County Mayo

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County Mayo

Contae Mhaigh Eo
Location in Ireland
Location in Ireland
CountryIreland
ProvinceConnacht
County townCastlebar
Area
 • Total5,586 km2 (2,157 sq mi)
Area rank3rd
Population
 (2016)
 • Total130,507
 • Rank15th
 • Density23/km2 (61/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+0 (WET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-1 (IST)
ISO 3166 codeIE-MO


County Mayo (Irish: Contae Mhaigh Eo ) is a county in the Province of Connacht in the west of Ireland. It is named after the village of Mayo and is the third-largest county by area in Ireland. The county town is Castlebar.

Geography[edit | edit source]

County Mayo is bordered by County Sligo to the northeast, County Roscommon to the east, and County Galway to the south. To the west and north, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The county has a diverse landscape that includes mountains, lakes, and a rugged coastline. The highest point in Mayo is Mweelrea, which stands at 814 meters.

History[edit | edit source]

County Mayo has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The region is known for its megalithic tombs, such as those found at Carrowmore. During the early Christian period, Mayo was an important center of monastic activity, with notable sites such as Ballintubber Abbey and Cong Abbey. The county also played a significant role during the Great Famine of the 1840s, which had a devastating impact on the population.

Economy[edit | edit source]

The economy of County Mayo is primarily based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries. The county is known for its sheep farming and dairy production. Tourism is a significant contributor to the local economy, with attractions such as Croagh Patrick, Achill Island, and the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Mayo has a vibrant cultural scene, with a strong tradition of Irish music, dance, and literature. The county hosts several annual festivals, including the Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival and the Ballina Salmon Festival. The Irish language is also spoken in parts of Mayo, particularly in the Gaeltacht areas.

Notable People[edit | edit source]

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD