County Mayo, Ireland
The village of Murrisk lies between the shores of Clew Bay to the north and Croagh Patrick to the south, with panoramic views of Clew Bay and it's many islands. The Cottage Hillside is located a 1 minute walk down the lane to the famous "Tavern Bar & Restaurant". This "Good Food Ireland" approved restaurant is open 7 days a week, serving food from 12.30pm, The Tavern is well-known to hungry climbers and locals for seriously good food at very reasonable prices. There is also a local convenience shop and garage located 4minutes drive from the property that will provide all of your necessary staples.
By far the most outstanding feature of the village of Murrisk is the mountain, Croagh Patrick, which reaches to a height of 765 metres above sea level. The majority of visitors to the village come to climb the mountain for a variety of reasons; some are on a religious pilgrimage, while others do so for the pleasure of mountain walking and/or to view the spectacular scenery. It has been a place of religious and spiritual significance and of pilgrimage since prehistoric times, with continual pilgrimage for more than 1,500 years.
At the foot of the holy mountain, there is a visitor's centre, craft and coffee shop. It boasts a selection of crafts - sourced locally, along with Croagh Patrick souvenirs, rain and walking gear. It also has a self-service restaurant open at the visitor centre to cater for visitor needs. The restaurant seats 50 inside and another 40 outside on a terrace where both the food and the view can be savoured.
Overlooking Clew Bay, to the west of Murrisk Abbey and across the road from the Croagh Patrick carpark, is the National Famine Memorial, which commemorates the Great Famine of the 1840s. John Behan’s sculpture is a bronze ship, with skeletal figures symbolising the many emigrants from the Irish famine who died in the appalling conditions aboard the “coffin ships” on which they left Ireland.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal touring route in the world and runs through the heart of Murrisk. There is a designated cycle track along the coast into Westport using the National Coastal Path. From Westport there is access to the most popular cycling track in Ireland, the Great Western Greenway, which runs to Achill Island through Newport. There are lots of small back roads over the mountains in the area which provide a challenge for the keen cyclist.
There are endless miles of beautiful beaches caress the shoreline here, including the Blue Flag beach at nearby Bertra. Only a few minutes drive away is Carrowniskey beach, one of the best surf spots on the west coast of Ireland. There are also several championship golf courses within easy reach, the nearest being Westport 18 hole parkland course, only a few minutes drive from Murrisk.
The many river, lake and sea angling opportunities make this area a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Enjoy a day boat trip to Clare Island or Inisturk from nearby Roonagh pier.
Check out http://www.murrisk.ie/ and http://westporttourism.com/ for more information on the area.
