Teach Mo Chroi' is ideally situated in the West of Ireland offering an incredible selection of day trips and outings to suit every person.
X marks the location of Teach Mo Chroi'
The home is located in the farmland of Ballintubber, surrounded by three towns, scenic seaside WestportTown to the West, shopper friendly Castlebar Town to the North, and small and quiet Ballinrobe Town to the South. Driving to any of these is simple and direct and all within 10-18 mins by car. Castlebar & Westport are both served by trains direct from Dublin's Hueston Station several times each day. Buses are available from all 3 Towns to various destinations throughout Ireland, with the greatest number of options available from Castlebar Town. There are tourist offices in both Westport and Castlebar providing excellent information for your touring needs.
Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like golf, fishing, cycling, kayaking, surfing, climbing, walking, horseriding, even Gaelic sports, or prefer theatre, dance, music, singing & socializing, or something more relaxing there are great options for everybody, young or old, just a short drive away. In as little as 10 mins or as much as 2 hours you can arrive at any of the many destinations described on this page. Several are represented by brochures in the home. Take advantage of as many as you can during your stay. If you really want to immerse yourself in the Irish culture and meet locals seek out some of the activities I've marked with this symbol *.
Please keep in mind that some places close during the off season or at the very least have a reduced schedule. Inquire ahead so you won't be disappointed.
Whether you enjoy outdoor activities like golf, fishing, cycling, kayaking, surfing, climbing, walking, horseriding, even Gaelic sports, or prefer theatre, dance, music, singing & socializing, or something more relaxing there are great options for everybody, young or old, just a short drive away. In as little as 10 mins or as much as 2 hours you can arrive at any of the many destinations described on this page. Several are represented by brochures in the home. Take advantage of as many as you can during your stay. If you really want to immerse yourself in the Irish culture and meet locals seek out some of the activities I've marked with this symbol *.
Please keep in mind that some places close during the off season or at the very least have a reduced schedule. Inquire ahead so you won't be disappointed.
Breathtaking Kylemore Abbey
Take a road trip and visit all or some of these quirky little towns & villages along the way. Stop in for a pint or some pub grub and have a chat with the locals.
Newport Town (Old time fishing village)
Leenane (Killary Harbour Cruises, Coynes Pub)
Clifden (Lively restaurants & bars)
Spiddal (Local Artist Galleries, Pottery, Crafts)
Roundstone (Connemara Pony Show, Sailboat Regatta)
Cong Village (Ashford Castle, Quiet Man Cottage, Corrib Cruises)
Take a day and visit Galway City (1-1/2 hour) for shopping, the amusements and promenade at Salthill on Galway Bay, the pubs, street performers, and overall lively crowded streets and restuarants.
A day trip to Achill Island (1 hr 15mins) is scenic Ireland at its best. Take the Atlantic Drive (a narrow rural road dangling above the sea) to it's conclusion at the gorgeous Blue Flag Beach "Keem Strand". Achill is exceptional in the summer. There are wide wonderful sandy beaches, great surfing, golfing among the sheep and beautiful cliffs to walk and enjoy.
If a few hours is all you have Cong Village is only 25 mins away and home to Ashford Castle, Corrib Cruises, and the Quiet Man Cottage from the legendary John Wayne & Katherine O'Hara film. You don't have to be a guest of the Castle to enjoy the variety of activities Ashford offers. A reservation for High Tea will get you inside Ashford.
Try the Boat Cruise from the pier out to Inchagoil Island in the middle of Lough Corrib where you'll be guided through the old ruins of an ancient Irish community linked to St. Patrick, or enjoy the unique experience of "Flying A Hawk" at Ireland's only Falconry School. Other options include: Riding at the Equestrian Center and guided Fishing outings. Stroll the grounds of the castle and stop in to the Village for food and drink.
