20 Attractions to Explore Near Old Head Beach

Croagh Patrick is a mountain peak steeped in history, religion and mythology. At 764m high and offering breathtaking views across Clew Bay, climbing it is also a rite of passage for hiking enthusiasts. The mountain overlooks Clew Bay and the entire western coastline and is particularly associated with Ireland's patron saint, St Patrick.

The National Famine Memorial commemorates the people of Ireland who died in the Great Irish Famine and is situated in Murrisk, County Mayo. The monument was designed by Dublin artist John Behan and shows a “Coffin ship”.

Collanmore is a private and unique island in Clew Bay, only 12 minutes from Westport. It is overlooked by the majestic Croagh Patrick and is located in an area of outstanding beauty. From Collanmore there are views of Croagh Patrick and the bay. It is accessed by boat from Rosmoney pier, a few kilometres from Westport, County Mayo.

Doo Lough is a freshwater lake in the west of Ireland. It is located in southwest County Mayo on the Murrisk peninsula. The lake runs in a narrow northwest to southeast direction, and is overlooked by the long ridge of Ben Lugmore 803-metre, on its southwest shores. The northern end of Doo Lough is the site of a stone Celtic cross which was erected as a memorial to the 1849 Doolough Tragedy.

Achillbeg is a small island in County Mayo, Ireland, just off the southern tip of Achill Island. Achillbeg is situated south of Cloghmore, northeast of Calliagherom Rock. The main settlement was in the centre of the island, bounded by two hills to the north and south. There are a small number of holiday homes on the island, but they are usually empty for most of the year.

This is a well known Irish tourist attraction, owned by the Hughes family who own a number of businesses in the west of Ireland. Until January 2017, it was the ancestral seat of the Browne family, whose head was the Marquess of Sligo. The title and the house were separated in 2014, following the death of Jeremy Browne, 11th Marquess of Sligo, who left the estate to his five daughters.

The magnificent Silver Strand Beach in Mayo is arguably one of the best beaches in Ireland, and it’s one of our favourite places to visit in Mayo. The beach is located in an ecologically important area and in 2016 received the Green Coast Award in recognition of the beach’s clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. The location is also a Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Mweelrea is the finest mountain in the West of Ireland and offers a great day’s hiking. It is situated near the apex of a "horseshoe-shaped" massif that includes the peaks of Ben Lugmore and Ben Bury, and which is located between Killary Harbour and Doo Lough, in Mayo, Ireland.

The Great Western Greenway walking and cycling trail is Irelands fastest growing and most sought-after tourism attraction. Running 44km around the Eastern and Northern stretches of Clew Bay in Co Mayo. The Great Western Greenway follows the line of the old Midlands Great Western Railway, which closed in 1937. It can be completed in either direction, although the best approach is from west to east, with the prevailing wind at your back.

Rockfleet Castle, also known as Carrickahowley Castle, stands at the mouth of a small inlet on the northern shores of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The Castle is renowned for its links with Grace O`Malley, a pirate sea Queen who inhabited the castle in the latter part of the 16th Century. It has four floors and is over eighteen metres in height looking out towards the drumlins of Clew Bay. Though entry to the castle was once available to the public, it is now strictly prohibited for safety reasons.

Carrickkildavnet Castle is a tower house and National Monument located in Achill Island, Ireland. It is located in the southeast corner of Achill Island, across from the Corraun Peninsula. This is an important strategic site, protecting the mouth of Achill Sound and the passage that connects Clew Bay with Blacksod Bay.

The Atlantic Drive is without doubt an awe inspiring and dramatic experience. Starting from Mulranny this drive takes you along a very rugged coast, dramatic rough seas and cliffs. Some of the local roads that follow the coastline of Achill, and which boast some of the most spectacular views of the area, have been designated ‘The Atlantic Drive’.

The Corraun Peninsula is a peninsula in County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland. It extends out from the mainland towards Achill Island. It is popular for its stunning panoramas of Clew Bay, Clare Island and Achill Island. It is a place of extreme beauty, dominated by Corraun Hill. There are great views of Clew Bay and the Mullet Peninsula to the north.

Uggool Beach is a large beach in County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland, located south of the town of Louisburgh. It is situated at the mouth of Killlary Harbour to its south, with Silver Strand to its north, Mweelrea mountain to its east and the Atlantic ocean to its west.It is bordered by the townlands of Uggool, Doovilra and Mweelin. The Bunanakee River flows across Uggool Beach. The tidal Dooneen Island is on the southern edge of the beach.

Ben Gorm is the most southerly peak in the compact range of hills that form the Ben Gorm group. It is a 700 m high mountain in southwest County Mayo, Ireland, on the northern shore of Killary Harbour. A good trekking destination and also there are so many things to do and it also offers nice views too.

Caher Island, an uninhabited island off the coast of County Mayo in Ireland, is situated between the larger Clare Island and Inishturk. An ancient centre for pilgrimage, it is still visited for this reason today. On 15 August each year, the Feast of the Assumption, there is a pilgrimage to the island.The island has an Early Christian monastery with the remains of a chapel in an enclosure and several carved slabs. The island appears to hold the remains of hermitages of seventh century monks.

This is a white sandy beach with a stunning mountain backdrop. You can enjoy breathtaking scenery and crystal clear waters. Perfect for those looking for a scenic stroll, great snorkelling or a swim with a view. The beach is popular for swimming, snorkelling, walking and sightseeing.

Devilsmother is a 645-metre-high mountain in Connemara, Ireland. It was located at the head of Killary Harbour, overlooking the Western Way long-distance path. It sits on the border between County Galway and County Mayo. A good trekking destination and also there are so many other options too.

A beautiful sandy beach which was located in the stunning Connemara district of Galway. It is widely known for the caravan and camping park that sits right on the edge of the beach. The beach was also one of the recipients of the Green Coast Award Beaches 2013, which is an award for beaches that have excellent water quality but are also prized for their natural, unspoilt environment.

Inishturk is an inhabited island of County Mayo, in Ireland. Inishturk has been inhabited on and off since 4,000 BCE and has been inhabited permanently since at least 1700. Inishturk meaning ‘Island of the Wild Boar’, is a wild, windswept patch of lush greenness with sheer wall-like cliffs and steep hills.