Failte Ireland - Ireland Buyers Guide 2018

DAY 1 WILD ATLANTICWAY – BAY COAST Boasting hundreds of beautiful islands, majestic mountains and welcoming towns Clew Bay, which stretches all the way from Achill Island to Killary Fjord , is a highlight of any visit to theWest Coast of Ireland. Croagh Patrick , Ireland’s holy mountain, offers breath-taking views over the bay and is well worth a visit. Best known for its association with Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who is said to have fasted for 40 days at the summit in 441AD, Croagh Patrick has been an important pilgrimage destination in Ireland for centuries. The Murrisk Mountain Loop follows a mountain path around the lower slopes of Croagh Patrick with panoramic views over Clew Bay and passes historical sites, such as a Mass Rock and famine ridges. The route begins at the west end of Murrisk on the road fromWestport to Louisburgh Road (R335) at the signposted carpark. The loop is approximately 3kms (1.8 miles) long, round-trip; bring sturdy boots and rain-gear. Allow 1.5 hours for this experience Lunch inWestport Drive out to Keem Bay and Achill – Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula, on the west coast of County Mayo, are among the most remote and scenic areas in Ireland. Some of the local roads that follow the coastline of Achill boast spectacular views of the area and are well worth exploring. On leaving Achill Sound turn left following signs for the Atlantic Drive. This route will take you past Grace O’Malley’s Castle, dramatic cliffs, deserted sandy beaches and beneath imposing mountains. Follow the road all the way to the island’s western edge at Keem Bay. The final few kilometres are a twisting clifftop route which offer breath-taking views over Keem Bay at the Atlantic Ocean. At the heart of Keem Bay is a beautiful fine sandy beach. This strand is bordered on two sides by cliffs; to the east by the slopes of Croaghaun mountain, and to the west by Moyteoge Head where a former coastguard watch-house still stands. Allow 1.5 hour for this experience Dinner and Overnight inWestport 48 WILD ATLANTICWAY SAMPLE 7 DAY ITINERARY NORTHERN HEADLANDS, SURF COAST & BAY COAST TO HELP YOU PROGRAMME THIS AREA, HERE IS A SUGGESTED PROGRAMME FOR YOU TO CONSIDERWHICHWILL HELP YOUR CLIENTS, BE THEY GROUP OR FIT, TO NAVIGATE THIS AREA. FOR OTHER SAMPLE ITINERARIES FOR THIS REGION PLEASE EMAIL BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT@FAILTEIRELAND.IE Great Western Greenway, Co. Mayo Achill Island