South. The Wild Atlantic Way was launched in 2014 by the Irish Tourist Board to raise awareness of and showcase the stunningly beautiful, diverse and lesser-populated Atlantic west coast of Ireland.The full signposted route is some 2,500Km long and passes through nine counties. It’s subdivided into six zones: The Northern Headlands, The Surf Coast, The Bay Coast, The Cliff Coast, The Southern Peninsulas and The Haven Coast.
For our Ireland holidays, we’re focusing on County Mayo and County Sligo, bounded by The Surf Coast and The Bay Coast sections of the Wild Atlantic Way.
How do you pour the perfect pint of Guinness?
You’ll have the chance to learn from a local if you’re on some of our guided days out in our Ireland holidays. But here are the steps to pouring a perfect pint of the Black Stuff.Step one – the glass is important. Choose a slightly ‘tulip’ shaped glass with a Guinness logo. As well as looking the part, the logo provides a visual aid…
Step two – you’ll need to hold your Guinness glass at a 45 degree angle whilst the Guinness logo is facing downwards.
Step three – here’s where the logo is helpful – pull the Guinness tap towards you and position your glass so that the stream hits in the area of the harp logo. The angle works it’s magic here as it discourages the Guinness stream from bouncing and creating large air bubbles.
Step four – watch for the liquid level and as it reaches the bottom of the harp, slowly return the glass to the upright position. Once the Guinness reaches the top of the harp, smoothly and slowly close the tap to stop pouring.
Step five – place the glass down for the magic phase, the ‘surge and settle’, as tiny bubbles form the iconic creamy head. If you’ve done it right then once the liquid is settled the wording ‘Guinness’ on the logo should be framed in black liquid, whilst the head should be between the bottom and the top of the harp.
Step six – hold the glass again under the pouring tap and push the tap away from you to slowly raise the head to the top of the glass. The perfect head should be about 20mm in height.
Step seven – drink and savour! If you need more practice, simply pour another ;).
Where are the tallest cliffs in Ireland?
The most well-known cliffs in Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher which run for some 14Km along the coast of County Clare. They’re certainly impressive with their vertical drop of 214m and they’ve become famous due to the visitor’s centre developed in the 1990s and opened in 2007. Between one and two million people visit every year. However, these cliffs are dwarfed by the tallest Ireland has to offer…The cliffs of Slieve League in County Donegal fall steeply from the summit of 601m to the ocean far below. Slieve League can be accessed by a short walk from the road. The drop is not as sheer as Moher but the cliffs are nearly three times as high! They’re still not the winner though… Slieve League is notable due to it’s accessibility however the real winner of the title is further south and west in County Mayo.
The tallest cliffs in Ireland are the sea cliffs of the remote mountain of Croaghaun on Achill Island which rise an incredible 688m from sea to summit. This makes them the highest not only in Ireland but also in all of the British Isles. They’re proudly also the third highest in all of Europe. To view the cliffs from Croaghaun summit requires commitment and fitness – and plenty of British hill walking experience or a guided hill walking day.
There’s a chance to see the cliffs of Croaghaun on our holidays in Ireland that include time on Achill Island.
Is Ireland in the UK?
By area, the Republic of Ireland is roughly 85% of the island of Ireland, the remaining 15% being Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is a unitary sovereign state currently comprising Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. So no, the Republic of Ireland is not in the UK. But yes, Northern Ireland is in the UK. You may find this confusing but confusion’s been the least of it since the creation of Northern Ireland via the Partition Act of 1922.Where is Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is part of the British Isles, an archipelago of over six thousand islands large and small lying off the coast of continental Europe, bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the east by the North Sea. The two largest of these islands are Great Britain (comprising England, Scotland and Wales) and the island of Ireland (comprising the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland).How do I get to Ireland from the UK?
For UK travellers, the good news is that there are daily flights from many UK airports straight to County Mayo, arriving at Knock airport. There are also daily flights to other Irish airports including Dublin and Belfast making a through-trip possible on your Irish holiday.How do I get to Ireland from the US and Canada?
From the USA and Canada, direct flights go from many international airports to Dublin – from New York, Chicago, Orlando, Toronto, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, Baltimore.How do I get to Ireland from continental Europe?
Very many continental European airports offer direct flights to Dublin.
Dublin airport is very well connected and so we can organise your holiday in Ireland to include flights from anywhere in the world.
