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South
West Mayo Region
The landscape here is
dominated by Croagh Patrick, where thousands of pilgrims annually
have worn a path to the summit. The view from the top is enchanting on a
clear day; the islands of Inishturk and Inishboffin rise out of the
pounding Atlantic waves on the southwest, with Clare Island on the
northwest and the drumlin studded Clew Bay to the north, with Achill
Island and Mulranny in the background.
Clew Bay is a
superb expanse of sea, 24kms long and 1Okms wide, where the tops of
submerged drumlins form a bewildering archipelago, providing one of the
most pleasant stretches of marine scenery in Ireland. There are several
fine sandy beaches in this area such as Old Head, Bertra, Lecanvey,
Carrowmore and the famous Silver Strand. The area provides many
opportunities for water sports, surfing, canoeing, hill climbing and
other outdoor activities.
Clare Island, Inishturk
and Caher islands are three small attractive islands off the coast
at the mouth of Clew Bay. Doolough,
Delphi, the famous Aasleagh waterfall on the Erriff River, the Sheeffry
Hills and the Mweelrea Mountains provide exquisite scenery.
Louisburgh is a
lovely small town at the mouth of the Bunowen River, a pleasant twenty
minute coastal drive along the shores of Clew Bay from Westport. The
area is famous for its many beautiful unspoiled beaches, interesting
archaeological heritage and many miles of pleasant walks. It also offers
excellent lake and river fishing with names such as the Bunowen,
Carrowniskey, Delphi, Doolough and Erriff to whet the angler’s
enthusiasm.
Westport is a
busy commercial and tourist town with the Carrowbeg River flowing
through it which is a striking feature with rows of trees on both sides
known as the Mall. It has all the amenities of any major town while
still holding its character Westport offers a wide range of excellent
sports and leisure facilities including an eighteen hole championship
golf course, a nine hole coastal course, horse riding, deep sea angling
and sailing.
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