Day 16 (Mayo) – Croagh Patrick, beaches, the most extensive Stone Age monument on earth and lots more
Day 16 sees us head off and conquer one of my favourite hikes in Ireland, before heading for lunch in Westport and then heading out to see the Céide Fields and Donwpatrick Head.
We’ll be sleeping in Sligo (there’s a grand aul ring to that) on night 16 of our Ireland road trip.
1 – Croagh Patrick
// Achill Island to Croagh Patrick – 1-hour drive (arrive for 09:00) //
Climbing Croagh Patrick is hands-down one of my favourite things to do in Ireland.
Considered to be Ireland’s holiest mountain, Croagh Patrick is renowned for its Pilgrimage in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron Saint.
Stretching back a whopping 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day without interruption, the pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday of July.
The last time I visited, it took us around 3 and a half hours to get to the top and back down again.
2 – Lunch in Westport
// Allow 4 hours to finish the hike and arrive in Westport for 13:00 //

Photo by Tourism Ireland
You’ll be in need of a serious feed after that hike.
I’m going to recommend you head to J.J O’Malleys Bar & Restaurant for a bite to eat but here’s a map of all of the best places to eat in the area – just zoom in on Westport.
Fuel up and have a ramble around the town before heading back to the car.
3 – The Céide Fields
// Westport to the Céide Fields – 1 hour and 20-minute drive (arrive for 15:30) //
Beneath the boglands of North Mayo lies the incredible Céide Fields – the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world.

Photo by Peter McCabe
The Céide Fields consist of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs.
The magnificent stone walled fields, which extend over thousands of acres, are a whopping 6,000 years old.

Photo by Peter McCabe
Enjoy the drive on the way from Westport and then nip into the Céide Fields visitor centre for a ramble around.
4 – Downpatrick Head
// The Céide Fields to Downpatrick Head – 20-minute drive (arrive for 16:50)
Downpatrick Head is one of my favourite places to visit in Mayo.
Jutting out of the ocean and rising roughly 40m above the wild Atlantic waves, Downpatrick Head treats visitors to unparalleled views of the enormous Sea Stack known as Dún Briste.
Dun Briste and the surrounding cliffs were formed 350 million years ago when sea temperatures were higher.
There’s something incredible about standing out near the edge of the cliff (be very damn careful!) and gazing out at 350 years’ worth of exposed rock.
Enjoy every minute.
5 – Rosses Point for the evening
// Downpatrick Head to your hotel for the night – 1 hour and 30-minute drive (arrive for 19:00) //
We’ve a long aul drive to finish off the day.
We’re going to point the car in the direction of Sligo and check into Yeats Country Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club for the night.
Enjoy the spa, chill in your room and head down for a feed in their restaurant for the evening.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
jd
Wednesday 27th of November 2024
I googled Lochside B&B, but could not locate it. Keeps coming up with a place in the UK.
Do you have a url for them? Or email address?
Keith O'Hara
Thursday 28th of November 2024
Hi JD - Thanks for this comment. It appears that they are no longer in operation. A good alternative is the Glenbeg Lodge. It's a 20-minute drive from the brewery. Cheers - Keith
Janet
Wednesday 16th of October 2024
This was an epic endeavor. And sooo well done. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. This is everything I could have asked for in planning a trip to Ireland. I wish I could have found it sooner. I have to settle for 14 days AND somehow hope to traverse most of this territory. We just learned that my husband's family is from Cavan Co. I really appreciated that it was included. It is the first time I have seen a tour include Cavan. Especially helpful was your inclusion of drive times between destinations. I had to hand write out your ideas or it would have been monumental to print out. I was overwhelmed at all the detail as I'm sure you were. Thank You so much.
Leeann Nolan
Wednesday 15th of November 2023
Hi Keith Thank you so much for all the work you have done on The Irish Road Trip. I have used much of it to plan my 7 week trip to Ireland in 2024. It has been invaluable :)
Mick Bourke
Sunday 24th of September 2023
G’day Keith-thanks for your trip. My wife and I will be over there in late April and most of May (about a month in total before heading to Scotland for a couple of weeks). I think I’ll be using your trip (which is great (as also is the additional info at the bottom)) as the basis for ours, however, I would like to do abit more of the inland (like a figure eight of the island). Do you have any suggestions?
Keith O'Hara
Wednesday 27th of September 2023
Hey Mick,
Is there anywhere in particular you have in mind with the inland section?
Cheers,
Keith
MIchael Katekar
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
A big thank you for all of the time and hard work you have put into this blog. Great information. I don't think we can keep up with your pace but will certainly take up many of your suggestions.