County Mayo has a North and West Atlantic coast with Ireland's largest island, Achill Island, lies off Mayo's west coast.
Mayo has Ireland's third highest cliffs, while Sliabh League in Donegal are the highest, Mayo has Croaghaun on the west of Achill island while the Benwee Head cliffs in Kilcommon Erris drop almost perpendicularly 270m (900 feet) down to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why not check beaches nearby as we have 16 beaches in Mayo, or have a look at our list of Mayo dog friendly beaches, or even our Ireland Blue Flag beach list.
Mayo Coast Search Bar
Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:
Want some ideas on where to visit?
Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, places to stay and eat:
- Mulranny beach is a South facing sandy beach. You have some large stones at the shoreline as a sea defence.Backing onto the beach is a saltwater marsh with plenty of plants and shorebirds.
- Elly Bay beach is a sandy beach on the Mullet Peninsula which is an important ecological are and recommended for bird watching. The peninsula is narrow at this point and you can walk to either side.
- Achill Island lifeboat station was established in 1995 and operates an all weather lifeboat. Visitors are welcome but there are no set opening hours due to operational reasons.
- Mweelrea, meaning ‘smooth bald hill’, is the highest mountain in Connacht at a height of 814 metres (2,670 feet) overlooking Killary Harbour. Not easy to get to the top but at the summit you have great views of the surrounding area, including views of County Galway and Mayo, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Silver Strand beach is a large west facing sheltered sandy beach. The beach is remote but well worth the effort to visit.
- Croagh Patrick overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo. Considered the holiest mountain in Ireland with its religious significance dating back to the time of the pagans, when people are thought to have gathered here to celebrate the beginning of harvest season. The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre, is situated in Murrisk on the Pilgrim’s path at the base of Croagh Patrick mountain.
- Inishturk is a small island in the North Atlantic, roughly 5km x 2.5km, and located 15km off the west coast of Mayo. The island has a number of good walks.
- Old Head beach is a sheltered sandy beach sheltered by cliffs and woodland. Facilities include car parking, toilets and seasonal lifeguards.
- Trawmore Strand (also known as Keel beach) is a 4km sandy beach with some shingle. This beach runs between the village of Keel and Dookinelly. You also have a great view if the Minuan Cliffs at the eastern end of the strand and this rises to a height of 466m. Popular beach for surfing and bodyboarding in the Atlantic breakers. If you want to swim it is only safe to swim at the Keel (Western) end due to strong currents.
- The Deserted Village at Slievemore consists of some 80 to 100 stone cottages located along a mile long stretch of road on the southern slopes of Slievemore mountain. The area is rich in archaeological artefacts including megalithic tombs and local field systems and site remnants indicate that settlement in this area dates from at least early Mediaval times.
- Dugort Beach is a small sandy beach located on Achill Island. The area around the beach is within a Special Conservation Area and consists of low-lying flat grassland or machair.
