Castlebar Hotels

Castlebar is a popular town in Mayo for a short break, with many visiting the town across the year. Located 20 minutes from Westport and a short drive from the coast, Castlebar can be a great base for exploring wider Mayo. With Lough Conn to the north and Lough Mask to the south, water sports and boat trips are a hit with many visitors to the area, while the picturesque Castlebar Lough is well worth exploring on foot, with an easy-to-follow walking loop just waiting to be explored.

Things to Do in Castlebar

Castlebar has plenty to offer visitors to the area, whether you are travelling with kids, friends, your partner or alone. One of the highlights is the National Museum of Country Life, where you can discover the traditional ways of Irish life over the years, with everything from the trades, farming and crafts over time explained. The museum has a host of exhibitions across the year that give a great insight into Irish country living through the generations.

When visiting Castlebar, be sure to visit the Linenhall Arts Centre, while the streets of Castlebar are home to some charming shops, with Main Street and Market Square a hit with many visitors. The Castlebar Quarter is another great shopping spot, with many popular high-street brands and local independents located here.

Golfing Breaks in Castlebar

Castlebar Golf Club is sometimes referred to as ‘The Augusta of Connacht’, a tag that it certainly lives up to thanks to its stunning surroundings and pristine fairways and greens. Other popular Mayo golf courses to test your game on are Westport Golf Course and Ballina Golf club, both less than one hour from the centre of Castlebar. The Carne links course in Belmullet is another stunning course, and will enable you to explore the rugged Mayo coastline.

Things to Do near Castlebar

Mayo is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Ireland, with Keem Bay on Achill Island up there with the very finest in Ireland. While this lies about a one-hour drive from Castlebar, the drive will certainly be a rewarding one once you soak up the views that await you. If it’s a walking or hiking adventure you are after, Mayo has plenty to offer. The scenic Ballycroy National Park is a must see, while Castlebar itself has several looped walks that everyone can enjoy. These walks are a great way to discover more about the town, and the surrounding area.

A Visit to Knock

Knock Shrine is arguably Ireland’s most famous shrine and is located 30km south east of Castlebar. If you want to pay a visit to the shrine and the museum, be sure to visit earlier, as this is a popular visitor attraction, especially during the Easter and summer period. If you’re feeling energetic, continue your pilgrimage journey by visiting Croagh Patrick and, if you’re feeling really up for the challenge, scale this peak.