Mayo has no shortage of wonderful outdoor spots that are ideal for a family day out or a gentle weekend walk. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Mayo for families to enjoy, so pack up the car with a picnic (don’t forget the kids!) and make the most of the county’s fine scenery.
From beaches to woods to lakes, you’ll find it all in County Mayo. Here are some family favourites to help you plan your next outing.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our free weekly newsletter packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Best Outdoor Places in Mayo for Families
Turlough House and NMI Museum of Country Life
Home to the NMI Museum of Country Life, this spot offers beautiful gardens, a lake to walk around, and plenty of picnic spots. There’s also a café on site if you need refreshments along the way.
Lecanvey Pier
Behind the wall at Lecanvey Pier is a great sun spot with lovely views of Clew Bay. It’s a lovely place to head for a paddle and a play in the sand.
Belleek Woods
Image: Robbie Reynolds
Belleek Woods sits along the banks of the River Moy, with around 6 miles of forest paths, some of which follow the riverbank. There’s a dedicated picnic area, making it a lovely spot to stop for lunch — and look out for the fairy trail too!
You may also enjoy 9 Suggestions for Fun Family Walks in Mayo
Brackloon
From Westport, take the N59 towards Leenaun. After approximately 8km, turn right off the N59 at the sign for “Owenwee” — the site entrance is a further 250m up on the right. The forest road through Brackloon provides a very pleasant walk through an oak woodland landscape.
Tourmakeady
In the village of Partry, turn off the N84 at the signpost for Tourmakeady and follow the minor roads for approximately 10km to the site entrance.
There’s a lovely lake walk here and a nature trail through the forest, on the shore of Lough Mask, with great viewing points and picnic sites too.
The Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway is one of the best places to cycle as a family in Mayo. There are three sections to the Greenway, each differing in distance.
The Westport–Newport section is 12.5km long and very picturesque — handy if you’re based in Westport or Newport for a family break.
Clew Bay
As you enter Westport from Castlebar, you’ll get a lovely view of Clew Bay and its many little islands. Drive westwards away from Westport and you can enjoy the view for miles.
Achill Island and Keem Bay
Image: © Tourism Ireland
Achill Island offers some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in Mayo. There are Blue Flag beaches on Achill, including Dooega, Keel, Dugort and Golden Strand, plus Keem Bay — one of the most famous beaches in Mayo. This beautiful horseshoe bay is overlooked by Croaghaun Mountain to the northeast and Moyteoge Head to the southwest.
You may also enjoy Free Things to Do in Mayo with Kids
Lough Lannagh
Lough Lannagh in Castlebar offers easy walks and beautiful swans that are lovely to watch on the water. The playground at Lough Lannagh is great too, with equipment to suit all ages.
Westport Playground
There’s a fantastic playground beside the Leisure Park & Cinema in Westport with lots for little ones and some fun for bigger kids too.
Along the Railway Way there’s a skate park, an adult fitness park, and an astroturf basketball court — so there’s something for everyone.
Ballina Playground
Ballina has a great playground at Tom Ruane Park for all ages, along with a nice picnic area.
You may also enjoy Playgrounds in Mayo the Kids Will Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free outdoor spots for families in Mayo?
Many of Mayo’s best outdoor spots cost nothing to visit, including Lecanvey Pier, Clew Bay’s viewing points, Belleek Woods, the forest walks at Brackloon and Tourmakeady, and the playgrounds in Castlebar, Westport and Ballina.
Is Keem Bay suitable for young children?
Keem Bay is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach, but it’s worth checking conditions on the day, as it can get busy in summer and the surrounding roads include some narrow, winding sections. Families with younger children may prefer to plan the visit around nap times and bring plenty of supplies, as facilities are limited.
Where can I find a good walk for a buggy or younger children?
Turlough House and the NMI Museum of Country Life have gentle paths around the lake and gardens, making it a good option for families with buggies. Lough Lannagh in Castlebar is another easy, flat walk suitable for all ages.
Are there playgrounds near Westport and Ballina?
Yes — Westport has a well-equipped playground beside the Leisure Park & Cinema, plus a skate park and fitness equipment along the Railway Way. Ballina’s Tom Ruane Park also has a great playground and picnic area.
Related Articles
- 9 Suggestions for Fun Family Walks in Mayo
- Free Things to Do in Mayo with Kids
- Playgrounds in Mayo the Kids Will Enjoy
- Ireland’s Blue Flag Beaches
Fancy more days out like this? Browse our full collection of family adventure ideas for more inspiration, or save this article to come back to when you’re planning your next Mayo outing.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter, packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Have your say! Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Mayo to visit with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
