Man and Ocean: Mayo's Atlantic Story

Mayo is one of Ireland’s least populated counties. The North Atlantic ocean meets its rocky shoreline developing inland to vast blanket bog landscapes and mountains. Beginning at the Mullet Peninsula, you’ll discover how the Atlantic Ocean both risks and rewards the coastal communities of Mayo as you uncover the stories of inhabitants, past and present. You’ll also travel to the islands off the coast and witness wildlife in its natural habitat before travelling south to the coastal town of Westport. From here, your access to the tranquil waters of Clew Bay will be unencumbered. Kayak and windsurf to the many small islands, home to seals and the odd local story teller.

• Explore a remote section of Ireland’s Atlantic coast from two viewpoints
• Enter onto the tranquil waters of Clew Bay by kayak and windsurf
• Trace a path on the uninhabited Iniskea island and listen to stories of its intriguing past
• Forage for wild food along the coast of the Mullet Peninsula
• Enjoy wildlife photography lessons with a local expert
• Listen to local folk stories as told by the wise oracles of Mayo

Please click on any image below to see a larger version, or scroll down for more details of this tour.

Itinerary:

Day one

Arrive at Knock Airport or Castlebar train station and transfer by mini bus to Blacksod. Enjoy dinner at our accommodation. Your guide, Barry, will introduce you to the itinerary for the week and update you on weather forecasts. After your introduction, follow Barry for a walk to the local pub.

Day two

After a hearty Irish breakfast, we’ll walk from our accommodation along beaches, low-lying hills and between sand dunes of the Mullet Peninsula. We’ll see in the distance the surrounding islands and visit the square lighthouse of Blacksod. In the afternoon we’ll take it a little easier, and visit the local heritage centre to find out more about the local people of the Mullet. We’ll finish the day off with a forage along the coast to supply our evening meal which will be cooked together at our accommodation.

Day three

Today Anthony, our local boatsman, will take you out to the uninhabited Iniskea Islands. Here you’ll go for a guided walk and hear about the events of 1927 which wiped out the fragile human population of this Atlantic island. You may even spot a seal or two while you’re there. Stories continue into the evening with the help of local folk lore and storytellers from the Mullet.

Day four

Learn how to capture on film the sights of the Mullet with Ciarán’s nature photography workshop before waving goodbye to Blacksod and travelling to Westport, our second and final base for the week. Along the way, we’ll drop into the Mayo National Park and wander around the visitor centre. In the evening we’ll settle in to our accommodation before sharing a meal and experiencing some traditional Irish music at a local establishment (depending on local schedules).

Day five

After breakfast, we’ll head to Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s ‘holy mountain’ (772m). After a bracing climb to the summit, weather permitting, you’ll see some spectacular views of the surrounding Mayo landscape. The afternoon will be a relaxed affair. Enjoy Westport at your own pace before joining the group for dinner. 

Day six

Today you’ll be able to choose between cycling off-road or sea kayaking with Ali in the fabulous Clew Bay.  In the afternoon, you’ll be guided along the Bangor Trail – Ireland’s most remote national waymarked trail. Again, superb views await as well as dense forests and stories of pillaging.

Day seven

Clew Bay calls again, this time on windsurfs. Try your hand at surfing on the calm water with the help of your genteel guide Cathal. If you’ve still plenty of energy in the afternoon, join us for a walk in a rare Atlantic oakwood.

Day eight

We say farewell and escort you to the airport or train station.

Dates:

Please get in touch to find out when the next group visit is or to arrange your own tailor made tour.

Season:

April - October

Number of days:

8

Price:

£1299 per adult – 8 day experience. 4 day tours and tailor made itineraries are available.

Bespoke trips for groups are available - please enquire for more details.