The only islands we have so far visited off the west coast of Ireland are Aran Islands (multiple times) and Inisbofin, all in County Galway. And recently we spent a couple of blissful hours on Clare Island, County Mayo, on our cycle of the Clew Bay Bike Trail. Isn’t There Something Very Romantic About Islands? … Read more
If you’ve read some of our previous posts, you know that we love county Mayo. From Belmullet to Cong to Ballina, we just cannot get enough of the spectacular landscape, impressive mountain views and the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Since the opening of the Clew Bay Bike Trail, we have been waiting for nice weather … Read more
Last week we wrote a little about Michael Davitt’s life and the museum dedicated to him in Straide. Today we continue the theme of County Mayo Museums with history focus. Our second serving of a hidden gem that we believe is worth your time is the Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina. Part 2: Top Private … Read more
As a lot of Ireland’s West Coast, County Mayo is very much the Ireland of your dreams. It has all the breath-taking scenery and panoramic coastlines you had ever imagined. Wherever you go, from Cong to Ballina to Belmullet, you’ll appreciate the glorious landscapes. And also rich heritage, culture and a plethora of off-the-beaten-track gems. … Read more
Sometimes your itinerary only allows a few days or a weekend to be a tourist on Ireland’s West Coast. In that case, you could do worse than making the quaint village of Cong your destination. On the border between counties Galway and Mayo, it is picturesque on a grand scale and we love it. You … Read more
The lovely County Mayo town will be the centre of attention for the next few weeks, with President Joe Biden’s visit announced recently. So it looks like the best time to visit Ballina will be next week, if you can still make it. Do not confuse this Ballina in County Mayo with the equally picturesque … Read more
Recently we were back visiting the beautiful North Mayo. We only had a small budget for our few days away, but had a brilliant time nevertheless. Unlike other tourist hot spots on Ireland’s West Coast, most of the unspoilt Mullet peninsula does not vacuum visitors’ money straight out of their pockets. There are plenty of … Read more
As we have written previously, we love County Mayo. The Erris Head Loop Walk is easily one of our favourite hikes in the area. Not only because it is a relatively easy three miles (five kms) but mainly for the incredible views. Erris Head, or Ceann Iorrais in Irish, is the northernmost tip of the … Read more
Achill Island area is cca 150 square kms (57 square miles),which makes it the country’s largest island. Its biggest town is Achill Sound, straight after the swing bridge connecting it to the mainland since 1887. The current bridge dates to 2008 but, interestingly, the swing is still manual to allow boats pass when necessary. We … Read more
The 2022 Oscar nominations were announced last month. Since then, many of our overseas friends asked us whether Inisherin was a real place. And if so, where in Ireland is it? The Banshees of Inisherin They are of course referring to director Martin McDonagh’s new film, The Banshees of Inisherin. Its recent nine Oscar nominations … Read more