5 Sites not to be Missed in North Mayo

August 28, 2025

Mayo is the third largest county in Ireland. The name Mayo means the Plain of the Yew Tree. The most popular part of the county is in the south where tourists will stay in Westport with its 11 hotels.

However, the north of the county also provides lots of interesting places to visit and it is often missed by tourists. Emigration had a big impact on the area in the 19th and 20th Century and descendants of emigrants often return to trace their roots here.

The Ceide Fields.
Downpatrick Head.
Killala.
Belmullet Peninsula.
Faulmore.

Here is why you should not miss this attraction

1. The Ceide Fields

This wonderful visitor centre exposes, explores and explains the five thousand year old system of stone walls located under 3 metres of peat. These stone walls were built by neolithic farmers more than 5,000 years ago. Clearly there was a sophisticated community here before it is thought climate change leading to wetter weather may have caused them to desert the area. The damp weather caused the creation of of the peat bog that grew and covered the walls.

2. Downpatrick Head

St Patrick is said to have an involvement in the creation of this impressive blowhole and spectacular sea stack. Whether you believ the legend or that the seascape was carved by the ever pounding ocean is up to you. However one thing for sure is you will be amazed by the super 35 metre sea stack with its multi layers of mud stone, lime stone and schist located just 200 metres from the mainland. Down in the name comes from the Irish for a fort ‘Dún’. The headland was once occupied as a promontory fort before a sea arch collapsed to form the sea stack.

3. Killala

Whenever you see the word ‘kill’ in an Irish place name it means church. Nothing to to with murder! It is said the St Patrick build a church here not long after he came back to Ireland in the year 432. This heritage town has a small Anglican cathedral named after the saint. It also has a round tower built around the 11th century and still standing today despite being hit by lightning in the past. These impressive towers are almost uniquely Irish with just three located outside of Ireland in Great Britain. These structures were bell towers used to remind the monks of their prayer times.

4. Belmullet Peninsula

Located on the north west corner of Co Mayo this hidden jewel has yet to be discovered by tourists. With beautiful vistas of Balcksod Bay and the Wild Atlantic Ocean this truly is a site and a sight not to be missed. A local world class visitor centre, Solas (light) decodes the history and the heritage of the area. Included are galleries dedicated to emigration, the deserted islands, local lighthouses, whaling, and the D-Day weather forecast.

5. Faulmore

A vista of Achill Island, Balcksod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean can be seen from this strategic point. A view of the Inishkea North and Ihishkea South off the coast occupied until the 1930’s. These were the scene of tragedy in October 1927 when ten men from the islands were drowned in a great storm. The south island is accessible today by regular ferry service when weather permits.

If you like to ‘get away from it all’ on holiday, this is the place for you. Due to its location, North Mayo has not been discovered and it not overrun by tourists. Our North Mayo Tour is the perfect way to explore this hidden gem, taking in sites like the Céide Fields, Downpatrick Head, and Killala, brought to life with stories, history and local insights. It’s an unforgettable journey into one of Ireland’s most authentic and unspoiled regions. Check it out