County Mayo, located on Ireland's west coast, is a fantastic destination for families, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and family-friendly activities. Families can explore the stunning landscapes by hiking scenic trails like the Great Western Greenway or climbing Croagh Patrick, known for its panoramic views. Water sports such as kayaking and surfing on Achill Island’s beaches provide exciting outdoor fun.
For those interested in history, visiting Mayo offers a chance to see Westport House, Achill Island’s Deserted Village, and the ancient Ceide Fields in North Mayo, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s past. Families can also enjoy interactive experiences at places like Westport Adventure Park or Tír na nÓg Fun Park, where children can interact with animals and play outdoors.
Mayo is also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations like Connemara National Park, Clare Island, and Kylemore Abbey, where families can experience even more of Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Wild Nephin National Park and the breathtaking sea stack formations along the coast are additional highlights not to be missed. With so many diverse attractions, Mayo is an ideal place for families to explore, enjoy, and create unforgettable memories. Whether it's outdoor adventures, historical exploration, or simply relaxing in the scenic countryside near the luxurious Ashford Castle, Mayo has something for every family. For up-to-date information, check local guides or the city centre visitor’s bureau.
Things to Do in Mayo for Families
Things to do in Mayo for families are exploring Westport House, hiking Croagh Patrick, biking along the Great Western Greenway, visiting the Wild Atlantic Way, enjoying Ballycroy National Park, and discovering Achill Island. Each activity offers a unique way for families to connect with nature, history, and local culture, making Mayo an ideal destination for a memorable family adventure.
Visit Westport House
This family-friendly attraction in County Mayo offers a mix of history, adventure, and fun. Explore the historic house, enjoy the pirate-themed playground, or take a ride on the miniature train. There’s something for everyone at Westport House, including a petting zoo and adventure park. For the most up to date information on events and attractions, be sure to check our website before your visit.
Explore Croagh Patrick
For active families, hiking Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, offers stunning views and a rewarding experience. While the climb can be challenging, there are lower-level trails suitable for families with young children.
Great Western Greenway
Take a bike ride or walk along the Great Western Greenway, a scenic trail that runs from Westport to Achill Island. This 42-kilometer trail offers a peaceful escape with breathtaking landscapes, perfect for a family day out.
Wild Atlantic Way
Discover the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches along Mayo’s coastline. Families can stop at beautiful beaches like Keem Bay on Achill Island, explore coastal villages, and enjoy water activities like kayaking or surfing.
Ballycroy National Park
Enjoy the natural beauty of Ballycroy National Park, which is ideal for families looking for outdoor activities. The park offers easy walking trails, a visitor center, and opportunities to learn about Mayo’s unique wildlife and environment.
Visit Achill Island
Families can visit Achill Island for its stunning beaches, water sports, and outdoor adventures. Keel Beach is particularly popular for surfing and sandcastle building, making it a great spot for kids to play.
The National Museum of Country Life
Located in Turlough, this museum offers an engaging experience for families, with exhibits showcasing Ireland’s rural past. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays and outdoor gardens.
What Are the Best Outdoor Activities in Mayo?
Mayo is renowned for its natural beauty, and the region offers numerous outdoor activities that families can enjoy. Whether you’re an active family looking for adventure or prefer a more relaxed pace, Mayo’s outdoor activities provide plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Mayo is home to several scenic hiking and walking trails that are ideal for families who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The county’s diverse landscapes offer a wide range of routes short walk through, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.
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Croagh Patrick: Known as Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick offers a rewarding hiking experience for families. While the climb can be steep, the views from the summit are spectacular, providing a breathtaking panorama of Clew Bay and the surrounding areas. There are gentler paths at the base of the mountain for families with younger children.
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Great Western Greenway: This 42-kilometer walking and cycling trail stretches from Westport to Achill Island. The trail is relatively flat, making it suitable for families with children. It passes through beautiful countryside and offers stunning views of mountains, lakes, and the coastline. You can walk or rent bikes to explore different sections of the trail.
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Ballycroy National Park: For families looking for a more relaxed walk, Ballycroy National Park offers several easy-to-navigate trails through boglands, woodlands, and along rivers. The visitor center provides information on the local flora and fauna, making it a great educational experience for kids.
Enjoying Water Sports
Mayo’s extensive coastline offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, making it a popular destination for families who enjoy spending time by the water.
