Best Things To Do in Louisburgh, Ireland

What To Do and See in Louisburgh, Ireland

The tiny town of Louisburgh, Ireland packs a punch when it comes to things to do.  Sure, when you drive through County Mayo’s Clew Bay area, you might miss the town of less than 500 residents if you blink. But if you opt to bypass Louisburgh in favor of its better known (and larger) neighbor, Westport, you’re seriously missing out.    

While Louisburgh doesn’t feature prominently on many Ireland itineraries, I’m here to change that. I lived in Louisburgh for 14 weeks during college and have since returned twice. When it comes down to the very best things to do in Louisburgh, I’ve got you covered! You’ll quickly learn why this often overlooked spot on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way deserves some love.

In this post I’ll show you just what makes Louisburgh so special. We’ll talk about the best Louisburgh hikes, beaches, restaurants, landmarks, shops, pubs, and more. I’ll share all my personal favorites and must-see spots. After you’ve read this post, you’ll be all set for a perfect visit to Louisburgh.

So let’s dive right in and discover lovely Louisburgh, Ireland!

Kilgeever Abbey

Kilgeever Abbey dates back to the 12th century and is one of the many beautiful places in Ireland with connections to St. Patrick. It’s said the good saint visited this spot in 460 AD. The site remains an important pilgrimage destination in Ireland to this day.

In addition to the roofless abbey, the site also hosts a holy well and two distinct cemeteries. The abbey sits in the midst of the older graveyard where you’ll also find two cross slabs from the 7th century. Don’t be surprised if a few sheep share the space with you.

Doolough Valley

If you’re a rom-com fan, you might recognize this landscape from the 2010 Amy Adams’ film Leap Year.

Despite the unparalleled beauty of the landscape just south of Louisburgh, it’s actually a site of terrible tragedy. Right beside the pull-off where you can take in the breathtaking view of Doolough Pass, you’ll find a small cross memorial. The memorial remembers the individuals who starved to death in the 1849 Doolough Tragedy in the height of Ireland’s Potato Famine. 

Clapper Bridge

This attractive stone bridge near Carrowniskey Beach uses ancient technology to cross a wide, shallow river. (The word “clapper” refers to the bridge’s construction style.) The bridge probably dates back to the 1840s and is still as useable as it was the day it was built.

Tromping across this 50m bridge was one of the very first things I did in Louisburgh, although I didn’t realize the bridge’s true significance until years later. Louisburgh’s clapper bridge brought pedestrians to a Protestant colony. The only way many area residents could received relief from the British during the potato famine was by converting to Protestantism.

Clew Bay Archeological Trail

All three sites I’ve just mentioned – Kilgeever Abbey, Doolough Valley, and the Clapper Bridge – are on the Clew Bay Archelogical Trail. If they’re piqued your interest, it’s well worth checking out the trail’s other sites.

The trail includes 21 historical sites located on the south shore of Clew Bay and on Clare Island. The sites are well marked and each have an interpretative plaque. I really recommend checking them out when you see a signpost indicating that you’re close by.

Favorite Louisburgh Walks

You don’t really hike in Louisburgh; you ramble. While there are very few hiking trails in the area (with the exception of nearby Croagh Patrick), there’s no shortage of quiet country lanes to wander down. If you’re willing to use your heart as a compass, you’ll discover all sorts of fascinating sights on your Louisburgh walks.

I spent a lot of time walking around Louisburgh. After all, it was 2005. I didn’t have a cell phone or car and internet access was spotty at best. Here are some of my favorite walking routes on the backroads around Louisburgh.

Turlin Strand via Bunowen and Derrylahan

This is a great, easy loop of about 3 miles. From the center of town, head north on Church Street to Turlin Strand – a small beach on the east side of the Bunowen River. On the way back, loop through Derrylahan and return via the Crannogs Road. You’ll pop out back in town on the Westport Road next to the Garda Station.

 

Roonah Quay

For a long ramble down the country lanes around Louisburgh, consider heading out to Roonah Quay. This small pier is where you’ll catch the ferry to Clare Island. This is about a 10 mile walk, so you may prefer to cycle if you have access to a bike. With the network of lanes cutting through Louisburgh’s pastoral fields, you can easily make this a loop.

Carrowmore Beach

This is definitely my favorite walk in Louisburgh. From town, take Bridge Street west across the Bunowen River and then take the next right. It’s an easy, flat mile walk to Carrowmore Beach, one of my favorite beaches in the world. If the tide is out, you might be able to ford the Bunowen River to reach Turlin Strand.

Kilgeever Abbey

Head south out of town via Chapel Street and you’ll quickly reach the historic ruins of Kilgeever Abbey.  Although you get nice views of Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s holy mountain – from pretty much every vantage point in Louisburgh, I think the views are especially nice on this walk. If you want, after visiting the abbey and its adjacent cemeteries, continue on to Old Head Beach.

Favorite Louisburgh Beaches

My very favorite thing to do in Louisburgh is head to the beach. In fact, we went to the beach so often when I lived here that we actually had a catchphrase. Someone would yell, “to the beach!” and we’d take off down the road to either Turlin Strand or Carrowmore Beach.

