North Mayo Tour

North Mayo Tour: Spend a day on the Wild Atlantic Way

On this tour you will see the power of the Atlantic Ocean and the impact it has in forming formidable cliffs, beautiful bays and sandy shores. History, heritage and the arts also feature prominently on this tour.

Cost: €750

Discover North Mayo

This tour includes formidable cliffs, spectacular sea stacks and some cultural stops to boot.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,400km route along the west coast of Ireland with 180 discovery points. You will encounter 12 of the discovery points on this tour including the spectacular sea stack at Downpatrick Head.

You will visit the Ceide Fields, where you will discover a field system built by stone age farmers 5,500 years ago. You will explore the ruins of one of the Monasteries of the Moy built in the fifteenth century.

Highlights of the North Mayo Tour

Wild Atlantic Way

Ireland lies to the north west of Europe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The west cost of Ireland is shaped by the Atlantic which has helped to create the coastal landscape, influenced its history and impacted its residents.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,400km coastal route that skirts the coast with discovery points telling the history, heritage and heroes of each point. We will cover some of this route and visit some of the discovery points on the way.

Ceide Fields

Five thousand five hundred years ago, stone age farmers built a system of stone walls to secure their dairy cattle in this area. As the climate became colder and wetter the ground was not able to absorb the moisture resulting in the development of bogs and the departure of the farmers.

The bog continued to grow over thousands of years covering the walls built by the farmers. These walls were excavated in the 1980’s by archaeologists who demonstrated the sophistication of these stone age peoples.

Killala Round Tower

The town of Killala has the smallest cathedral in Ireland but perhaps most interesting is the round tour built in the 11th century. Round towers are almost exclusive to Ireland and are a significant symbol of our heritage.

They are typically 25m in height with six floors topped off with a conical roof. What is most curious is the fact that the entrance door is at a height of 3m. This mystery will be solved during your visit to the Killala.

Downpatrick Head

Often referred to as ‘Dun Briste’ (broken fort) due to the superb sea stack located off the headland. It is thought that St Patrick came here in the 5th century to preach and convert locals to Christianity. There is also a legend to be told here about a competition of magic between Patrick and a local Druid.

This headland overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with 38m high cliffs and a superb sea stack 230m off the coast. There is also a hair-raising blowhole associated with the drowning of a number of rebels after the 1798 rebellion.

Moyne Abbey

This abbey was built by the Franciscans in 1455. It is said that the abbot released a dove and where the dove landed was the site for the abbey. It is in a perfectly tranquil location with its own well for water, the River Moy for salmon and good pasture for cattle and crops.

Although the abbey is in ruins, its magnificence can still be experienced today. You will enjoy exploring the various buildings and passages and marvel at the extent of the structure.

Solas Visitor Centre

This world class visitor centre located overlooking Balcksod Bay helps to decode the history and heritage of this remote area. You will encounter stories about the four lighthouses of Erris, the whaling industry, the evacuation of the local island and lots more. Perhaps the most fascinating story is the one of how the weather forecast from here in June 1944 influenced the timing and success of the D-Day landings.

North Mayo Gallery

What people are saying about our experience

We had a fantastic time on our tour. Neal is a very engaging and knowledgeable host. From the planning of what we wanted to see to the stories and the history, Neal was exceptional.

Jan .

Neal was outstanding! He was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. Excellent selections for stops, dining and places of interest. This was a memorable day for the family and Neal helped make it a special success.

Sarah M.

Neal Doherty was our guide to the Cliffs of Moher on July 6th 2025. His knowledge of history, sense of humor and stories were all fabulous. Our party of 5 had a wonderful day

Maureen M.

We (family of 4: 57, 55, 21, 18) really enjoyed our tour with Neal. Neal set the agenda for the day, taking into account our top priorities. He was pleasant and accommodating. His knowledge of the area and Irish history–ancient and modern–was very good. We were all glad that we had an experienced drive on the narrow roads here. The 7-seater Range Rover made the ride luxurious. We would all highly recommend Neal.

Jon S.

Neal was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable, especially about Yeats, which was our main interest, but also of the history of the area. He was flexible in modifying the itinerary to meet our interests. A great story teller, which made the time pass quickly. He was very sensitive to the needs of our members who has some mobility issues. I would highly recommend him.

Stuart L.

We enjoyed the tour with Neal. He was very informative and funny. He made the day go by quickly. I would recommend this tour and Neal as a guide.

Sheryl F.

Ready to Explore North Mayo?

Our full-day private tour of North Mayo is a fantastic way to experience the raw beauty and deep heritage of Ireland’s western coast. With your own driver-guide, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, informative journey through a landscape shaped by nature and rich in story. From dramatic sea cliffs to ancient monasteries, this tour promises unforgettable sights and fascinating insights.

Book your North Mayo adventure today and discover the hidden treasures of the Wild Atlantic Way.