County Mayo
County Mayo in western Ireland draws visitors for Achill Island’s sea cliffs, Croagh Patrick, Atlantic coastal drives and sites that span Neolithic and medieval history.
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County Mayo lies on Ireland’s Atlantic coast in Connacht, in the west of the country. The coastline runs for about 1,168 km, with Clew Bay as its main bay. Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, is connected to the mainland by road, and Croaghaun on the island has Ireland’s highest sea cliffs. Near Westport, Croagh Patrick is linked to St Patrick, who is said to have spent 40 days and nights on the mountain. The River Moy and Lough Mask are known for angling.
Mayo suits trips focused on walking, coastal drives, fishing and history. The Céide Fields preserve Neolithic field systems beneath blanket bog, while Knock is the county’s best-known religious site. Cong Abbey and Mayo Abbey are among its monastic sites. Castlebar is the county town and central hub; Westport is the terminus of the railway from Dublin. Mayo’s coastline, islands and towns are spread across the county, so plan travel between stops. The N5, N17 and N26 are among its main roads.
County Mayo in five
- Base in Westport for the widest choiceWestport has the most rooms and restaurants in the county and a train link from Dublin; check Irish Rail for times. From here Achill, Ballycroy and Connemara are all a day's drive.Connemara
- Visit Wild Nephin for the sky, not just the bogThe park is certified Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Ballycroy Visitor Centre closes in some winter months, but the viewing sites stay open year round.
- Walk the Ballycroy bog trail in 20 to 30 minutesTóchar Daithí Bán is a 2 km nature trail at the visitor center, with views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg range. It suits a short stop between longer drives.
- Climb Croagh Patrick with boots and a clear forecastThe mountain is a pilgrimage route with loose stone near the top. Start early, skip it in low cloud, and carry water and a rain layer.
- Drive to Achill early or lateAchill's coastal roads can be narrow and busy at midday in summer. A morning or evening start gives better light and fewer oncoming cars.Mayo and Sligo
Things to do in County Mayo
See all attractions in County Mayo
Need to know
- Airport
- Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
- Getting there
- Train from Dublin to Westport, or by road
- Getting around
- A car; buses link Westport with Letterfrack and Galway
- Best base
- Westport; Achill or Mulranny for island and coast
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 days
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Snowy days
- Best
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRain19 rainy days1 snowy dayHigh8°Low4°Wet, windyJanuaryRain
Poor
- High
- 8°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 139 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 1
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, windy
- FebruaryRain19 rainy daysHigh8°Low4°Wet, windyFebruaryRain
Poor
- High
- 8°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 149 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, windy
- MarchRain18 rainy daysHigh9°Low4°ShowersMarchRain
Mixed
- High
- 9°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 123 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Showers
- AprilRain15 rainy daysHigh12°Low5°Mild, springAprilRain
Best
- High
- 12°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 83 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, spring
- MayRain15 rainy daysHigh15°Low8°Long daysMayRain
Best
- High
- 15°
- Low
- 8°
- Precipitation
- 86 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long days
- JuneRain19 rainy daysHigh16°Low10°Long daysJuneRain
Best
- High
- 16°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 111 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Long days
- JulyRain19 rainy daysHigh17°Low11°Warm, busyJulyRain
Best
- High
- 17°
- Low
- 11°
- Precipitation
- 115 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, busy
- AugustRain22 rainy daysHigh17°Low12°BusiestAugustRain
Best
- High
- 17°
- Low
- 12°
- Precipitation
- 152 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Busiest
- SeptemberRain18 rainy daysHigh15°Low10°Calmer, starsSeptemberRain
Best
- High
- 15°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 125 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Calmer, stars
- OctoberRain20 rainy daysHigh13°Low8°Wet, windyOctoberRain
Mixed
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 8°
- Precipitation
- 156 mm
- Rainy days
- 20
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Wet, windy
- NovemberRain18 rainy daysHigh10°Low6°Dark, quietNovemberRain
Mixed
- High
- 10°
- Low
- 6°
- Precipitation
- 141 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dark, quiet
- DecemberRain19 rainy daysHigh8°Low5°Dark, quietDecemberRain
Poor
- High
- 8°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 162 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dark, quiet
Average daily high and low in Westport, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in County Mayo
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
9
- Feels like
- 8°
- Humidity
- 88%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
County Mayo
08:47 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today11°3°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue10°3°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed11°4°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu10°6°9%Thursday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Fri9°7°12%Friday: Drizzle. High 9°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sat10°6°4%Saturday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun10°6°2%Sunday: Cloudy. High 10°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 2%.
Updated 04:55 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- JulGalway International Arts FestivalGalway, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Connemarasouth via LeenaneKillary Harbour leads into Connemara and Kylemore.Read the guide
- Céide Fields and Sligonorth along the coastThe Neolithic fields and Carrowmore are covered in the two-county guide.Read the guide
- Wild Nephin and Achillnorth-west of WestportBallycroy Visitor Centre and Achill's coast roads fit one long day.
Before you go to County Mayo
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Rules for County Mayo, checked
- Wild Nephin National Park is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park; viewing sites are open year round while the visitor center closes in some winter months.Checked Oct 3, 2026 · Source
Plan around County Mayo
Regions, rail, driving, money and entry
Read the guideMayo and SligoCéide Fields, Sligo and the north coast
Read the guideConnemaraKylemore and the national park south
Read the guideGalwayThe nearest city and rail hub
Read the guideDriving in IrelandNarrow roads, left-hand traffic, rentals
Read the guideInsurance for road tripsCover for delays and car hire
Read the guideCounty Mayo FAQ
How many days do you need in County Mayo?
Two days cover Westport, Clew Bay and a day to Achill or Ballycroy. Three days add Wild Nephin at dusk and a slower drive. Add more if you plan Croagh Patrick or Connemara too.
Is Wild Nephin worth visiting?
Yes for open bog, mountains and the Mayo Dark Sky Park. The visitor center has an interactive exhibition and a short trail, and the dark sky viewing is best on clear nights.
Is Westport worth visiting?
It is a lively town for pubs, restaurants and a Clew Bay base. It pairs well with Achill and Connemara, though summer weekends fill up early.
Can you visit Mayo without a car?
Westport works on foot and by train. Connemara has bus services to Letterfrack, but Achill and Wild Nephin are much easier by car. Check current bus times.
When is the best time for stargazing in Mayo?
Clear, moonless nights from autumn to early spring have the longest darkness. The park's viewing sites are open year round, though the visitor center closes in some winter months.