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Kayaking: Families can explore Mayo’s stunning coastlines, rivers, and lakes by kayak. Clew Bay, with its sheltered waters and islands, is an ideal spot for a kayaking adventure. You can rent kayaks or join a guided tour, making it accessible even for beginners.
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Surfing: Achill Island and Keel Beach are popular surfing spots for families. Several surf schools offer lessons for both adults and children, so even if you’re new to surfing, you can learn together as a family.
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Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): This is a fun and relatively easy water sport that’s perfect for families. There are several places along Mayo’s coastline where you can rent paddleboards and explore the calm waters at your own pace.
Exploring National Parks
Mayo is home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks, where families can enjoy nature, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
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Ballycroy National Park: One of the largest expanses of blanket bog and mountainous terrain in Ireland, Ballycroy is an ideal place for families to experience Mayo’s natural beauty. The park has family-friendly walking trails, picnic areas, and an interactive visitor center that offers educational programs for kids about the local environment and wildlife.
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Wild Nephin: A part of Ballycroy National Park, Wild Nephin offers more rugged and remote landscapes. It’s perfect for families seeking solitude and adventure. You can explore the wilderness, spot wildlife, and enjoy the peace of Mayo’s unspoiled natural environment.
What Historical Sites To Visit in Mayo?
Historical sites to visit in Mayo are Croagh Patrick, Ballintubber Abbey, the Céide Fields, the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Moore Hall, and Westport House.
Each site offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's rich history, from ancient Neolithic fields and medieval abbeys to historic estates and pilgrimage sites. Visiting these locations provides a deeper understanding of Mayo's cultural heritage and the significant role it has played in Irish history over the centuries.
Croagh Patrick
Known as Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick is a significant pilgrimage site with a history dating back thousands of years. It is believed to be where Saint Patrick fasted for 40 days, and every year, thousands of pilgrims climb to its summit in his honor. The hike offers stunning views of Clew Bay and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination not only for religious pilgrims but also for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks. The climb can be challenging, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort.
Ballintubber Abbey
Founded in 1216, Ballintubber Abbey is one of Ireland's oldest continuously used places of worship. It holds deep historical and spiritual significance, with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The abbey has witnessed centuries of Irish history, including periods of religious suppression, yet it remains an active place of worship today. Visitors can explore its ancient stone walls, admire the preserved features, and reflect on its enduring legacy. Ballintubber Abbey offers a peaceful and enriching experience for those interested in Ireland’s religious and cultural heritage.
The Ceide Fields
Explore the oldest known field systems in the world at the Céide Fields, a Neolithic site over 5,000 years old. This archaeological wonder offers insights into ancient farming practices and is located near stunning cliffside views of the Atlantic. Visitors can also explore the on-site visitor center, which provides detailed information about the excavation process, ancient tools, and the lives of the early settlers. The surrounding area is perfect for scenic walks, making it an ideal destination for those interested in both history and natural beauty. A trip to Céide Fields offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past.
The National Museum of Ireland - Country Life
Located in Turlough Park, this museum explores Ireland's rural history, showcasing how people lived and worked in the countryside over the centuries. It features exhibitions on farming, fishing, and traditional crafts. Visitors can engage with interactive displays that bring Ireland’s past to life, including demonstrations of age-old techniques used in daily rural life. The museum is set in a beautiful park, making it an ideal spot for a family visit, with gardens to explore after viewing the indoor exhibits. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Ireland’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage.
Moore Hall
The ruins of Moore Hall offer a glimpse into the 18th-century estate once belonging to the influential Moore family. The hall played a significant role in Irish history and is set within beautiful woodlands, perfect for exploring. Visitors can wander through the remains of the once-grand mansion and surrounding grounds, soaking in the atmosphere of Ireland's rich past.
The site provides an excellent opportunity for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to connect with the legacy of the Moore family while enjoying the tranquil beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.
Westport House
A stately home with over 300 years of history, Westport House was built on the ruins of a castle belonging to Grace O'Malley, the famous pirate queen. The house contains beautifully preserved rooms and exhibitions, showcasing its rich heritage.
Visitors can explore the grand interiors, enjoy the picturesque gardens, and even learn more about the legacy of Grace O'Malley. Westport House offers a unique glimpse into Irish history and culture, making it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and travelers looking to immerse themselves in Ireland's past.
