Mayo, County Mayo

Mayo or Mayo Abbey (Irish: Maigh Eo, meaning "Plain of the yew trees") is a village in County Mayo, Ireland. Although it bears the same name as the county, it is not the county seat, which is Castlebar. Mayo Abbey is a small historic village in south Mayo approximately 16 km to the south of Castlebar and 10 km north west of Claremorris.

Mayo really is the Ireland of your imagination, come and discover this beautiful and inspiring region. It’s hard not to fall in love with Mayo, here you will have brilliant moments and make memories that lasts a lifetime. Expect the unexpected and your experiences will make your break truly exciting. Come and discover our wild unspoiled nature and get in touch with our rich heritage and history. Mayo is a hidden treasure!

Be amazed at our breathtaking landscapes and fascinating countryside. Discover the spectacular scenery of the many lakes, explore the green and peaceful valleys, walk up to the peak of wild mountains or experience challenging outdoor activities.

Appreciate the stunning islands and stretches of coastline; take pleasant strolls on the wonderful, yet unspoiled, beaches and enjoy the pure and crystal waters.

If culture, music and history inspire your curiosity find out the treasures of Mayo; come in touch with legends, myths and stories, get a haunting sense that here the past is a living spirit. Come just in time to enjoy yourself joining in the many festivals and events.

Mayo people are warm and friendly and take pride in making our land your land. We are the most welcoming people in Ireland!

Take part in our charming region. Here, there is always time for a special moment and remember there is a corner of Mayo with your name on it waiting for you.

History

The village was an important centre in the Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon Christian world in the seventh and eighth centuries. St. Colmán, Bishop of Lindisfarne, founded a monastery here for a group of Saxon monks, Saint Gerald becoming the first abbot in 670. Danish raiders attacked the monastery in 783 and again in 805. Finally Turgesius completely destroyed it in 818

The village was the centre of the diocese of Mayo from 1152. It was suppressed in the thirteenth century. Bishops were appointed, however, as late as the sixteenth century. One of its bishops, Patrick O'Hely, who died in 1589, is numbered among the Irish martyr saints. The diocese was formally joined to Tuam by papal decree in 1631.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayo,_County_Mayo