An anti-clockwise tour begins by heading south from Louisburgh, through the gem of Mayo, the Doolough pass and the area known locally as Delphi.

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The Killary lies just beyond Delphi, with the Aasleagh falls at the head of this magnificent fjord. 

The Aasleagh falls are at the estuary of the Erriff river near to the village of Leenane. This was the location for the film "The Field", many photographs in the local bars show the various stars on location. Try an ice cold Guinness in one of the bars, or do your shopping at Hamilton's where you can buy anything from sheep dip to fish fingers. The latest attraction to Leenane, is the new passenger cruiser "Connemara Lady" which will be commencing daily sailing's from April 2000.

 Head east towards Galway and stop in Cornamona, where there is a salmon processing plant,. you can buy wild smoked salmon here and watch the smoking in progress. The village of Cong and Ashford Castle are nearby; again, the film industry has made full use of the superb scenery here, when John Ford produced "The Quiet Man" with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in the starring roles. A guided tour of the various film locations is available in Cong! From Cong head to Clonbur and take the Lough Mask drive [Westport road]. Depending on the time of the year, the Fuchsias can be most spectacular [August & September]. The huge Lough Mask is a formidable place, with huge limestone rocks hidden just beneath its surface, along with brown trout and some of the biggest pike in the British Isles. Tourmakeady and its woollen factory are next on the route before you come to Westport. This is the largest town in the outlined area, but it has a quiet charm that will draw you back time after time.

The tree lined Mall and the Carrowbeg river run through the centre of the town, which boasts most kinds of shops and a good selection of bars and restaurants. Head here for your major purchases! Westport House, the home of the Earl of Sligo is also worth a visit. Leave Westport by the harbour road, and head towards Louisburgh,, passing Westport bay on your right, the village of Murrisk and the Holy mountain "Croagh Patrick" are next on your journey. St. Patrick is said to have fasted on Croagh Patrick and to have banished all the serpents from Ireland. Each year on the last Sunday of July, thousands of pilgrims, some barefoot, climb the 2500ft mountain to celebrate mass in the chapel on the summit. For those who fancy the climb there is a car park and various facilities [bar] in Murrisk. Just across the road from the car park is a Bronze casting of a "Coffin ship", symbolizing the struggles of those who left Ireland at the time of the famine to seek a new life in America. Sadly many never made it there alive! 

"Coffin Ship" at Murrisk National Famine Memorial

Murrisk Abbey is along the small road that goes down to the sea, yet another part of Irish history. The round trip finishes back in Louisburgh, where you will find several small shops, bars, hotel and village teashop. Louisburgh boasts the Grace O'Malley Heritage centre and the Famine centre. Both are in the same building and are well worth a visit.