We're blessed to have the Wild Atlantic Way on our doorstep

As it curves, cuts and carves its way down the West Mayo coastline, it’s easy to understand why this section of the Wild Atlantic Way has become one of the county’s finest and most precious tourism jewels.

The ragged and indented stretch of meandering coastline embodies everything that is good for the soul and wellbeing.

The relatively new tourism concept, first launched in 2014 by then Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Mayo’s Michael Ring TD, now spans the whole western seaboard.

Stretching from Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula to Kinsale in County Cork, the whole road network covers a total distance of 2,500km enriching the lives of all those who wish to embrace it.

Its impact is undeniable. By connecting visitors to Ireland’s stunning coastline and vibrant local culture, it has brought new life to rural communities and opened countless opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed.

Its idyllic route is peppered with hundreds of small and large sandy beaches, undulating hills, which skirt the periphery of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Those of us who are fortunate to have our roots anchored in this little slice of heavenly beauty may count ourselves blessed.

The reason for this observation is quite simple. Last July we decided to take a short three-day break to leisurely sample the West Mayo coastline section settling ourselves in the most welcoming and hospitable Achill View farmhouse bed and breakfast nestled in the picturesque village of Lecanvey in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, looking onto nearby Clew Bay.

From the get-go our hostess Margaret greeted us with a broad welcoming smile and a firm and warm handshake while her granddaughter, Maeve, showed us to our room with equal aplomb and courtesy. Our meals, accommodation and the warmth shown to us were unrivalled.

Some time ago we had sampled the scenic delights of the North Mayo trail from Belderrig to Blacksod to Ballycroy, stopping off at Doohoma and finishing in Achill. Each individual location bearing its own distinctive geographical style and character.

Its myriad small inlets possess a plethora of gleaming, well maintained and safe beaches in all sizes and shapes with many frequented only by small numbers of visitors and locals who are aware of their existence, thus giving them an allure of privacy and comfort.

On our travels to West Mayo last July, we visited Old Head Beach about a ten minutes drive from our base in Lecanvey. It’s a sandy sheltered beach overlooked by rocky cliffs in the shadow of Croagh Patrick. A well maintained car park is located a few yards from the beach. The day we were there a heavy mist shrouded the sheltered sandy beach but it didn’t take from the enjoyment of all present.

This was followed by a trip to Bertra Beach in Murrisk a short distance away. Exposed and facing Clew Bay, it is a popular destination for visitors to nearby Westport and very popular with walkers and kite surfers when weather conditions prevail. The 2km beach is sandy with some rocky stretches depending on tidal times. During our visit we experienced the two facets but thoroughly enjoyed the walk and scenery.

The following day we visited the beautiful Carrownisky strand a few miles west of Louisburgh where only a handful of swimmers and board surfers enjoyed the blissful surroundings and warm sunshine.

When ideal weather conditions prevail I’m told it is a surfer’s paradise. Another interesting aspect is that Carrownisky was very famous for its beach races where local farmers had the opportunity to put their Connemara ponies and horses through their paces.

In times past, races were held on several South and West Mayo beaches because the firm strands made perfect race tracks. Of course, this very popular event is still going strong at Doolough Strand in North Mayo where it attracts huge crowds each August.

As a precautionary note, the 2km entrance road to Carrownisky is narrow with many twists and turns demanding slow and cautious driving.

On our third day we travelled to Silver Strand, 20km south of Louisburgh, which is a magical but concealed sandy enclave near the mouth of Killary Fjord deep in the southwest corner of the county. Viewing northwards one can see Inishturk and Inisbofin and further north Clare Island.

It’s an extraordinary and exceptional hidden sanctuary where a timeless sense of serenity and tranquility abound. I believe its remoteness is the very essence of its mystique and uniqueness where its clear blue sea waters and views of nearby Mweelrea Mountains are breathtaking and awesome.

It is to be hoped that these sandy coves and secluded seaside gems, which also serve as precious ecological and environmental treasures, will remain unspoiled and widely appreciated and enjoyed by each and every one of us for many generations to come.

We will return.