Marvellous Mayo!!

I’m just back from a wonderful two days in Mayo. I have so much to blog about so this is just a brief blog to tell you a bit about it. I left Sligo on Thursday morning and drove to Erris via Ballycastle and a little detour to Downpatrick Head (above). I got serenaded by Patsy who runs ‘Tea by the Sea’ and is located right at the head, so a perfect place for a cuppa and a snack. Downpatrick Head is just stunning and well worth a visit. The sea stack – Dún Briste (meaning broken fort)  was part of the mainland until 1393 when heavy seas separated it. St. Patrick built a church here (although only remains are left), you can visit his statue which looks out over the Wild Atlantic Way.

Just further along from Ballycastle lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. It’s an OPW site and is well worth a visit. The views from the visitor centre are amazing, there’s also a lovely coffee shop there and you can go exploring the bogland and imagine what it would have looked like 6,000 years ago.

My next stop was the fabulous Broadhaven Bay Hotel which was to be my home for two nights thanks to the lovely David who looked after me so well and was so helpful and hospitable. When I arrived at the hotel I was slightly nervous to say the least, I knew I was going coasteering with Wave Sweeper. To those who don’t know it’s basically jumping off a cliff into the sea! There will be a longer post about this later so watch this space 🙂

After my wonderful adventure it was back to the hotel to check out the leisure centre. I had a lovely soak in the jacuzzi followed by a relax in the sauna – where I fell asleep! Luckily I woke up before I turned into a prune.

The next day I had a fantastic time with Agatha from Wild AtlanticTours. Agatha knows all the hidden gems and best places to visit in Erris and again there will be a longer post about it.

After a fabulous day with Agatha which ended with us zooming around on a golf buggy! I went to Carrowteige where there is a wonderful coastal walk with stunning scenery. I didn’t do the full walk as I was on my own and it was very cold but I did have a wander along the cliffs, singing at the top of my voice to the sheep..I don’t think the sheep were impressed.

With a heavy heart I said goodbye to Erris the next morning and made my way to Killala where Denis from Wild Atlantic Cultural Tours was waiting to bring me on another adventure.

Denis is another person who really knows the hidden gems and we had a wonderful day. Once again I have realised the importance of having a local guide to show you around as you really won’t see the magical places or hear the stories without them. Again there will be a longer blog post shortly.

It’s safe to say I had one of the best adventures ever in Mayo, I met some amazing people, conquered some fears and just had a ball. This is part of the Wild Atlantic Wayfarer project in conjunction with the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo and LookWest which will culminate in photography exhibition during the summer at the Hawk’s Well.

Sincere thanks to all the wonderful people who helped me on this brilliant adventure!