Westport is a Bustling Seaside Town oozing with Irish charm. From it's cobblestone streets to its legendary traditional Irish Music Pubs (Matt Molloys a favorite), Clew Bay,Westport House (museum, mini golf, and amusement park), and Croagh Patrick, the town is a favorite for Irish Nationals to visit on holidays.
For the outdoorsman or sports enthusiast take in a round of golf at a nearby course, challenge yourself to the walking climb of Croagh Patrick (3 hrs up and down) the view at the summit is spectacular on a clear day, rent a bike and cycle around Westport, surf on Achill Island, fish in the many Loughs and Rivers or even off the Atlantic's Clew Bay, kayak through the Fjords at Killary Harbour, or best of all be a spectator to a local match of Gaelic Football at Clogher Pitch or Mchale Park.
The following attractions are strongly recommended: Picturesque Kylemore Abbey and surrounding grounds, Historic 12th Century Ballintubber Abbey (our local catholic church), Hennigans Heritage Centre * (a family run turn of the century farm demonstrating the old Irish ways), and Ashleigh Falls.
While I've never been to the following places myself, I'm told each is worth a visit: Museum of Country Life in Turlough, Ceide Fields, Clare Island, and for the religious Our Lady of Knock Shrine.
If you're looking for a unique local experience where very few tourists participate try these selections and you won't be disappointed. Take in a music, dance or comedy performance at our local entertainment venue, The Royal Theatre * in Castlebar; tickets are reasonable and past performers like Brad Paisley can be enjoyed in an intimate setting. For a family friendly outing enjoy a day out at the races at Ballinrobe Horse Racing * where kids can place a bet if they're tall enough to reach the window. And finally a personal favorite, pack a picnic lunch and take the family to Joyce's Sheepherding Dog Demonstration * in Finny. The demonstration takes place beside Lough NaFooey which is nestled between 2 mountains in a small valley, and has a tranquil little beach perfect for a picnic, swimming, and fishing (if you arrange it ahead of time).
LOCAL/NEARBY GOLF COURSES
Carne Golf Links (SUPERB) http://www.carnegolflinks.com/
Westport Golf Club http://www.westportgolfclub.com/
Clew Bay Golf Club http://www.gogolfing.ie/Mayo/Clew4.htm
Mulranny Golf Club http://mulrannygolfclub.com/
Ballinrobe Golf Club http://ballinrobegolfclub.com/
Connemara Golf Links http://connemaragolflinks.com/
* Highly recommend these outings for a unique Irish experience.
Ballinrobe Racecourse
http://www.goracing.ie/HRI/Whats-On/Racecourses/Ballinrobe/
Boat cruise to Inchagoil Island
http://corribcruises.com/
Hennigan's Heritage Centre
http://hennigansheritage.com/
Sheepherding Demonstration
http://joycecountrysheepdogs.ie/
Royal Theatre Castlebar
http://www.theroyal.ie/
The Cattle/Sheep Mart held every Wednesday
morning in Ballinrobe Town is sure to entertain
those interested in Farming. It's held at the
Agricultural Grounds just across the street
from the Tesco Grocery Store.
Newport Town (Old time fishing village)
Leenane (Killary Harbour Cruises, Coynes Pub)
Clifden (Lively restaurants & bars)
Spiddal (Local Artist Galleries, Pottery, Crafts)
Roundstone (Connemara Pony Show, Sailboat Regatta)
Cong Village (Ashford Castle, Quiet Man Cottage, Corrib Cruises)
Take a day and visit Galway City (1-1/2 hour) for shopping, the amusements and promenade at Salthill on Galway Bay, the pubs, street performers, and overall lively crowded streets and restuarants.
A day trip to Achill Island (1 hr 15mins) is scenic Ireland at its best. Take the Atlantic Drive (a narrow rural road dangling above the sea) to it's conclusion at the gorgeous Blue Flag Beach "Keem Strand". Achill is exceptional in the summer. There are wide wonderful sandy beaches, great surfing, golfing among the sheep and beautiful cliffs to walk and enjoy.
