Mayo is a wild county with a stunningly beautiful, rugged coastline. Westport and Achill sound are more used to tourists than the north but the unspoiled stretch of Atlantic coast, from the otherwise hidden north side of Achill around Belmullet to Ballina is a must for those who value the beauty of remote grandeur.

Away from the coast, by Loughs Conn and Cullen the scenery is a match for any on the island and, together, coast and countryside are ahead of many in wealth of history and tradition - stretching back to the stone-age farmers of the unique Ceide Fields, 5,000 years ago through the ravages of the Famine, which hit Mayo particularly hard, and the hard-won changes that came with land reform. Downhill House in Ballina is, quite simply, a lovely place to stay. A high quality, friendly, family-run hotel with a cup of tea on arrival and efficient staff to look after your every need throughout your stay. It is located by a river on the outskirts of the town, in its own grounds with manicured lawns, copper beech and cherry blossom trees. They are justly proud of their restaurant's reputation for serving wholesome,delicious food (all meats, poultry and fish are sourced locally and all soups and desserts are made in the hotel kitchen).

Entertainment is provided in the evenings, in Frog's Bar and there is an excellent leisure complex with an 18 metre deck-level swimming pool. All 60 en-suite bedrooms have cable TV, complementary WiFi internet access, direct-dial telephone, hairdryer, trouser press and tea/coffee
making facilities.

The highlights of the tour include visits to the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar and Hennighan's Heritage Centre - where tragic tales are
mixed with humour and fun by one of Mayo's real characters; Ceide Fields, the North Mayo Coast, Belmullet, Blacksod Bay and a day in Westport - in the south of the county.