- Castlebar (13,054 inhabitants): Castlebar serves as the county town and main administrative centre of Mayo. Visitors can expect a commercial hub with shops and services, alongside the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in nearby parkland grounds, which displays exhibits on rural Irish life from the past. Walks around Lough Lannagh offer paths for strolling, and the area provides access to nearby mountains for outdoor pursuits.
- Ballina (10,556 inhabitants): Ballina stands on the River Moy and holds the title of salmon capital of Ireland due to its angling reputation. Visitors might expect river-based fishing opportunities, along with walks and outdoor activities such as kayaking or cycling. The town includes a castle museum and local collections for those interested in history.
- Westport (6,872 inhabitants): Westport is a planned heritage town with tree-lined streets and bridges over the river. Visitors can expect a base for exploring Clew Bay, nearby beaches, and Croagh Patrick mountain. Attractions include a historic house with gardens, and the town offers shops, cafés, and access to boat trips among the islands.
- Claremorris (3,857 inhabitants): Claremorris occupies a valley setting with surrounding hills and drumlins. Visitors might expect peaceful parkland walks, including a lake loop with wildlife views, and a golf course nearby. The town provides a quiet stop with picnic areas and local amenities.
- Ballinrobe (3,148 inhabitants): Ballinrobe lies close to Lough Mask and is known for its long-established racecourse. Visitors can expect horse racing events, fishing on the lake, and a golf course set in estate grounds. The area offers scenic surroundings for those who enjoy outdoor leisure.
- Ballyhaunis (2,773 inhabitants): Ballyhaunis functions as an inland commercial town in central Connacht. Visitors might expect a convenient base for touring the region, with local shops and basic facilities, though it has fewer dedicated attractions.
- Swinford (1,459 inhabitants): Swinford is a small market town in east Mayo. Visitors can expect a quiet community atmosphere with local services and proximity to rural countryside for relaxed exploration.
- Foxford (1,452 inhabitants): Foxford sits on the River Moy and is linked to woollen goods production. Visitors might expect river scenery, fishing, and a chance to see traditional craft heritage in a peaceful setting.
- Kiltimagh (1,232 inhabitants): Kiltimagh is a modest town with rural surroundings. Visitors can expect a calm stop with local amenities and access to nearby countryside walks.
- Charlestown-Bellahy (1,172 inhabitants): Charlestown-Bellahy forms a cross-border community near the Mayo-Roscommon line. Visitors might expect a small settlement with basic facilities and a focus on local life.
- Crossmolina (1,134 inhabitants): Crossmolina lies near Lough Conn. Visitors can expect lake views, fishing opportunities, and a quiet base for exploring north Mayo landscapes.
- Béal An Mhuirthead (1,042 inhabitants): Béal An Mhuirthead (Belmullet) serves as a gateway to the Mullet Peninsula. Visitors might expect coastal scenery, access to remote beaches, and a blend of Irish-language culture in a remote location.
- Knock (1,029 inhabitants): Knock centres on its Marian shrine, which draws pilgrims. Visitors can expect religious sites and associated facilities in a small village setting.
- Balla (860 inhabitants): Balla is a small village with historical round tower remains nearby. Visitors might expect quiet rural surroundings and basic local amenities.
- Newport (815 inhabitants): Newport stands on the Black Oak River with views towards Clew Bay. Visitors can expect a scenic riverside location, fishing, and access to nearby countryside.
- Killala (587 inhabitants): Killala overlooks Killala Bay. Visitors might expect coastal walks, historical sites from past events, and a peaceful harbour atmosphere.
- Keel-Dooagh (567 inhabitants): Keel-Dooagh lies on Achill Island. Visitors can expect beach access, Atlantic views, and opportunities for walking in a dramatic coastal setting.
- Ballindine (468 inhabitants): Ballindine is a small village near main routes. Visitors might expect a quiet stop with local services in open countryside.
- Kilkelly (429 inhabitants): Kilkelly is a modest rural settlement. Visitors can expect peaceful surroundings and a focus on local community life.
- Turlough (379 inhabitants): Turlough features parkland and museum grounds nearby. Visitors might expect access to countryside exhibits and walks in a small hamlet.
- Louisburgh (367 inhabitants): Louisburgh sits near the coast with views to Croagh Patrick. Visitors can expect beach areas, rural scenery, and a base for exploring west Mayo.
Population of towns in Mayo
Towns
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Villages
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town in the county: a walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Urban/rural divide in Ireland’s counties
County Mayo:
Ireland’s county Mayo offers dramatic scenery and ancient heritage, with the Cliffs of Moher’s rugged beauty and Croagh Patrick’s pilgrimage trail providing stunning vistas. The town of Westport features Georgian architecture and access to Clew Bay’s islands, while the Ceide Fields showcase a prehistoric farming landscape. Other attractions include the celebrity beaches of Achill Island. Mayo is Ireland’s third largest county by size (5,398 square km) and 18th largest by population (137,970). Population peaked at 388,887 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 109,525 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Mayo is Ireland’s tenth most visited tourist county with around 218,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
