The remote and rugged north coast of Mayo is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Many of its majestic cliffs, rugged headlands, rocky coves and jagged stacks are apparent only to those who are willing to walk away from the main thoroughfares to discover them. The Dun Chaocháin area is one of great physical beauty and has retained many of its old traditions and culture - the Irish language is still in full vigour as the vernacular. The spectacular Dun Chaochain cliffs have featured in various walking guidebooks including Lonely Planet - Benwee Head at 255m is the crowning glory. The Stags of Broadhaven (a group of four precipitous rocky islets rising to almost 100m) are located about 2km north of Benwee Head and are a site of ornithological importance. This loop incorporates the Children of Lir sculpture - the well-known legend tells the tale of children who were turned into swans and condemned to wander the countryside for 900 years. The key feature of the loop is the black ditch – a dry ditch which runs parallel to the coastline and clifftops and probably marked the boundaries of lands in previous times.
A looped walk featuring some of the most thrilling coastal scenery in Ireland, this demanding yet fulfilling route is perfect for the hiker who wants to get away from it all for a day.
Explore the unmatched beauty of County Mayo’s Erris Head on this breathtaking 5km loop. Treating walkers to lush landscapes and salty seascapes, embrace this truly captivating corner of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Wavesweeper Sea Adventures is an adventure water sports facilitator located in Belmullet, County Mayo. They offer coasteering, kayaking, surfing, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding to families, groups, hen and stag parties and thrill seekers.
Visit the magnificent heritage site of Downpatrick Head, 5km north of picturesque Ballycastle village in Mayo. Experience unrivalled views of the Staggs of Broadhaven islands and the Dún Briste sea stack.
Hear about bibles, famine, guns, starvation and the struggle for Ireland's destiny. The Colony Tour in Doogort, County Mayo, is a 2 hour gentle walk around the ruins of the historic Achill Mission with BAFTA winning writer and Achill Islander Kevin Toolis.
Leave the world behind, for an afternoon at least, on a salt-aired Achill Island loop. This four-kilometre Dooagh walk covers rich bogland, surfaced roadways, rivers and streams. An easy undertaking for any level of walker, it’s the ideal introduction to Ireland’s largest island.
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