Unlocking Mayo A Road to Remember Tour

€40.00

Experience A Road to Remember Tour, a multi-stop tour unlocking the Famine of West Mayo; exploring the history, folklore, tradition, songs, and stories of the Great Famine against the backdrop of the stunning scenery of Clew Bay south. The tour departs Mill Street every Wednesday and Saturday.

- JOIN US ON THE TOUR THE LOCALS DO -

This tour starts with detailed, insightful, local narration around, ‘An Gorta Mór’ (The Great Famine) in the South Clew Bay area as you meander in comfort along the Wild Atlantic Way taking in the breath-taking views across the bay towards Achill and Mulranny.

1st Stop – Croagh Patrick

Irelands holy mountainknown locally as ‘The Reek’. It has been a key sight of pagan devotion for millennia and of Christian pilgrimage since the time of St. Patrick. Take a short stroll to the coffin ship famine monument, St. Patrick’s Statue or historic Murrisk Abbey.

2nd Stop – Kilgeever Abbey

A 7th century site where you will see ngraved standing stones from the period as well as the ruined remains of a 12th century church. Have a chat to our local historian who will introduce you to some local folklore, or dip your hand in the famed holy well, said to hold the cure for eye ailments.

3rd Stop – Louisburgh

You will be treated to a light lunch as you are entertained by gifted local musicians who get the foot tapping and the heart pumping. We’re on West of Ireland time now so relax, kick back and enjoy the local hospitality.

4th Stop – Glenkeen Farm

Retrace the fateful journey of the destitute locals who walk from Louisburgh to Delphi Lodge through Glenkeen in 1849. Witness a mesmerising demonstration of the use of border collie dogs for sheep herding on the Sheefry Hills and chat to a local sheep farmer and dog trainer about his art. Upon leaving Glenkeen you descend into the breath-taking Doolough Valley and pass the one-time residence of Captain Houston.

5th Stop – Aasleagh Falls and Leenane

After a brief stop at the falls, a beauty spot made famous by the movie, ‘The Field’, you continue to the enchanting village of Leenane in Connemara before returning to Westport

The importance of Seaweed in the famine: Used locally as a dietary supplement and for the treatment of ailments such as rheumatism, Bronchitis, muscle cramps and anaemia to name a few. You will be introduced to the traditional and contemporary uses of seaweeds and given samples to taste.

Join us on this unique experience and turn the key to unlock the little-known stories and customs of the past. The scenery will ‘take the talk a ya’, the music will beguile you and the craic will live long in your memory.

Bígi linn – Giorraíonn beirt bóthar

Tour Price Includes:

· Tour Guide

· Sheep Herding

· Live Music

· Local Historian

· Logainmneacha – Cracking the code

· Introduction to seaweeds

· Light Lunch