You can also check out the visitor centre at the King’s House to learn the story of Boyle and its people. If you have time, stop by the well-preserved Boyle Abbey, Connacht’s first Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. It takes you past Boyle Marina, along the Boyle Canal and then through scenic woodlands, later finishing at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Why: This is a newly opened and delightfully scenic route serving both walkers and cyclists. Route type: Linear Distance: 8km Time: 2 hours

The walk begins from a riverside park in Boyle town centre and ends at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. There’s a cracking range of craft beers, ciders, wine and a whiskey tasting menu too. Located in Murrisk, t here’s a cosy fireplace and an excellent menu at The Tavern, which serves the freshest of Atlantic fish. mayo.ie northmayo.ieįinishing line: T he Tavern. From up on the dunes, you’ll appreciate Clew Bay and its jigsaw of glacial-formed drumlins - locals say there are 365 islands, one for every day of the year.

At sunset over the winter months, you’ll get vibrant colours in the sky in the direction of Croagh Patrick, even sweeter if it’s sugar-coated with snow. From the peninsula’s northeast tip, you’ll get a spectacular view of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. Walk in a clockwise direction along its sandy fringes to the end of a narrow peninsula then later cross a split of dunes. Why: With Croagh Patrick looming above and the lapping waters of Clew Bay, there’s something really magical about this beach.

The light of dawn wow