History & Heritage
One of the things we’re best known for here in North Mayo is our rich history and heritage. Layered into the landscape, a fascinating journey of discovery awaits throughout the region.
History and Heritage experiences in North Mayo
Admiral William Brown – The Irish Founder of the Argentine Navy
Born in 1777 in Foxford, County Mayo, Admiral William Brown left an indelible mark on both Irish and Argentine history. As the founder of the Argentine Navy, his legacy is one of courage, resilience, and profound international influence
[...]Inishkea Islands – Rich with History and Wildlife
Laying around 5km west of the Mullet peninsular, the Inishkea Islands are a spectacular place to visit. White sandy beaches, crystal clear water
[...]North Mayo Heritage Centre – preserving local history
Located on the Enniscoe Estate in the grounds of the beautiful Enniscoe House, between Crossmolina and Lahardane in Co. Mayo is the North Mayo Heritage Centre, dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the region.
[...]Addergoole Titanic Memorial Park, Lahardane
Addergoole Titanic Memorial Park is located in Lahardane (or Lahardaun), one of North Co. Mayo’s most scenic villages. Known as “Ireland’s Titanic Village”, due to the huge loss of life that occurred from the village in the 1912 maritime catastrophe and the disaster is remembered in the Addergoole Titanic Memorial Park
[...]Discover the National Museum of Ireland – Turlough Park
Set in tranquil and historic gardens just outside Castlebar, the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park offers an immersive journey into the Irish Folklife Collection. Open year-round with free admission, this captivating destination is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike
[...]Oweninny Visitor Centre – Discover Renewable Energy and Local History
Explore the fascinating world of renewable energy while delving into the rich history of Mayo. The Oweninny Wind Farm Visitor Centre offers a unique, immersive experience for groups eager to learn about the science, technology, and engineering behind wind energy and power generation.
[...]SOLAS – Interactive visitor experience on the Mullet Peninsula
SOLAS offers visitors, through interactive exhibitions and exciting installations, an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of the Mullet Peninsula’s offshore island communities, the resilience of the Irish language, and the preservation of timeless music, traditions, storytelling, and myths
[...]Wild Nephin National Park
Wild Nephin National Park, established in November 1998 it is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located on the Western seaboard in North West Mayo.
The park comprises of 11,000 hectares (110 km²) of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range
[...]Tour a working lighthouse at Blacksod Lighthouse
Blacksod Lighthouse at the southern tip of the Mullet Peninsula in Co. Mayo has shone bright over Blacksod Point for over 150 years. Constructed in 1864 and built of of locally sourced granite blocks, its unusual square design makes it stand out. The lighthouse is famous for the role of its lighthouse keepers in World War II
[...]Visit The Michael Davitt Museum
The Michael Davitt Museum is nestled in the picturesque and historic village of Straide, Co. Mayo, just off the N58 between Ballyvary and
[...]The Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre
The incredible Neolithic site at Céide Fields atop the spectacular sea cliffs nestled between Belderrig and Ballycastle County Mayo, Ireland, contains the most extensive Stone Age field field system in the world – with walls dating back an incredible 6,000 years. The site is one of the most historically significant on the planet
[...]One man’s treasure trove – The Jackie Clarke Collection
The Jackie Clarke Collection is located in the heart of Ballina. It is the single most important private collection of Irish history material in public hands. comprising over 100,000 items spanning 400 years contains an eclectic mixture of treasures
[...]Weave some magic at Foxford Woollen Mills and Café
Stop off the Wild Atlantic Way to visit Foxford Woollen Mills, a contemporary Irish lifestyle brand created in the small picturesque town of Foxford Co. Mayo, best known for weaving luxurious woollen throws and accessories since 1892
[...]Ballina Walking Tours: Discovering the Heart of Mayo with a Local Expert
Ballina Walking Tours, led by Clodagh Fleming, offers private, immersive, and story-rich walking experiences that truly celebrate the heritage of Ballina. After years
[...]CCÉ Admiral Brown, Foxford – Celebrating Tradition and Community
Nestled in the heart of Foxford, CCÉ Admiral Brown is one of Mayo’s most vibrant branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, keeping the flame
[...]Moyne Abbey – an impressive North Mayo ecclesiastical ruin
Moyne Abbey is one of the most impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo and a National Monument. It was founded by the Burke family as a Franciscan friary and consecrated in 1462 and is located north of Ballina on the west side of Killala Bay
[...]Blanemore Forest Archaeological Walk
Underneath the boglands of North Mayo, 6,000 years of historical importance has recently been discovered
[...]Exploring North Mayo’s Timeless Treasures
Situated in the West of Ireland, the North Mayo region has an extraordinary history spanning 5000 years. Explore numerous museums, visitor centres, historic sites and exhibitions for an authentic experience showcasing Mayo’s rich heritage.
[...]Take a stroll through beautiful Belleek Woods, Ballina
Situated along the banks of the river Moy just 1.5km (0.9 miles) from Ballina town centre, lies Belleek Woods, a 1,000-acre woodland. The
[...]Visit the Abbeys of North Mayo
North Mayo is home to at least six historic abbeys, each with their own fascinating story. Four of these form the basis of the
[...]The Marshall Doran Collection, Belleek Castle
Belleek Castle is set Belleek Woods and has a colourful history with a myriad of fascinating stories. Now you can get a taste of these with a tour of the building and its mesmerising Belleek Castle Museum
[...]Tobar Mhuire, Mary’s Well – A Calm and Peaceful Place
Tobar Mhuire (Mary’s Well), nestles in the North Mayo countryside, a stones throw from Rosserk Abbey. A grassy footpath brings you to a
[...]St. Muredach’s Cathedral Ballina in the Diocese of Killala
St. Muredach’s Cathedral Ballina is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Killala. The Diocese of Killala encompasses North Mayo and West Sligo. St. Muredach’s is also the parish church of the parish of Kilmoremoy
[...]Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours – seashore foraging & heritage
Denis Quinn of Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours is based along the Wild Atlantic Way in Killala Bay, and you can take a guided
[...]Rosserk Friary (Rosserk Abbey)
Rosserk Friary, one of Mayo’s best preserved ecclesiastical ruins lies some 7 km north of Ballina in Killala, on the banks of the
[...]Killala Round Tower & St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The town of Killala was for centuries the ecclesiastical hub of North Mayo. It is a town rich in ecclesial heritage and monuments.
[...]Dolmen of the Four Maols
Located on the beautifully named Primrose Hill in Ballina, Co. Mayo, the Dolmen of the Four Maols is known locally as The Dolmen
[...]Visit the SS Crete Boom – the fabled concrete ship in Ballina
An unusual feature lies derelict on a sandback between Ballina Quay and Belleek Woods – that of the ‘SS Crete Boom’, an old
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