There are many gorgeous sand beaches within a 20-minute drive from Louisburgh, including the celebrated Silver Strand, but the following three are my favorite.

Carrowmore Beach

It’s no coincidence that my favorite Louisburgh beach is also the town’s most accessible beach. Less than a mile outside of town, this beach is perfectly situated to watch the sun set over Clare Island and Clew Bay. Be sure to spend some time exploring the bluffs above the beach. It’s also a great beach for beachcombing and where I gained my affinity for sea glass.

Old Head Beach

If you’re up for a jaunt, Old Head Beach is within walking distance of Louisburgh, although you might prefer to drive so you can linger at this attractive, large beach on Clew Bay.

The sheltered beach is one of the best spots in the area for swimming, but keep in mind that the North Atlantic’s waters never get very warm. You might need to warm up at the Wild Atlantic Sauna located near the beach’s pier.

Carrowniskey Beach

The wild Atlantic Ocean crashes fiercely against this long, sandy expanse located five miles west of Louisburgh on Ireland’s West Coast. With its exceptional waves, it’s not uncommon to spot surfers in the water trying to catch waves. It’s also a spot where folks run horses on the beach, including during the historic Carrowniskey Beach Races each July.

Other Things To Do in Louisburgh

Surfing

Did you catch my reference to surfing at Carrowniskey? That’s right – you can go surfing in Louisburgh and I wholeheartedly recommend it! My two sessions on the water with Surf Mayo were absolute highlights of my time in Ireland.

Based on Carrowniskey Beach, Surf Mayo will provide everything you need to try surfing including a wet suit, board, tutorial, and of course, lots of time in the surf.

Shopping

The line up of shops on Louisburgh’s main drag are continually changing and it’s well worth carving out some time in your itinerary to visit the current shopkeepers. Some of my favorite shops have included a sweets shop, a local craft store, and of course, Books@One, the community bookstore.

River Walk

This sweet little spot at the far western end of town includes benches and a small garden along a set of rapids in the Bunowen River. It’s an excellent spot for a grocery store picnic. I recommend a chicken sandwich with coleslaw (yes, on the sandwich) from Durkan’s (now Tuffy’s Gala but forever Durkan’s in my heart) deli!

Granuaile and Famine Centre

You had me at “pirate queen.” Don’t miss a stop at the Granuaile and Famine Centre on Church St. Although the exhibit space is very small, there’s so much to learn here about Louisburgh area history. Did you know the Granuaile (whose English name was Grace O’Malley) once met Queen Elizabeth I?

Outdoor Adventure

Whether you want to kayak, paddle board, or go fishing, Louisburgh can be your gateway to all sorts of outdoor adventure. Sea Dog Store on Louisburgh’s main street will get you set up with fishing gear, body boards, and other beach necessities. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards at Old Head Beach.

The Lost Valley

A unique immersive experience, the Lost Valley offers a walking tour at a working farm in the beautiful, forgotten hills south of Louisburgh. You’ll learn the history of the area, the impact of the Great Famine, and feed a pet lamb.

Louisburgh Day Trips

Clare Island

Believe it or not, I’ve spent months of my life staring at and photographing Clare Island – the largest of Clew Bay’s alleged 365 islands (yep, one for every day of the year) – and I’ve never actually set foot on it. Word on the street from friends who have been is that there’s really not much to do on the island.

Still, I like a good ferry ride as much as the next person. The island is home to one of Grace O’Malley’s castles and you’ll have ample opportunity for a good Irish countryside ramble or bike ride before catching the next ferry back to Roonah Quay.

Delphi

The streams around Louisburgh are known for their excellent trout and salmon fishing. In fact, this is where then Prince Charles came in the 1990s for a fishing retreat. If you’re keen to try your own hand at fly fishing, you should head to Delphi Lodge’s Fly Fishing School.

If you’re not an angler, Delphi is still worth a day trip from Louisburgh. You can hit up the Delphi Adventure Centre for zip lining, climbing, sea kayaking, and much more. Alternatively, go in a completely different direction and book an appointment in the Delphi Spa.

Croagh Patrick

While you won’t need a full day to hike to the top of nearby Croagh Patrick, I recommend not having anything else important on your itinerary for the day you decide to tackle Ireland’s holy mountain.  You start gaining elevation in the parking lot and since you’re essentially starting at sea level, the hike’s 2500′ climb is no joke.

You’ll be rewarded at the top with probably a fair amount of wind as well as a great view of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. Budget at least four hours for this hike and pack plenty of snacks! Better yet, plan to get a pint and sandwich at the nearby Tavern Bar and Restaurant after.

Connemara

If you want to venture a little further afield, check out these sites in Connemara. This beautiful remote area of Ireland is less than a hour drive from Louisburgh and includes Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and Aasleagh Falls.

Visitor Guide to Louisburgh, Ireland

I hope these things to do in Louisburgh have piqued your interest. Here’s a little more information about the town to help you plan your visit. 

