County Mayo (WAW Routes)
County Mayo is located North of Galway along the North Western part of Ireland and forms part of the Province of Connaught.
This beautiful Irish county is home to the largest Island in Ireland, Achill Island. This island is also one of the most spectacular to visit with its wonderful Keem and Keel beaches that are just absolutely beautiful.
I have three routes through the Wild Atlantic Way in Mayo. I have recently added the Mullet peninsular.
These three routes are summarized below.
County Mayo Routes
Route 2. Aasleagh Falls to Keel Beach.
Approx. 173km distance, 3 hrs 45 minutes driving time.
This route from to Aasleagh Falls to Keel Beach on Achill Island is a lovely drive along the Wild Atlantic Way in Mayo, with some interesting sites to visit along the way.
Go for a stroll on Silver Strand or maybe go and stay on Clare Island for a night.
Stop at Westport for lunch, or stay there and camp at Westport House.
Much of the drive follows the coast and there are some great views out to Clare Island, especially once you reach Achill Island.
The roads vary from some well tarmacked two lane roads along the Lough in Doo Lough Valley for example, to some quite narrow single tracked roads.
There are plenty of sheep around, which seem to become more numerous once you get closer to Achill Island, so watch your speed and enjoy the views along the way.
Keel Beach
Going North from Achill
Route 1. Keel Beach to Ballina.
Approx. 236km distance, 4 hrs 30 minutes driving time
This route from Keel Beach to Ballina Quay in Mayo has some spectacular places to visit. Firstly it includes one of the top beaches in the world at Keem beach.
This is one of the top locations for the filming of the Banshees of Inisherin with Colm Doherty’s cottage in the central position.
Achill Island itself is spectacular. There are plenty of watersports and other activities to do on the lake and in the sea. It is worth perhaps staying a few days on Achill Island to enjoy what the island has to offer.
This particular route is quite a long one and some parts of the road, in my opinion, are not as amazing as other parts of the WAW. But perhaps the weather influenced my experience.
Having returned though recently, I would certainly say that a visit to Benwee head is worth the time, if you have it, even though it quite a detour off this route.
But as destinations go, Achill Island is definitely a must-see.
Route 1A. The Mullet Peninsula
Approx. 85km distance, 1 hrs 36 minutes driving time
The Mullet Peninsula is actually located about halfway along Route 1 (Keel to Ballina). So depending on your available time, you can decide to omit it completely or split the Keel to Ballina route (route 1) and follow this one. It is up to you and what you wish to see.
Check out the blog post to discover what is on the Mullet Peninsula.
Next County – South
Next County – North
Last Updated on September 11, 2023 by Gav
