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Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head, County Mayo
Just a few kilometres north of Ballycastle village, County Mayo, is the windswept outcrop of Downpatrick Head. This is the perfect place to park up and stretch your legs with an invigorating coastal walk and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean as your companion.
Downpatrick Head, County Mayo
L-R: Dún Briste sea stack and scenes from Downpatrick Head
The name Downpatrick is derived from a time when St Patrick himself founded a church here. At this small peninsula, you can see the ruins of the church building, a stone cross and holy well here today. This was once a popular pilgrim destination, and today the crowds still gather here on the last Sunday of July – known as Garland Sunday – to hear mass at this sacred site.
Fast-forward through the centuries and Downpatrick Head became a lookout post during World War II. You can still see the stone building there today, and the stone aerial marker, ÉIRE 64, to let pilots know that they were flying over Ireland.
Croagh Patrick, County Mayo
Explore St Patrick's country
Walk in St Patrick's footsteps across the island of Ireland, and see where this beloved saint left his mark.
The St Patrick connections don’t end there though. Gazing out to sea, you’ll no doubt spot the small collection of islands called the Stags of Broadhaven, but you’ll also see a lone sea-stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs. This sea-stack is called Dún Briste, which means "broken fort".
Local legend says that when a pagan chieftain refused to convert to Christianity, St Patrick struck the ground with his crozier, splitting a chunk of the headland off into the ocean, with the chieftain on top! The sea stack is beautiful to behold because you can see the layers upon layers of multi-coloured rock strata.
Dún Briste, County Mayo
Another intrigue of the area is Poll Na Seantainne: This is a spectacular blowhole that plummets down to the tempestuous ocean below.
While in the area make sure to take the short drive out to visit the Céide Fields Visitor Centre in Ballycastle. The Céide Fields is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. The remains of ancient stone walls, settlements and megalithic tombs have been preserved here thanks to a protective bog environment. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed!
Downpatrick Head highlights
Don't miss these things to see and do
Wild Nephin National Park
Wild Nephin National Park is situated in northwest Mayo and covers over 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain.
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Westport House
One of County Mayo’s best loved attractions and known as one of Ireland’s most beautiful homes, visit Westport House for a day full of adventure, history and unbeatable Irish beauty.
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Cong Abbey
Turlough O’Connor, High King of Ireland, founded the Augustinian abbey in Cong, County Mayo in the early 12th century. It was established on the site of a 6th-century church associated with St Feichin.
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Céide Fields
Explore North Mayo's geology, archaeology, botany and wildlife at the award winning Céide Fields Visitor Centre near Ballycastle on the Belderrig road (R314).
Mayo
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Granuaile Visitor Centre
The pirate queen, Granuaile or Grace O'Malley (1530-1600), is associated with the west of Ireland, particularly with the western coastline around Clew Bay. The Granuaile Visitor Centre is in Louisburgh County Mayo.
Mayo
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Cronin's Sheebeen
Cronin's Sheebeen is an upmarket bar and restaurant serving the finest in food and drink and specialising in seafood, located approx 1.5km from Westport, just past Westport Harbour overlooking Clew Bay.
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Knockranny House Hotel & Spa
Family run Knockranny House Hotel & Spa in Westport, County Mayo is recognised as one of Ireland’s finest luxury four star deluxe hotel and destination spa establishments.
Mayo
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The Ice House Hotel
Nestled along the majestic River Moy in Ballina, County Mayo, The Ice House Hotel is a tranquil sanctuary blending classic elegance with contemporary flair. On the Wild Atlantic Way and close to Ireland West Airport, it is the perfect base for exploring the coastline of the North West.
Mayo
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Matt Molloy
Traditional Irish music pub located in the centre of Westport, County Mayo.
Mayo
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Beauty Rooms at Mount Falcon Estate
The luxurious Mount Falcon Hotel and Spa is located in 100 acres of magical woodland in Ballina, County Mayo. Mount Falcon is a four star hotel, comprised of 32 bedrooms, the Kitchen Restaurant, the Boathole Bar, leisure centre and the Elemis Spa.
Mayo
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Moyne Abbey
At the mouth of the River Moy, just 3.5km from Killala, County Mayo, visitors will find the remains of Moyne Abbey, which was founded in 1460 for the Franciscans. The extensive ruin includes an interesting, cruciform church with a bell tower.
Mayo
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