County Mayo, Ireland
Mayo is the third largest, in area, of Ireland's 32 counties and 15th largest in terms of population. It is the second largest of Connacht's five counties in both size and population.
The famed river Moy in Ballina is renowned for its salmon fishing, attracting anglers from all over the world to its rich waters every year. The highest point in Mayo is Mweelrea mountain, at 2,671 ft.
Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, lies off Mayo's west coast and Mayo has Ireland's highest cliffs at Croaghaun, Achill island. The Benwee Head cliffs in Kilcommon (Erris) drop almost perpendicularly 900 ft into the Atlantic Ocean.
County Mayo has a long history and prehistory. In 1879 a national movement was initiated in County Mayo by Michael Davitt and others, which brought about the greatest social change ever witnessed in Ireland. Michael Davitt, a labourer whose family had moved to England, joined forces with Charles Stewart Parnell, to win back the land for the people from the landlords and stop evictions for non payment of rents.
Mayo has more than a dozen Blue Flag beaches as well as many other beautiful unspoilt beaches.
There are over 3,000 historic and archaeological sites in County Mayo including ancient abbeys, castles, standing stones, portal tombs and more.
9% of the population of County Mayo live in the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area).
Mayo Towns
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