Introduction to Louisburgh, Ireland

Louisburgh is a small town of fewer than 500 residents. The majority of the town’s businesses and services line the Westport Road for a distance of about two blocks. You’ll find everything you need to do life in this downtown area including a post office, school, church, town hall, grocery store, pharmacy, and hairdresser as well as a smattering of restaurants, pubs, and shops.

Because of its small, seasonal nature, businesses tend to come and go pretty frequently in Louisburgh. Case in point: back when I lived in Louisburgh in 2005, there were six pubs in town. Now there are just two. In the pubs’ places are an outdoor tour and equipment rental store, a bookstore, and massage spa.

While it’s hard to describe Louisburgh without using cliche terms like “quaint,” the town is truly always evolving. When you scratch beyond its “model Irish village” facade, you’ll find a bustling town that’s an important source of services and community for southwestern County Mayo residents.

There’s a reason Louisburgh seems so quintessentially small town: it’s a planned town. It was founded in 1795 a refuge for Catholics fleeing violence in northern Ireland.

While the town can seem downright sleepy in the winter, it comes to life in the spring. An annual music festival – Féile Chois Cuain Louisburgh – kicks off the summer season in early May. The town mostly attracts visitors because of its access to beautiful sand beaches. However, there’s plenty to do in the Louisburgh area including walks, historic sites, and even a museum devoted to Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.

Tips for Visiting Louisburgh

• Louisburgh offers a unique opportunity to merge into everyday Irish life. Do so in an open-hearted, respectful way. The town is small enough that they will know you’re from out of town without you announcing it.
•  County Mayo had some of the highest emigration rates in Ireland, so chances are good that if you’re Irish American, your Irish family came from this part of the island. Still, no cashier or bartender wants to hear your entire family lineage.
• If you think there’s not much to see in Louisburgh, you’re simply not looking hard enough. I highly recommend getting the Ordance survey maps of the area (you’ll want 30 and 37) which will steer you to all sorts of fascinating points of interest from megalithic tombs to sandy beaches.
• There’s no visitor information center in town. If you’re looking for maps or general advice, your best bet is to head to the Granuaile Centre on Church Street. Once the town’s Protestant Church, the building now houses museum exhibits about Ireland’s pirate queen as well as the town’s library. When I was a student living here, we had our classes in the upstairs of this building and it was just as delightful (albeit it a little cobweby and chilly) as it sounds!
• Be prepared for small town hours. As a small town Minnesota girl, I definitely think shopping for groceries on a Sunday is a luxury. If you’re used to popping into a shop whenever you like, you may find that store hours in Louisburgh force you to slow down and plan ahead.

Getting to Louisburgh

One way or another, you’re going to need a set of wheels to get to Louisburgh. If you’re coming from Dublin, the train will only get you as far as Westport. From there you’ll either need to grab a taxi or take the bus, which runs six times a day with limited service on Sundays.

If you’re arriving via Shannon and don’t want to rent a car, the bus is your only option.

To be clear, in all my time in Louisburgh, I’ve never rented a car. Taxis are a reliable mode of transportation in County Mayo and between them, the bus, and my own two feet, I was always able to explore the area to my heart’s content.

However, to save on taxi fares and to add a lot more freedom to your adventuring, I highly recommend renting a car when you visit Louisburgh. It will save you a ton of time and you’ll be able to see and do so much more each day. Personally, I’d plan to fly into Dublin, take the train to Westport, and pick up your rental car there.

Where To Stay in Louisburgh, Ireland

Accommodations in Louisburgh range from hotels and B&Bs to holiday cottage rentals and vacation rentals. I definitely recommend at least staying overnight during your Ireland travels. Here are some great Louisburgh lodging options. 

Louisburgh Holiday Cottages

In the Clew Bay area of County Mayo, you’ll be hard pressed to find better accommodations for the independent traveler than Louisburgh Holiday Cottages. These cottages built in the traditional Irish style have two or three bedrooms, full kitchens, full baths, and a generous living/dining area with a hearth. They even provide peat and fire starting materials. I can tell you for a fact that you can live in them comfortably for months on end!

Like the rest of Ireland, you’ll find no shortage of bed and breakfasts in the Louisburgh area. Cuaneen House and Ponderosa B&B are excellent options. For a hotel, consider West View Accommodation or check out all the other Louisburgh lodging options.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Louisburgh, Ireland

If you’ve been to Ireland before and hit tourism epicenters like Dublin and southwestern Ireland (aka Bantry Bay, Ring of Kerry, and the Lakes of Killarney), it’s time to branch out. If you depend solely on guidebooks and “best of” blog posts, you’ll miss the pirate queens, rugged mountainous landscapes, and long sandy beaches of Louisburgh, Ireland.

Louisburgh is the sort of place of where you make your own fun. As you can see, with endless beaches, back roads, and gorgeous scenery, you really can easily fill days and days (even months . . . I’ve done it!) with all the things to do in Louisburgh. I hope you’ll consider adding Louisburgh to your Ireland itinerary. I promise, this special corner of western Ireland is sure to enchant you. 

If you liked this One Day in Louisburgh, Ireland post, check out my other British Isles posts.