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County Mayo
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| Attractions: Achill Island Ballycastle Céide Fields Clare Island Croagh Patrick Dún Briste Turlough Park House |
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| Co. Mayo Maigh Eo Prov. Connacht Republic of Ireland |
| Major cities: Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, Belmullet, Louisburgh, Leenane, Knock, Enniskrone, Clonbur, Cong |
| Surface: 5,585 km2 Population: 117,428 |
In ancient times County Mayo, or in Gaelic Maigh Eo, meaning Plain of Yew Trees, lived through its Golden Ages. Mesolithic and Neolithic farmers made extensive use of fields claimed from the primaeval forests. However without trees to retain the nutritious soil the hard-won fields became worthless. In the following centuries the deserted fields became prey to a complex process which resulted in a thick layer of undecomposed plant debris floating on a body of water. This so-called blanket bog covers large parts of County Mayo. Most ordinary men could not bear the barren ground and harsh environment, which explains the low density of castles, mansions and gardens.
On the other hand the bog lands have preserved several interesting ancient sites such as the Céide Fields, a cleverly designed field system, and the over 30 megalithic tombs near Ballycastle.
As with other isolated and barren regions Country Mayo attracted people who voluntarily or otherwise operated in the margins of society. The bad-tempered mythological deity Crom Cruaich, who made his reappearance in folk tales as Crom Dubh, had not for nothing strong links with County Mayo. Obviously the county attracted the attention of Saint Patrick who challenged Crom Dubh at Dún Briste and sought the serene desolation of Croagh Patrick to recover from his efforts to Christianise the Irish.
An other name associated with County Mayo is Grace O'Malley, or Pirate Queen Granuaile. Excluded from the land of her family she lived up to her surname. From her castle settled on Clare Island she preyed upon merchant ships bound for Galway.
As a result of the unpopularity of the county in the past County Mayo is lacking a bigger city. Ballina, the county capital, is primarily known for the fishing opportunities in the surroundings.
Although a poor substitute for weathered shopping addicts we find Westport a very suitable operating base. The number of restaurants is limited and making reservations is highly recommended, unless you fancy Chinese food or pizza of course. Luckily the pubs, many of them with some sort of entertainment ranging from the guy-with-guitar-and-synthesiser to real musicians, outnumber the restaurants. During the day the go-getter can make the pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, while the mere easygoing visitor can indulge himself on Clare Island or Achill Island.
If you have some minutes to spare you just have to go to the train station in Westport. Situated on the platform, in a room slightly larger than our bedroom, is the Railway Museum. The love and care put in the tiny collection will definitely melt your heart, even if you are not interested in trains and semaphores at all.