Hennigan's Heritage Centre
Visitors can explore authentic tools, furniture, and artifacts that were once used in daily life, offering a tangible connection to the past. The center also hosts seasonal events, including demonstrations of old farming techniques and traditional crafts, giving guests a deeper appreciation of Mayo's rich cultural heritage. The serene rural setting adds to the immersive experience, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and families looking to learn more about Ireland's rural traditions.
What Are the Best Family-Friendly Activities in Mayo?
Mayo offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that cater to both children and adults. From interactive museums to animal encounters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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Westport Adventure Park: If your family enjoys outdoor adventures, Westport Adventure Park is the perfect destination. The park offers a variety of activities, including paintball, laser combat, zorbing, and archery. It’s an exciting way to spend the day and a great way for families to bond through fun and challenging experiences.
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Tír na nog Fun Park: Located near Castlebar, Tír na nÓg Fun Park is a family-friendly attraction that features a petting zoo, mini-golf, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The park is perfect for younger children and offers a variety of activities that allow kids to interact with animals and play outdoors.
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National Museum of Ireland – Country Life: Situated in Turlough, this museum offers a fascinating look at Ireland’s rural history. Families can explore exhibits showcasing traditional Irish crafts, farming tools, and everyday life from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is interactive, making it a fun and educational experience for children.
What Are the Best Day Trips From Mayo?
The best day trips from Mayo are exploring the scenic beauty of Connemara National Park, taking a trip to Achill Island, discovering the history of Ballintubber Abbey, and hiking Croagh Patrick. Each destination offers unique landscapes and experiences, from coastal cliffs to ancient historical sites. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cultural exploration, Mayo is an ideal base for unforgettable day trips.
Cliffs of Moher
A day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Mayo offers an unforgettable experience with some of Ireland’s most stunning coastal views. Towering over the Atlantic Ocean, these dramatic cliffs provide hiking trails, a visitor center, and panoramic vistas that stretch to the Aran Islands and beyond. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers.
Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a perfect day trip for those seeking outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Located a short drive from Mayo, this park features scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, bogs, and woodlands. The park is ideal for families, hikers, and anyone looking to connect with nature.
Achill Island
A trip to Achill Island offers beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and charming villages, making it a great destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're into water sports like surfing and kayaking or prefer exploring scenic coastal walks, Achill Island is the perfect place for a laid-back yet exciting day out.
Ballintubber Abbey
For history buffs, a visit to Ballintubber Abbey provides a deep dive into Ireland’s religious and architectural heritage. As one of the country’s oldest continually active places of worship, this 800-year-old abbey showcases Ireland’s medieval history. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both serenity and cultural enrichment.
Croagh Patrick
Hiking Croagh Patrick is a rewarding day trip for those looking to combine physical activity with cultural significance. Known as Ireland's holy mountain, this pilgrimage site offers breathtaking views of Clew Bay from its summit. It's a spiritually meaningful hike and a fantastic way to experience the region’s natural beauty.
FAQs About Things to Do in Mayo, Ireland
1. What is the best time to visit Mayo with your family?
The best time to visit Mayo is during the late spring and summer months (May to September) when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. However, Mayo’s attractions are open year-round, and families can still enjoy the region in the off-season with fewer crowds.
2. Are there family-friendly accommodations in Mayo?
Yes, Mayo offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, including hotels, self-catering cottages, and guesthouses. Many accommodations provide amenities like playgrounds, family rooms, and easy access to local attractions.
3. Are the outdoor activities in Mayo suitable for young children?
Many outdoor activities in Mayo, such as walking trails, kayaking, and visiting national parks, are suitable for families with young children. However, some more challenging hikes, such as Croagh Patrick, may be better suited for older children and teenagers.
4. Can we rent bikes in Mayo for family cycling trips?
Yes, bike rentals are widely available in Mayo, particularly along the Great Western Greenway. Many rental shops offer family-friendly bikes, including children’s bikes and trailers.
5. Is Mayo a good destination for history-loving families?
Absolutely! Mayo is rich in historical sites, including Westport House, the Ceide Fields, and Achill Island’s Deserted Village. These attractions offer an amazing educational and engaging experience for families interested in Ireland’s history.