Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields
The wild Mayo coast, from Doo Lough and Ireland’s holy mountain to Westport, Achill’s Keem Bay and the ancient fields at Céide.
- Distance
- 194 km (120 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- July 23, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 194 km (120 mi) with 8 stops, from Leenane to Ballycastle. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland · More road trips from Galway
Route description
From Leenane, at the head of Killary Harbour, take the N59 briefly north and then the R335 through Delphi to the Doo Lough valley, a bare glen between steep mountains. A stone cross recalls the famine walk of 1849. Continue through Louisburgh along the south shore of Clew Bay to Murrisk, at the foot of Croagh Patrick. The pilgrim path up the mountain takes three to four hours return.
Westport is ten minutes further, a planned Georgian town with a tree-lined mall along the river and a lively harbour area. From here the Great Western Greenway, a 42 km cycle path on an old railway line, runs to Achill; bikes can be hired in town. Drive the N59 to Mulranny and then the R319 over the Michael Davitt Bridge onto Achill Island.
Follow the R319 across Achill through Keel and Dooagh to Keem Bay. The last stretch clings to the side of Croaghaun and is narrow, with a small car park at the bottom, so large motorhomes should park in Dooagh. The signposted Atlantic Drive loops round the south of the island with views of the cliffs and the old Kildavnet tower.
Return to the mainland and head north on the N59 via Bangor Erris, then regional roads along the north Mayo coast through Belderrig. The Céide Fields visitor centre stands on the cliffs above the sea. Ballycastle is 8 km further east, and a lane north of the village leads to Downpatrick Head, where you can see the sea stack of Dún Briste. Distances are long here and fuel stations few.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Leenane
Ireland - 212 km
Doo Lough Valley
ViewsDelphi, IrelandA dark lake between steep bare mountains on the R335, with a stone cross remembering the famine walkers of 1849. Pull-ins along the road serve for photos; the road is quiet but narrow.
- 319 km
Croagh Patrick
NatureMurrisk, IrelandIreland’s holy mountain, 764 m high, climbed by thousands of pilgrims on the last Sunday of July. The rough path from the Murrisk car park takes three to four hours up and down; wear boots and start early.
- 410 km
Westport
Ireland - 560 km
Keem Bay
NatureDooagh, IrelandA sheltered horseshoe beach at the western end of Achill Island, below the cliffs of Croaghaun. The final road from Dooagh is narrow and runs high above the sea, and the car park at the bottom is small.
- 676 km
Céide Fields
HistoryBallycastle, IrelandStone field walls more than 5,000 years old preserved under the blanket bog of north Mayo, with a visitor centre on the clifftop. It opens in the main season with guided walks, on the R314 west of Ballycastle.
- 79 km
Downpatrick Head
ViewsBallycastle, IrelandA grassy headland facing Dún Briste, a sea stack split from the mainland in a storm in the 14th century. Park at the end of the lane north of Ballycastle and walk about ten minutes across the fields.
- 86 km
Ballycastle
Ireland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Leenane → Westport · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Doo Lough Valley, Croagh Patrick.Overnight nearby, for example: Lough Lannagh Holiday Village (15 km); Westport House Caravan Site (1 km).
- Day 2: Westport → Keem Bay · 60 km · 0 h 50 minOvernight nearby, for example: Keel Camping (8 km); Safe Night Ireland (18 km).
- Day 3: Keem Bay → Céide Fields · 76 km · 1 h 03 minOvernight nearby, for example: Healy's Bar (6 km).
- Day 4: Céide Fields → Ballycastle · 16 km · 0 h 13 minOn the way: Downpatrick Head.Overnight nearby, for example: Healy's Bar (< 1 km); Atlantic Caravan Park (19 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields?
4-day road trip of about 194 km (120 mi) with 8 stops, from Leenane to Ballycastle. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields start and end?
It starts in Leenane and ends in Ballycastle.
Which countries does Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields?
OpenStreetMap lists 15 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Keel Camping, Healy's Bar and Atlantic Caravan Park.
When is the best time for Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
