We can take you on a guided tour through Louisburgh which is the focal point of an area some 450 square miles in extent, stretching from Killary Fiord to the South, to the Owenree River to the North, and from the coast to the Erriff valley in the East.
All of this landscape is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Mayo County Development Plan, and calls have been made for its designation as a 'Special Amenity Area'.
The area contains over 700 known archaeological monuments, and 20 areas of scientific interest. These comprise some 7,200 H.A. or 8% of the total area and include six EC Corine Biotypes. Of these ASI's, six are of International importance, six of National importance, and eight of Regional or Local importance. Open blanket bog drapes this majestic mountainous landscape fringed by the Atlantic coast and Clare Island, standing fortress-like to the West. Climbing Mweelrea (Connaught's highest mountain) on a summer's afternoon is to be presented with the panorama of the Twelve Bens to the South, the Sheefry Mountains to the East, and Croagh Patrick to the North - one might be in Nepal or Tibet! Sea mist clings to the valley walls while Killary runs horizontally like a blue dagger through a vertical landscape.
Mayo's coastline accounts for 16.8% of the total Irish coast, 16% of Ireland's sandy beaches, and many of Ireland's Blue Flag beaches. Three of these beaches are located in the Louisburgh area... Carramore, Old Head, and Bertra, while beaches at Killadoon have been rated as the best in Europe, i.e. Tallabawn (Silver Strand) and Dooaghtry.
