God's own garden (Villages & Resorts in Mayo)

Member Name: kipper52

Product:	Villages & Resorts in Mayo
Date:	03/02/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful scenery, friendly people

Disadvantages: The weather sometimes

The west of Ireland has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth and the county of Mayo in particular is absolutely splendid. I am lucky enough to have family located in this beautiful part of the world and in my youth, we would visit maybe three times a year including a long summer break.

The area we saw the most of was around the town of Ballina, the home of the famous River Moy, one of Jack Charlton's favourite haunts. It was also home to the former President, Mary Robinson. Ballina is a good place to shop and there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.

As you move down the coast you come to the little village of Killala which is where the French armies landed in August 1798 to fight the British in a story immortalised in the book "Year of the French" with a film of the same title, filmed on location in Killala. The village whilst only small boasts two large churches and a round tower dating from the twelfth century. The quay at Killala is nice for a dusk time stroll and just down the road is a terrific beach in the area called Ross. This is a beautiful, largely undiscovered, area of Ireland and you really can feel as though you are the only people around (great for your inner karma).

Further on down the coast is the archaeological site of Ceide Fields (pronounced cager) which contains one of the oldest field systems in the world. Using various dating methods, it was discovered that the creation and development of the Céide Fields goes back some five thousand years. This dates them before the building of the pyramids and Stonehenge. It does not sound the most exciting day out I will grant you but it is worth seeing if you have an interest in history.

Finally, one of the most amazing sites along this coast is at Downpatrick Head, where a spectacular tower of rock stands in the sea having broken away from the mainland. The Atlantic has gouged huge holes in the cliff side leading to fantastic displays of sea spray on particularly wild days. The area is largely fenced off today for extra safety but you can still get the feel of the place and stand in awe at natures power.

The county of Mayo is absolutely breathtaking and I have not even mentioned the best bit. The people of Ireland are the friendliest in the world in my experience, always ready for a chat and to help in any way possible. If you have never been to Ireland, you are missing a rare treat and if you have never been to the West especially, don't forget your camera to capture the beauty of "God's own garden".

Summary: A beautiful setting to de-stress your life