Things to Do Near
The Granary, Co Mayo
There is no shortage of things to do here, though we would gently suggest that doing nothing at all is rather the point. For those inclined to venture out, this is what our corner of Mayo offers.
Heritage and Pilgrimage
Knock Shrine, one of the great Marian shrines of the world, is twenty minutes from The Granary. Ballintubber Abbey, built in 1216, is the starting point of Tóchar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick that began life as a chariot road for the Kings and Queens of Connacht. Hundreds of pilgrims still walk its 22 miles today. Straide Abbey, Moyne Abbey, Burrishoole Friary and Kylemore Abbey all reward a visit, and the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park tells the story of rural Ireland since 1850, overlooked by one of the county’s five ancient round towers.
Castles and Gardens
Just half an hour away, Ashford Castle in Cong, once home to the Guinness family, is perfect for a luxurious lunch, traditional afternoon tea, a visit to the Falconry or a stroll through the grounds where The Quiet Man was filmed. To the north, Mount Falcon Estate near Ballina makes a fine day trip, while to the southwest you’ll find the spectacular Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Co. Galway. This grand 19th Century lakeside castle, backed by dramatic mountains, was built in the 1860s by Mitchell Henry, a wealthy London doctor and MP, as a romantic gift for his wife Margaret. After Benedictine nuns purchased the estate in 1920, they established a renowned girls’ boarding school that operated until 2010, and the community still lives there today. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored rooms, visit the small neo‑Gothic church built in Margaret’s memory, and wander through the impressive Victorian walled garden. Kylemore Abbey is one of the most photographed buildings in Ireland and lies only about an hour’s drive from Claremorris, making it an easy and unforgettable day trip from your stay at The Granary.
Fishing
Lough Mask, Lough Carra and the Robe River are all virtually on the doorstep of The Granary at Newbrook House, offering outstanding opportunities for angling in the immediate area. Burkes Outdoor Pursuits in Ballinrobe can arrange a private river or sea angling guide for guests, with all equipment and clothing provided. For those seeking exclusive access, The Foxford Fishery offers premium fishing on the River Moy, with up to 9 rods on a 2.5 km double bank stretch and a further 12 rods on 1.5 km of single bank fishing.
Horse Riding
Drumindoo Stud is a lovely local stables just 35 minutes from The Granary. Drummindoo Stables in Westport, founded in 1963 and run by certified horse whisperer Padraic Foy, offers rides along the Wild Atlantic Way through villages, sandy beaches and country lanes.
Cycling
The Great Western Greenway is a 42 kilometre (26 mile) traffic free trail, the longest off road trail in Ireland, following the old Westport to Achill railway. Electric bikes can be hired in Westport and Ballinrobe.
Golf
Claremorris Golf Club, a spectacular par 73, is a short drive from The Granary. Ballinrobe Golf Club sits in the grounds of the ancient Cloonacastle Estate, dating back to 1238. Castlebar Golf Club once hosted a US President, and there are a dozen more courses across the county, from Westport to the links at Carne.
Hiking and Walking
Croagh Patrick is a holy mountain, and a short drive from The Granary, The summit rewards hikers with a sweeping, panoramic view of the Wild Atlantic Way. Nearby on Achill Island, the sea cliffs at Croaghaun rise to the third highest in Europe, nearly three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, yet they remain virtually unknown. For gentler adventures, there’s Annagh Bay, Slievemore, Erris Head, and the Claggan Mountain coastal trail in Ballycroy National Park, home to Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park and some of the finest stargazing in the country.
