Mayo North on the Wild Atlantic Way
This is Mayo North on the Wild Atlantic Way, nestled in the North West of Ireland.
This is a journey of discovery, to hidden places and secret worlds where enchantment awaits. The wildest, most captivating coastal driving route in the world, it is the ultimate travelling experience, and Mayo North on the Wild Atlantic Way is nestled in the Surf Coast, the most – as yet – undiscovered part of the 2,500km-long route.
In Mayo North, you will find vibrant towns and villages snuggled into the coastline, each with their own unique traits and selection of cafes and restaurants. From seafood in Killala to the café scene of Ballina, this section of the route is the perfect opportunity to live and breathe the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in a few words of Irish (Gaeilge) or surf the magnificent waves of Lacken and neighbouring Easkey and Enniscrone in county Sligo.
Maybe you might choose to reflect on 5,000 years of civilisation and embark on a history tour through the most extensive Neolithic site in the world at Céide Fields near Ballycastle and Belderrig, explore the monastic settlements and Jackie Clarke Collection in Ballina, the Woollen Mills of Foxford or the Family Heritage Centre at Enniscoe House.
Alternatively, roam the romantic beauty of Belleek woods, take a trek or trail through the Barony of Erris or enjoy a day of golfing or fishing along the way.
Wherever you go or whatever you choose along North Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way, you will experience moments of magic, memories to treasure and encounters that will make you want to come back again and again.
Visit the Wild Atlantic Way website
Top Tips for exploring Mayo North on the Wild Atlantic Way
1. Embrace it all
Embrace the wild, rugged, unspoiled and untamed beauty. This is the place where the land and sea collide. Let it in and embrace it all.
2. Breathe.
It’s easy to get lost in the fast pace and grind of everyday life, but here you can remember that salty sea wind, the thunderous waves, the rising and falling of the sun behind the cliffs or on the water, that charismatic lighthouse keeping a watch over the great blue sea. If you need a reminder of the beauty of nature, come to Mayo North and let it refresh you.
3. Snap
You are going to be compelled to take photographs. Roll with it. Some are comparing The Wild Atlantic Way to “ Route 66” in the USA or The Great Ocean Road in Australia, either way you are a part of something special, not just structurally and geographically but personally. Capture this journey of wild, raw beauty, world famous views and local characters that will be your companion on this trip. Join us for a journey that you will keep forever.
4. Get under its skin
Curious about culture? Stop and experience Irish music and dance, folklore and heritage, legends and poetry of both traditional and modern Ireland. Experience Gaelic Football and Hurling, our national sports or visit the many festivals and cultural events that take place throughout the region across each season. Whether it’s the Salmon Festival in Ballina, Healyfest in Ballycastle or RiverFest in Foxford, the region is boosted by a rich arts scene for you to enjoy. Buy some local hand crafts, visit farmers markets, spend a day on one of the beautiful islands off the coast or chill in one of the many hotels in the area and let the magic come to you.
5. Get active.
There are so many options. Explore the Great Western Greenway, sail, swim, go sea-angling or scuba-diving, surf or golf. Try one of our fREE weekly parkruns on Saturday mornings, all in beautiful locations. Work up an appetite to explore the night life of newly crowned Purple Flag town Ballina, or the many pubs and restaurants in surrounding areas.
The Wild Atlantic Way Passport
The Wild Atlantic Way Passport is your very own unique record of your journey along the world’s longest coastal touring route. As you make your way along this stunning 2,500-kilometre coastline, you can collect 188 unique stamps, one for each Discovery Point along the route.
From the Cliffs of Moher to the Baltimore Beacon, you can get a stamp for every memory – a perfect souvenir of your journey!
Each beautifully-designed passport has its own individual number, so it’s unique to you and your visit and ideal for sharing with friends and family when you return home.
Whenever you visit one of the 188 incredible Discovery Points along the route, simply head to a designated post office or tourist information office nearby to get your one-of-a-kind location emblem.
Click through to this guide for more information on the Wild Atlantic Way Passport.
Your Wild Atlantic Way Passport can be purchased (at a cost of €10) at selected Post Offices and at Fáilte Ireland tourist information offices, National Parks, airports and Bus Éireann offices along the Wild Atlantic Way.
You can also pick up a passport online before you travel online. Follow the link and start collecting.