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Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark
Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo
Family friendly
Dog friendly
Hidden gem
Guth Na Talún. Explore the whispering landscape at the Joyce Country and Western Lakes (JCWL) Geopark in County Galway and County Mayo. Enjoy magical views of ice carved mountains and lakes, thrilling cycling and walking trails, world famous trout and salmon angling, castles, historic ruins and pretty villages.

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark has a fascinating geology history over an impressive 700 million years old. It is also home to a wide variety of natural habitats and rich biodiversity due to the range of environments present. The lakes and rivers are managed for angling wild salmon and trout. The JCWL region has a strong tradition of music, storytelling, crafts and food production through the medium of the Irish language for all to learn from, share and enjoy.

The interesting landscape features the uplands of the Partry Mountains, Killary Fjord, Maumturk and Maumtrasna Mountains, Ben Beg, Lugnabrick, Mount Gable to the west as well as the shores of Lough Mask, Lough Carra and Lough Corrib. The geopark is also dotted with heritage villages like Cong, Clonbur, Tourmakeady, Ballintubber and many others.

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark will shape the lives and stories of the generations to come. It has the potential to become a successful model of sustainable tourism and locally based development.

Contact details
Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Gortfree, Toormakeady, Co. Mayo, F12 D990, Ireland
More to discover at Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark
History and heritageBallintubber Abbey

Ballintubber Abbey, famously described as the abbey that “refused to die,” has been continuously used for nearly eight centuries. This important historical site is located in Ballintubber, County Mayo, only 11km from Castlebar.

Food experiencesDrioglann Loch Measc

Experience Drioglann Loch Measc in County Mayo, a craft distillery using copper stills to make malt whiskey, vodka and gin. Take a guided tour, and appreciate the outstanding natural beauty of the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht.

SummerKillary Sheep Farm

Killary Sheep Farm is a traditional working farm near Leenane, County Galway. Visitors can view skilled sheepdog demonstrations, sheep shearing, and traditional turf cutting, walking trails and bottle feeding orphan lambs.

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