Therese

Clare Cottage, Killeen, Louisburgh

+353 (0)98 68015

5 km

5 km

5 km

1

Louisburgh itself is a small rural town and is host to some great pubs, restaurants and café’s, together with supermarket, library (with internet access) and the Granuaile Heritage Centre.

For those who already know the Westport/Louisburgh area, you'll be aware what an 'activity hub' it has become. For those who don't, just check out our ‘Local Attractions’ page.

But don't confine yourself to just Mayo when you're staying with us. Clare Cottage is ideally located to explore Connemara in Co. Galway which is just a half hours drive away. A spectacular drive with breathtaking scenery takes you through Doolough and the Delphi Valley to Leenane, the location of the film 'The Field'.

Cycling – lots of routes already marked in and around Louisburgh and we can provide some that we’ve cycled ourselves directly from our gate. The Great Western Greenway takes you all the way from Westport to Achill (link to www.discoverireland.ie/greatwesterngreenway) Bike hire is available in Westport if required (www.clewbayoutdoors.ie ).

Walking and hiking – whether it’s a full mountain walk you’re after or just a local ramble, there’s plenty to meet all levels just on our doorstep. You can climb Killadoon Hill from the house. Delphi Valley is a mere 10 min drive away and boasts some spectacular mountains such as Mweelrea and the Sheeffry Hills. There are loop walks in Louisburgh and Killeen which are lovely for a peaceful stroll. The Western Way also passes nearby and can be left and rejoined at various places along the route. Croagh Patrick, famous for its pilgrimage walk on the last Sunday of July is only a 15min drive away and can be seen from the house.

Beaches – the Atlantic beaches in the Louisburgh and Killeen area, stretching right back to Thallabawn and Silver Strand are some of the most beautiful you’ll find in Ireland. Carrownisky and Cross Strand already have a good reputation within the Surfing and Wind Surfing community. There are 14 blue flag beaches in Mayo, the closest of which are Carrowmore and Bertra, just a stone’s throw from Louisburgh.

Watersport - Kayaking, Canoeing, Surfing, Wind-Surfing, Snorkelling are all common activities in the local area. Instruction and hire of surf boards and wet suits are available locally.

Shore Fishing – There are many shore fishing options, from Atlantic storm beaches, famous for their sport with bass, to rock and pier angling, all within minutes of the house. Various fresh baits can also be collected locally. Again we have good experience of the area and can give advice if needed to locate different species of fish and baits. Tackle is also available from shops in Westport, ‘A Shore Thing’ (ashorethingireland@gmail.com) and ‘Hewetsons’ having the most comprehensive range.

Astronomy – the west of Ireland enjoys some of the darkest skies in Europe being well away from the centres of light pollution that can spoil the views of the night sky in so many other areas. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a cloudless, moonless night we guarantee that you will be amazed by the spectacle that can be seen right above your head with nothing more than your naked eye. The Milky Way can stretch from horizon to horizon in ideal viewing conditions.

Birdwatching – there are a host of resident species together with passing migrants to be enjoyed in the area.

Horseriding – there is an equestrian centre just up the road which offers treks. Click on the link to visit their website - www.mweelreaholidays.com

The Islands – Clare Island and Inishturk Island can be seen from the house and the Ferry travels from Roonagh Pier which is just a 10min drive away (Clare Island Ferry Co Ltd, Tel 098 23737)

Challenges – Numerous outdoor events are run in the local area including the Louisburgh Tri-burgh, Gaelforce West, Clew Bay Half Marathon, plus many others, see events page for latest news and dates.

Archaeology – There are many archaeological sights in the area and a map is available from the tourist office in Westport.

Westport House & Pirates Adventure Park – Westport House offers something for the whole family, whether it’s the history and culture of the house or fun and adventure in the park (www.westporthouse.ie)

Westport Town with its bars and cafes, traditional music and wide variety of shops which are all complemented by the area’s unspoilt character and friendly nature.

National Museum of Country Life near Castlebar – a great place to visit for all the family. There’s the museum itself that hosts exhibitions, as well as the grounds of Turlough with its lovely gardens and woodland walks. There’s also a Museum shop and café. (www.museum.ie)


But don’t confine yourself to just Mayo when you’re staying with us:

Clare Cottage is ideally located to explore Connemara which is just a half hours drive away. A spectacular drive with breathtaking scenery takes you through the Delphi Valley and Doolough to Leenane, the location of the film ‘The Field’.

You may even stop off for a coffee or lunch in the Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa (www.delphimountainresort.com) which is located in Delphi Valley.

Killary Cruises operate out of Leenane (www.killarycruises.com) and Killary Adventure Centre, which overlooks Ireland’s only fjord is a great place to go for a days activity (www.killaryadventure.com).

Connemara National Park has a visitor’s centre with exhibits of various features in the park. Diamond Hill (445m) which you can climb offers beautiful views over the area.

Kylemore Abbey with its Victorian Walled Gardens and craft and coffee shop is a great place to visit (www.kylemoretourism.ie)

From Louisburgh

Drive south through the town
Continue 7 KM south towards Silver Strand
Venture Killeen is on your right, just before you enter Killeen (if you have reached the church and graveyard you have gone a couple of hundred metres too far).

From Westport

Take the R335 to Louisburgh
Drive south from the town
Continue 7 KM south towards Silver Strand
Venture Killeen is on your right, just before you enter Killeen (if you have reached the church and graveyard you have gone a couple of hundred metres too far).

From Leenane

Take the R335 through the Delphi Valley, past Doolough to crossroads just before Louisbugh.
Turn left at crossroads with football pitch on left.
Drive 7 KM south towards Silver Strand
Venture Killeen is on your right, just before you enter Killeen (if you have reached the church and graveyard you have gone a couple of hundred metres too far).