Off The Beaten Path: Beyond The Blarney

Everyone who's thought of visiting Ireland, even those who haven't, have heard of the most famous sites. Who wouldn't want to come home telling tales of visiting mystical Newgrange, laughing about being held upside down to kiss the Blarney stone, gazing at the gorgeous crystal works at Waterford, or wandering the streets of Dublin. Don't stop there though, there is so much to explore in Ireland, so many roads that are the roads less traveled.

One of the many roads less traveled may be the road to County Mayo. County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland is partially bog land and the other part limestone, but don't let that stop you from visiting, there are many breathtaking views.

What to see and do in County Mayo:

Ireland's School of Falconry
This is the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland and they offer you the chance to fly a Harris hawk around the spectacular grounds of Ashford Castle in a one hour private Hawk Walk. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle. Being a falconer for a moment will be a memory for life.

Ballycroy National Park
Ballycroy National Park was established in November 1998, it is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located on the Western seaboard in northwest Mayo. It is comprised of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range.

To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff bog. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is an important scientific and scenic feature of the National Park. The Park also protects a variety of other important habitats and species, including alpine heath, upland grassland, heath and lakes and river catchments. Greenland White-fronted geese, Golden plover, Red Grouse and Otters are just some of the important fauna found within the Park. Get your hiking boots on and explore this vast area, but be warned, stay on the trails unless you want to get fished out of a bog.

Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
If you love horses, this experience is a must. The stables cater to guests of all different riding skills.

Beach Trail
Enjoy magnificent views of Clew Bay and its enchanting islands on one of their Beach Rides. Prepare to get wet, you don't just ride on the beach. 

Rosturk Trail
At Rosturk, miles of sandy beaches are an ideal location for every horse enthusiast. There are several islands that can also be reached at low water.

Mulranny Mountain Trail
The Mulranny Mountain Trail offers stunning panoramic views over the vast seascape of Clew Bay, its archipelago of drumlin islands, and the vast Nephin mountain range.

These three attractions are just a small fraction of what awaits you in County Mayo and the rest of Ireland. You could stay in Ireland all your life and still not see all the beauty and adventure it has to offer.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
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