If a few hours is all you have Cong Village is only 25 mins away and home to Ashford Castle, Corrib Cruises, and the Quiet Man Cottage from the legendary John Wayne & Katherine O'Hara film. You don't have to be a guest of the Castle to enjoy the variety of activities Ashford offers. A reservation for High Tea will get you inside Ashford.
Try the Boat Cruise from the pier out to Inchagoil Island in the middle of Lough Corrib where you'll be guided through the old ruins of an ancient Irish community linked to St. Patrick, or enjoy the unique experience of "Flying A Hawk" at Ireland's only Falconry School. Other options include: Riding at the Equestrian Center and guided Fishing outings. Stroll the grounds of the castle and stop in to the Village for food and drink.
Westport is a Bustling Seaside Town oozing with Irish charm. From it's cobblestone streets to its legendary traditional Irish Music Pubs (Matt Molloys a favorite), Clew Bay,Westport House (museum, mini golf, and amusement park), and Croagh Patrick, the town is a favorite for Irish Nationals to visit on holidays.
For the outdoorsman or sports enthusiast take in a round of golf at a nearby course, challenge yourself to the walking climb of Croagh Patrick (3 hrs up and down) the view at the summit is spectacular on a clear day, rent a bike and cycle around Westport, surf on Achill Island, fish in the many Loughs and Rivers or even off the Atlantic's Clew Bay, kayak through the Fjords at Killary Harbour, or best of all be a spectator to a local match of Gaelic Football at Clogher Pitch or Mchale Park.
The following attractions are strongly recommended: Picturesque Kylemore Abbey and surrounding grounds, Historic 12th Century Ballintubber Abbey (our local catholic church), Hennigans Heritage Centre * (a family run turn of the century farm demonstrating the old Irish ways), and Ashleigh Falls.
While I've never been to the following places myself, I'm told each is worth a visit: Museum of Country Life in Turlough, Ceide Fields, Clare Island, and for the religious Our Lady of Knock Shrine.
If you're looking for a unique local experience where very few tourists participate try these selections and you won't be disappointed. Take in a music, dance or comedy performance at our local entertainment venue, The Royal Theatre * in Castlebar; tickets are reasonable and past performers like Brad Paisley can be enjoyed in an intimate setting. For a family friendly outing enjoy a day out at the races at Ballinrobe Horse Racing * where kids can place a bet if they're tall enough to reach the window. And finally a personal favorite, pack a picnic lunch and take the family to Joyce's Sheepherding Dog Demonstration * in Finny. The demonstration takes place beside Lough NaFooey which is nestled between 2 mountains in a small valley, and has a tranquil little beach perfect for a picnic, swimming, and fishing (if you arrange it ahead of time).
LOCAL/NEARBY GOLF COURSES
Carne Golf Links (SUPERB) http://www.carnegolflinks.com/
Westport Golf Club http://www.westportgolfclub.com/
Clew Bay Golf Club http://www.gogolfing.ie/Mayo/Clew4.htm
Mulranny Golf Club http://mulrannygolfclub.com/
Ballinrobe Golf Club http://ballinrobegolfclub.com/
Connemara Golf Links http://connemaragolflinks.com/
* Highly recommend these outings for a unique Irish experience.
Ballinrobe Racecourse
http://www.goracing.ie/HRI/Whats-On/Racecourses/Ballinrobe/
Boat cruise to Inchagoil Island
http://corribcruises.com/
Hennigan's Heritage Centre
http://hennigansheritage.com/
Sheepherding Demonstration
http://joycecountrysheepdogs.ie/
Royal Theatre Castlebar
http://www.theroyal.ie/
The Cattle/Sheep Mart held every Wednesday
morning in Ballinrobe Town is sure to entertain
those interested in Farming. It's held at the
Agricultural Grounds just across the street
from the Tesco Grocery Store.