Along the Wild Atlantic Way: Burrishoole Friary, Co. Mayo

When Sir Richard de Burke joined the Dominican Order he built a Friary on the tranquil banks of the Burrishoole Channel, a tidal inlet on the north side of Clew Bay. However, in his planning he forgot a crucial detail...

Magical Places: Nymphsfield Stone Circles, Co. Mayo

The stone circle in the townland of Glebe near Cong is part of a group of four circles known as the "Nymphsfield Stone Circles". The area is full of megalithic monuments and plays an important role in Irish Mythology.

 

Magical Places: Rathfran Priory, Co. Mayo

On the banks of the tidal Cloonaghmore River where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean lie the remains of Rathfran Priory, also known as the 'Priory of the Holy Cross'. It is one of the earliest monastic foundations in the Province of Connacht.

 

The Pirate Queen's fortress - Rockfleet Castle in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo

Rockfleet Castle, hidden away in an inlet on the northern shores of Clew Bay was the stronghold of the infamous Pirate Queen of Connacht - the fearless Grace O'Malley, who didn't just take on the might of the english Navy, but Queen Elizabeth I. herself.

 

Magical Places: Cong Abbey, Co. Mayo

In the year 627 AD St. Feichín stumbled across a magical spot on the small corridor of land between Lough Mask and Lough Corrib in the west of Ireland. This island in the woods surrounded by rivers and streams was so enchanting that he decided then and there to built a monastery here. The monastic settlement was to become one of the most majestic Abbeys in Ireland.

Magical Places: Murrisk Abbey - in the shadow of the "Reek"

At the foot of Ireland's sacred mountain Croagh Patrick and overlooking Clew Bay lie the ruins of Murrisk Abbey. The name Murrisk stems from the Irish Muraisc, meaning sea-marsh. The abbey was dedicated to St. Patrick and relics of the Saint were kept here, making it a very popular pilgrim destination.

Murrisk Abbey