Culture and History Tour

Immerse Yourself in the Rich History of County Mayo

Approx Duration: 6 Hours

Join me on a day of cultural immersion and step into the past of County Mayo. Exploring the local heritage and historic centres, we will start off in Cross Molina and wind our way through the surrounding sites. There are plenty of opportunities to stop as well with several amazing coffeeshops along the way.

Starting in Ballina we will head towards Crossmolina ,a town nestled under the Nephin Mountain. From here we will head to Enniscoe house.  Coined as the ‘last Great House of North Mayo’, Enniscoe House hides a surprising architectural secret – it’s actually two houses in one! With its classic Irish Georgian country house built around the original 1740 building, it boasts a unique look that marvels guests. There is so much to do here that we could spend the whole day exploring, including a tour of the walled gardens or even a visit to the North Mayo Heritage Centre. 

Our next brief stop will take us to Addergoole Titanic Memorial Park. There, we will relive the lives of fourteen emigrants who made that fateful maiden “Titanic voyage” in April 1912. You will also have the chance to reflect on this historic maritime catastrophe alongside the beautiful memorials placed at the very heart of the village. 

Our main visit for the tour will take us the spectacular National Museum of Country Life. Making our way across three floors of modern exhibition galleries, we will get to experience a by-gone way of life in the Ireland’s National Folk Life Collection. Set in the grounds of the historic Turlough Park House and its tranquil Victorian gardens, it will be as if we’ve stepped into another world. We will also lunch in the award-winning café, ensuring this visit ends on a high note.

Thurlough Round Tower & St Patrick’s Church

Our next stop is at the Thurlough Round Tower and St. Patrick’s Church. In this brief pause, we will go back to the 8th Century and explore spectacular buildings that date back to when Christianity first arrived in County Mayo.

Davitt Museum

In the afternoon, we will take a brief visit to the Davitt Museum in Straide. Hailed as Mayo’s most famous son and Ireland’s greatest patriot, Michael Davitt was an internationally known social reformer, politician, and author. In this gem of a place, we’ll have a brief presentation from the experienced staff, learning more about this interesting man and his campaign work within the National Land League.

Next, we will wind our way to the picturesque town of Foxford. We will then visit the amazing gem that is the Foxford Woollen Mill. Here, you can immerse yourself in the workings of the old mill and wander through the wonderful craft shop. You will also get the chance to relax for a while in the amazing coffee shop upstairs. 

On our return to Ballina along the Pontoon Road, we will get the chance to enjoy some amazing views of Ireland’s highest standalone mountain. No matter the time of day, this awe-inspiring sight takes your breath away as it towers over the majestic Lough Conn.