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:
- Carrowmore beach is a sandy beach backed by some dunes. The beach sits between rocky outcrops and a quay.
- Silver Strand beach is a large west facing sheltered sandy beach. The beach is remote but well worth the effort to visit.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ballycroy National Park is one of the largest expanses of peatland in Europe, consisting of 117.79 square kilometres of Atlantic blanket bog, a unique habitat with a diverse flora and fauna.
- The Céide Fields is a Neolithic site archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast and contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. The visitor centre is located beside some of the most spectacular cliffs and rock formations in Ireland and a viewing platform is positioned on the edge of the 110m high cliff.
- 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.
- 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.
- Clare Island beach is a small sandy beach right beside the harbour pier on the island.
