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Killary Harbour, Co Galway inspired there are several activity providers in the
area that offer equipment hire and tuition. In the
9. Killary Harbour (south), Co Galway past, this area was a key location for the Achill
Basking Shark Fishery, which operated in the
Located in the heart of Connemara, Killary 1950s and 60s. During that period, spotters were
Harbour (‘An Caoláire Rua’ in Irish) is a fjord that stationed at Moyteoge Head, which borders the
forms a natural border between counties Galway beach, to identify the sharks and direct hunting
and Mayo. Here, you will find some of the most boats to them. The sharks were targeted for oil
dramatic scenery in Ireland. From the northern which was used as a lubricant in the aerospace
shore of the harbour rises Mweelrea, the highest industry.
mountain in Connacht at 814m. To the south you
can see the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo
Bens. There are two small communities in the
vicinity: Rosroe on the southern side and Leenane 11. Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo
to the east. In the former, you’ll find a hostel that
was once a residence where philosopher Ludwig Downpatrick Head is a majestic heritage site found
Wittgenstein stayed for some time after WWII, about 5km north of Ballycastle village. Jutting
using it as a quiet place to write. Nearby you can out into the ocean and rising almost 40m above
also explore the so-called Green Road, a route that the waves, it provides unparalleled views of the
travels eastward along the side of the fjord toward Atlantic, including the unique collection of islands
Leenane. This road stretches for 9km and was built known as the Staggs of Broadhaven. You can
in the 19th century as a famine relief project. also spot the nearby Dún Briste sea stack, with
Additionally, this area is known for aquaculture, its different coloured layers of rock and nesting
with a salmon farm operating at Rosroe and sea birds. In addition to the natural scenery and
mussel rafts commonly spotted to the east. wildlife, Downpatrick Head is home to the ruins of
a church, holy well and stone cross, which
Keem Strand, Co. Mayo together mark the site of an earlier church
founded by St Patrick. Ireland’s patron saint is
10. Keem Strand, Co Mayo also honoured with a statue that was built in
the early 1980s. Given its religious associations,
Keem Strand is a sheltered rural beach surrounded Downpatrick Head was once a popular destination
by cliffs on Achill, Ireland’s largest island. Located for pilgrims, who came here each year on the last
at the head of a valley between the cliffs of Sunday of July, known as ‘Garland Sunday’. Today
Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain, to reach this that tradition lives on, and mass is still celebrated
idyllic spot just follow the Atlantic Drive to Keel at Downpatrick Head on that same day.
and continue westward via a cliff-top road with
spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The
beach, which is lifeguarded during the bathing
season, is very popular with swimmers and is the
site of a Blueway snorkel trail. If you’re feeling
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area that offer equipment hire and tuition. In the
9. Killary Harbour (south), Co Galway past, this area was a key location for the Achill
Basking Shark Fishery, which operated in the
Located in the heart of Connemara, Killary 1950s and 60s. During that period, spotters were
Harbour (‘An Caoláire Rua’ in Irish) is a fjord that stationed at Moyteoge Head, which borders the
forms a natural border between counties Galway beach, to identify the sharks and direct hunting
and Mayo. Here, you will find some of the most boats to them. The sharks were targeted for oil
dramatic scenery in Ireland. From the northern which was used as a lubricant in the aerospace
shore of the harbour rises Mweelrea, the highest industry.
mountain in Connacht at 814m. To the south you
can see the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Downpatrick Head, Co. Mayo
Bens. There are two small communities in the
vicinity: Rosroe on the southern side and Leenane 11. Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo
to the east. In the former, you’ll find a hostel that
was once a residence where philosopher Ludwig Downpatrick Head is a majestic heritage site found
Wittgenstein stayed for some time after WWII, about 5km north of Ballycastle village. Jutting
using it as a quiet place to write. Nearby you can out into the ocean and rising almost 40m above
also explore the so-called Green Road, a route that the waves, it provides unparalleled views of the
travels eastward along the side of the fjord toward Atlantic, including the unique collection of islands
Leenane. This road stretches for 9km and was built known as the Staggs of Broadhaven. You can
in the 19th century as a famine relief project. also spot the nearby Dún Briste sea stack, with
Additionally, this area is known for aquaculture, its different coloured layers of rock and nesting
with a salmon farm operating at Rosroe and sea birds. In addition to the natural scenery and
mussel rafts commonly spotted to the east. wildlife, Downpatrick Head is home to the ruins of
a church, holy well and stone cross, which
Keem Strand, Co. Mayo together mark the site of an earlier church
founded by St Patrick. Ireland’s patron saint is
10. Keem Strand, Co Mayo also honoured with a statue that was built in
the early 1980s. Given its religious associations,
Keem Strand is a sheltered rural beach surrounded Downpatrick Head was once a popular destination
by cliffs on Achill, Ireland’s largest island. Located for pilgrims, who came here each year on the last
at the head of a valley between the cliffs of Sunday of July, known as ‘Garland Sunday’. Today
Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain, to reach this that tradition lives on, and mass is still celebrated
idyllic spot just follow the Atlantic Drive to Keel at Downpatrick Head on that same day.
and continue westward via a cliff-top road with
spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. The
beach, which is lifeguarded during the bathing
season, is very popular with swimmers and is the
site of a Blueway snorkel trail. If you’re feeling
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