Established in November 1998, Ballycroy National Park incorporates 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain. Sited on the western seaboard in northwest Mayo, overlooked by the Nephin Beg mountain range, it is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe. It is Ireland`s sixth National Park and is part of the Owenduff/Nephin Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). Access to the National Park can also be gained by walking along the Bangor Trail, a well-trodden route which possibly dates back to 16th century.

The Park protects a variety of important habitats, the predominant one being the active Atlantic blanket bog, which covers most of the Park area. Other habitats include alpine and wet and dry heaths, upland grassland, lakes, and 2 rivers - the Owenduff and Tarsaghaun - each of which flow into the sea northwest of Ballycroy. Corrie lakes in the Ballycroy National Park, such as Corryloughaphuill Lough, are evidence of glacial activity over the past 2.5 million years and glacial boulder clay at the southern edge of the Nephin beg mountain range, is also indicative of glaciations.

Flora
A fascinating array of plants inhabit the Ballycroy National Park. Within the bog habitat are spaghnum mosses, bog cotton, black bog rushes, deer-grass, bell and ling heather, orchids, milkwort, sundew, lichens, crowberry and bilberry, to name but a few. Some well-developed flora exists on the margins of the lakes and bog pools, including bog bean, bulbous rushes, common spike-rushes, water lobelia and pipewort. Other rare plants found in the Park include the ivy-leaved bellflower, marsh saxifrage, purple saxifrage, alpine meadow rue, least willow and stiff sedge.

Fauna
An extensive range of fauna including birds, mammals and insects inhabit the Ballycroy National Park. Amongst the bird species to be found in the Park are red grouse, ravens, hooded crows, whooper swans, woodcock, skylarks, dippers, common sandpipers, meadow pipits and dunlin. Some of the rarer species include Greenland White-fronted Geese who are present between October and April, while a small population of Golden Plover breed in the summer on the upland areas of the Ballycroy National Park. Foxes, non-native red deer, mountain hares, badgers, bats, otters and feral American mink are amongst the mammal species resident in the Park. The Owenduff and Tarsaghaun rivers are notable for salmon and sea trout and other rivers and lakes in the area contain brown trout.

Visitor Center
The Ballycroy National Park Visitor Center is located in the village of Ballycroy on the N59 road between Mulranny and Bangor. There is an interactive exhibition on the habitats of the surrounding area at the Visitor Center as well as a Nature Trail with pond, interpretation panels and viewing point. There is an education programme at the Visitor Center for visiting primary and secondary schools. The Visitor Center has tea rooms serving light snacks, soup and sandwiches.

Built in 1730 on the site of one of Grace O`Malley`s 16th century Castles, Westport House is now considered to be one of Ireland`s most important National Treasures. Westport House is the result of some of the finest architects in the world, including Richard Cassels, James Wyatt and Thomas Ivory. The House, still complete with original furniture and works of art is a living documentation of almost 300 years of history - a story well worth a visit!

Westport House
Since first opening to visitors in 1960, Westport House and it`s adjoining Pirate Adventure Park has welcomed over 4 million visitors from all over the world. The Pirate Adventure Park is a haven of fun activities for all members of the family; from a Swan Pedaloe trip on the lake, to A Rumble through the Jungle on The Treasure Island Express (Miniature Train) or a scream on the Pirate ship, to mention but a few, there is something here for everyone and is well worth a day out. Advice - Get here early! Also if you are within a couple of hours from Westport there are Great Value Family Season Membership Cards available.

Westport
Croagh Patrick, or `The Reek` as it is known locally is situated 6 miles west of Westport on the Louisburgh road and is one of Mayo`s most famous landmarks, soaring to a height of 2510 feet, The mountain overlooks Clew Bay and the entire western coastline and is particularly associated with Ireland`s patron saint, St Patrick. The summit has been a pilgrimage destination for thousands of years and is the end of the Tochar Phadraig pilgrim`s route.

