Discovering County Mayo

As part of our Wild Atlantic Way series, we set off on a day trip to County Mayo, focusing on the rugged north coast from Ballina to Belmullet.
Our plan was simple: stop at every Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point along the route.

​Our first stop was Killala Quays. It was still early in the morning, and the quiet harbour set a peaceful tone for the day ahead. From Killala, we continued along the coastal road towards Lackan Strand, another Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. This beautiful stretch of beach looks out across the Atlantic, offering sweeping views that reach as far as Sligo and Donegal.

Next on our route was Downpatrick Head, a place that has long been — and still remains — an important destination for pilgrims. St Patrick is said to have founded a church here, and its ruins can still be spotted within the dramatic coastal landscape.

One of the most striking features of Downpatrick Head is Dún Briste, the spectacular sea stack rising sheer from the Atlantic. Its layered cliffs are home to countless seabirds, which nest and circle around the rock throughout the year.
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The headland is also known for its impressive blowholes, the largest of which is Poll na Seantainne. On a stormy day, the power of the Atlantic surging through this chasm is nothing short of breathtaking.

Afterwards, we made our way to the Céide Fields in Ballycastle. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the dramatic cliffs that line the County Mayo coast.

The Céide Fields Visitor Centre is well worth a stop — the site is home to the oldest known field systems in the world. Beneath the vast blanket of peat lie the remains of ancient stone walls, houses, and farm structures, offering a remarkable glimpse into Neolithic life.
For more information on the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, check out our full guide on the Céide Fields Neolithic site (Ceide Fields Neolithic Site - The Curious Adventurers).

From the Céide Fields, we continued on to our next Discovery Point: Benwee Head. This is an outstanding location for walking, with waymarked trails that follow the cliff edges and reveal spectacular views over the Wild Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of those places where the landscape feels raw, remote, and utterly unforgettable.

After stretching our legs, we continued towards Belmullet, where five more Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points awaited us. We made a quick stop at Belmullet’s Post Office to get our Wild Atlantic Way passport stamped before heading further west towards Blacksod.
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Along the route, you pass another Discovery Point: Elly Beach. This beautiful stretch of sand boasts crystal‑clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and other watersports. It’s a peaceful place to pause and soak in the coastal scenery before continuing your journey.

From here, it’s only a short drive to Blacksod Lighthouse, an impressive structure built in 1862. This remote outpost played a remarkable role in world history: in June 1944, a detailed weather report from Blacksod Bay helped confirm the decision to proceed with the D‑Day landings.

​The lighthouse itself is striking, constructed from massive granite blocks that give it a solid, timeless presence against the Atlantic backdrop.

Afterwards, we made our way back toward Belmullet to visit Falmore. Here, you’ll find an eye‑catching granite boulder sculpture, created as part of the County Mayo sculpture trail.

The location is wonderfully peaceful, and the views across the water toward Achill Island are truly impressive — a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the Mullet Peninsula.

Heading back towards Belmullet, we made a stop at Annagh Head. Here, we found ourselves surrounded by sheep — and honestly, they must be some of the happiest sheep in Ireland, grazing with uninterrupted views over the vast Atlantic Ocean and not another soul in sight.

Annagh Head is also geologically significant, home to some of the oldest rocks in Ireland. The ancient gneiss found here is millions of years old and closely resembles the rocks found in Greenland, offering a fascinating glimpse into the deep history of the landscape.

Annagh Head is also known as one of the best places in Ireland to “go wild,” offering raw coastal scenery, fascinating geology, and a peaceful atmosphere far from crowds. It’s the kind of place where the landscape feels untouched, allowing you to fully appreciate the power and beauty of the Atlantic coast.​

Afterwards, we continued on to Doonamoe Blowhole, another Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Here, you’ll find the striking ‘Thin Places’ sculpture, built around the blowhole itself.
The artwork consists of two stone shrines dedicated to those lost at sea, creating a powerful and reflective space set against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic coast.

Our last stop of the day was Ceann Iorrais, a stunning location for coastal walks and spotting marine life. As we stood taking in the views, a tiny seal popped up right in front of us — as if it had come to say goodbye just as we were bidding farewell to County Mayo after an unforgettable day trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.