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Where to Stay in County Mayo

County Mayo is one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes — a place of quartzite mountains, island-studded bays, and bog stretching to every horizon. For visitors, mayo accommodation ranges from polished boutique hotels in Georgian Westport to remote self-catering cottages on the edge of Achill Island, where the Atlantic rolls in uninterrupted from Newfoundland. Wherever you base yourself, you are never far from wild coastline, sacred peaks, or the silence that people travel thousands of miles to find.

Westport: The Natural Base for Mayo

Westport is the most visitor-ready town in the county and the starting point most travellers choose. Its grid of Georgian streets, the canal-side Mall lined with lime trees, and an exceptional pub scene make it a place you could happily spend two or three nights without venturing further — though most visitors do venture further.

Where to stay in Westport

Hotels cluster along the Quay and in the town centre. The Knockranny House Hotel, set above the town, offers panoramic views of Clew Bay’s drumlin islands and a well-regarded spa — useful after a day on the Greenway. For something more intimate, the town has several guesthouses and B&Bs within walking distance of pubs and restaurants. Self-catering apartments in the town centre suit families or longer stays.

Westport is the practical gateway to Connemara accommodation and County Galway to the south, so if you are planning a wider loop of the west, it positions you well.

Achill Island: Off-Grid Drama

Connected to the mainland by a short bridge, Achill is Mayo’s most visited destination after Westport — and with good reason. Keem Bay, a crescent of turquoise water backed by cliffs, is one of Ireland’s most photographed beaches. Croaghaun, at the island’s western tip, holds some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Accommodation on Achill is deliberately low-key. Self-catering cottages and holiday homes dominate, supplemented by a handful of guesthouses in Keel and Dugort. There are no large hotels, which keeps the island atmosphere intact. Book early for summer: properties here fill faster than the broader Wild Atlantic Way accommodation market.

Ballina & North Mayo

Ballina, Mayo’s largest town, sits on the River Moy — one of Ireland’s premier salmon rivers — and serves travellers heading for the Céide Fields (the world’s oldest known field system, circa 5,500 years old) or the bleakly beautiful Erris Peninsula.

Hotels here tend to be practical and reasonably priced, catering largely to anglers and business travellers. The Downhill Hotel is a long-standing choice with leisure facilities. For something quieter, look at guesthouses along the river or farmhouse B&Bs in the surrounding countryside.

The Wild Atlantic Way Through Mayo

Mayo contains some of the most remote sections of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Mullet Peninsula, the Belmullet area, and the cliffs of north Mayo see far fewer visitors than the Ring of Kerry or Clare’s Burren, which makes accommodation sparser but the experience more rewarding for those who seek it.

Along this stretch, self-catering cottages and small family-run guesthouses are the dominant choice. Irish cottages close to the shore suit walkers following the looped trails of Bangor Erris or Belderg.

If you are building a longer road trip, these quieter sections link naturally north to Donegal or south towards County Clare.

Accommodation Types in Mayo

Hotels

Most of Mayo’s hotels are in Westport and Ballina. Expect three- and four-star properties with bar-restaurants and, in some cases, leisure centres. Prices are moderate by Irish standards outside of high summer.

B&Bs and Guesthouses

Bed and breakfasts are the soul of rural Mayo accommodation. Many are family-run farmhouses where the host’s local knowledge is worth more than any guidebook. Expect generous cooked breakfasts and a genuine welcome.

Self-Catering

Self-catering properties are plentiful throughout the county. Achill Island, in particular, is almost entirely self-catering in character. A cottage here for a week, with a turf fire and sea views, is Mayo at its most elemental.

Glamping and Camping

Glamping in Ireland has reached Mayo: there are pod sites near Westport and along the Greenway route. These suit cyclists completing the Great Western Greenway, a 42 km traffic-free trail from Westport to Achill Sound.

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When to Book

Mayo is busiest from late June to late August, with Croagh Patrick pilgrimage Sunday (the last Sunday of July, known as Reek Sunday) drawing large crowds to Westport and the surrounding area. Coastal cottages on Achill Island and in Belmullet book out months ahead for July and August. Book before the end of January if you are planning a summer trip. May, early June, and September offer good weather, emptier roads, and lower prices across nearly all mayo accommodation.

FAQ

What is the best base for exploring County Mayo? Westport is the most convenient base: it has the widest choice of accommodation, restaurants, and pubs, and gives easy access to Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, and the Great Western Greenway. Most of the county’s highlights are within a 60-minute drive.

Is there accommodation on Achill Island itself? Yes, though it is mostly self-catering cottages and small guesthouses centred on Keel and Dooagh villages. There are no large hotels on the island. Booking well ahead is essential in summer, as properties are limited and in high demand.

Do I need a car for County Mayo? For most of Mayo, yes. Public transport connects Westport to Dublin (train) and to some towns by bus, but the coast, Achill Island, and north Mayo are very difficult to explore without your own vehicle. See our driving in Ireland guide for tips on navigating narrow roads.