Page 21 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
Brendan (the Navigator) which dates from much earlier times.. The island itself was abandoned in the early 20th Century. In legend, the island is also
the final resting place of the Children of Lir, who ended their 900 year banish- ment by travelling to Inishglora, but crumbled to dust when they were baptised by St Brendan on the island. Check out www.visiterris.ie for details of how to visit the island.
INISHKEA ISLANDS
FERRY FROM BLACKSOD PIER 35 min from exit
Inishkea Islands, are located 5 km off the Mullet Peninsula and lie between Inishglora to their north and Duvillaun to their south. They are two main islands: Inishkea North and Inishkea South.
They are covered with unique sand and grassses which form a habitat for the many species of flora and fauna and are a haven for wildlife.The islands has numerous archaeological sites dating back to Early Christian times, with both Saint Columba and Saint Brendan the navigator founded monasteries here.
ACHILL ISLAND
N59 (R319 EXIT) TOWARDS ACHILL ISLAND
30 min ride
Situated west of the town of Louisburgh and connected to the mainland by a bridge, the island of Achill has a range of sweeping vistas, hidden lakes, pristine beaches and some of Europe’s largest cliffs. It has over 5,000 years of human history, dating back to megalithic tombs and forts, precursors to 15th Century castles and 19th century Mission houses and deserted stone villages. The island itself has its own mini-Atlantic way, with the 40km Atlantic Drive taking all that this sweepingly beautiful place has to offer. The interior of the island is a great place to explore and the Great Western Greenway is a new 42km long track for cyclists, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
CROAGH PATRICK
JN 26 (R455) TO CITY CENTRE 18 min from exit
The most visible punctuation point on the Atlantic coast in Mayo is without
doubt Croagh Patrick, 8km west of the bustling town of Westport, on the road to Louisburgh (R335). Standing at 764 metres, it is only the third highest peak in the county, but its distinctive peak and mythology makes it the most iconic.
It’s best know for its association with the patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who, legend has it, fasted on the summit for 40 days in 441AD.
The route itself is 7km in length, and it is a steep climb in places, so good mountain walking
CLEW BAY
N59 (R335 EXIT) TOWARDS MURRISK (VIEW FROM CROAGH PATRICK)
13 min from exit
A truly spectacular vista from the mountains or the land, Clew Bay is easily the most beautiful and memorable in Ireland. Almost poetically, the bay has 365 islands, one for every day of the year.
WILD NEPHIN BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE
INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION - NATURE TRAIL LOOP WALK - CAFÉ
MAYO DARK SKY PARK - FREE GUIDED TOURS AVAILABLE - EDUCATION CENTRE Opening Hours: 10am - 5.30pm, 7 days. March - October
(Opening details are subject to change, please check the website)
ADMISSION FREE
www.ballycroynationalpark.ie - T: +353 (0) 98 498 88 - E: ballycroyvisitorcentre@chg.gov.ie
WILD ATLANTIC 21