In 441 AD St Patrick is reputed to have spent the 40 days of Lent praying and fasting on the mountain top as part of his effort to convert Ireland to Christianity. Throughout the year people climb `The Reek` as it is known locally, some for pious reasons, others for the adventure and the magnificent panoramic view the summit offers over Clew bay and beyond. `Reek Sunday`, the main pilgrimage is on the last Sunday of July when thousands make the ascent, many barefoot in the traditional mode. Masses are celebrated throughout the day in the little church on the summit.

A recent archaeological survey uncovered an impressive range of ancient sites on and around the mountain including fulachta fiadh(Neolithic cooking sites), megalithic tombs, standing stones, ring forts, and monastic sites.

Information Center: Croagh Patrick Information Center (teach na Miasa) is situated at the base of the mountain in the picturesque village of Murrisk opposite the National Famine Monument. The center is the ideal meeting point for hill walkers, climbers, pilgrims, day trippers and tourists. Facilities provided include showers, safety lockers, restaurant, and general information on the area. The center is open seven days a week.
Croagh Patrick Walk

Most people who climb this holy mountain do so along the traditional pilgrim route from Murrisk Abbey, although some pilgrims complete `the Pilgrim way`- the Tochair Padraig from Ballintubber Abbey. An interesting ridge walk can be taken from Belclare Bridge to Lecanvey, walking along the crest of the mountain that reaches a height of 2,510 ft. This route provides magnificent views of Clew Bay and it`s countless islands. Tradition has it that there are 365 islands, one for every day of the year. These islands are part of the drumlin topography, now submerged by the sea. The view from along the route is breathtaking.

Ballina
Belleek Forest Park, situated along the banks of the river Moy, just on the outskirts of Ballina, is 200 acres of woodlands and trees with up to 6 miles of forest pathways in an area of immense peace and tranquility. It was property of the Knox Gore family who erected also Belleek Manor. More than two million trees were planted by the Knox Gore family in the 19th century, mostly Oak, Beech, Ash, Sycamore, Chestnut, Lime, Willow and Yew, many of which are still growing there and can be admired. In 1950 the Dept. of Forestry bought Belleek Forest and all woodland; in 1989 Coilte Teoranta took over the running of State Forestry and many trees were re-planted.
A stroll down Belleek Forest Park is a nice experience; along the many pathways you can discover a plethora of flowers: Bluebells, Iris, Foxglove, Primroses, Summer Snow, Wild Garlic and Cuckoo Pint, but also spot Foxes, Hares, Pine Martins, Red Squirrels, Herons, Ducks, Wagtails and Robins. Walking along the main avenue, also known as `The Heritage Trail`, you will discover how Ireland maintained an ecological balance and understand Mayo`s biodiversity is a precious treasure to preserve for the future generations.

Belleek Forest Park has several beautiful picnic areas with breathtaking views on River Moy, where you can rest and have a snack in a place of deep tranquility and silence. A relaxing walk through Belleek Forest Park will only offer the sounds of the rustling of the trees, the lapping waters of the river Moy and the songs of the birds.

Claremorris
Clare Lake / McMahon Park is a 9-acre park and a major amenity for the town and area. Mayo has so many wonderful looped walks but The Land of the Giants is a first for Ireland, its handcrafted wood features will guide you around the 3 mile route. Its family, buggy, bike and wheelchair friendly and with a total distance of 5km and a flat terrain, it`s a walk for all. The Clare Lake Loop hosts a myriad of trees, birds and animals. Native trees of Ash, Oak, Willow, Birch and Alder look onto the loop and act as cover for the wildlife that lives beneath them; foxes, rabbits, hares, hedgehogs, badgers, weasels, bats, frogs and field mice. An information board along the way tells of 35 different species of birds that can be seen there. The lake itself boosts history over 4000 years old, two Crannogs, one dating back 2000 years hides within the lake, and remains of a second Crannog over 4000 years old are located close to the wooden bridge. The Clare Lake Loop and The Land of the Giants have a little bit of everything to entice you out for a leisurely stroll on a trail with a giant twist.