Active Pursuits

Fishing

The waters of the River Moy and loughs Carrowmore and Conn are known for good fishing, particularly for salmon and trout. For general information about fishing in County Mayo, contact the North Western Regional Fisheries Board, Ardnaree House, Abbey Street, Ballina (tel. 096/22788; www.cfb.ie). To arrange a day's fishing, contact Cloonamoyne Fishery, Castlehill, near Crossmolina, Ballina (tel. 096/31851). Managed by an Irish-born former New Yorker, Barry Segrave, this professional angling service will advise and equip you to fish the local waters -- for brown trout on loughs Conn and Cullin; for salmon on loughs Beltra, Furnace, and Feeagh; and for salmon and sea trout on the rivers Moy and Deel. The fishery rents fully equipped boats and tackle, teaches fly-casting, and provides transport to and from all fishing. Daily rates average around €30 ($39) for a rowboat, €45 ($59) for a boat with engine, and €75 ($98) for a boat with engine and ghillie (guide).

County Mayo is also home to the Pontoon Bridge Fly Fishing School, Pontoon, County Mayo (tel. 094/925-6120; http://pontoon.mayo-ireland.ie/FlySchl/FlySchl.htm). Daily rates average around €35 ($45) for a rowboat, €55 ($71) for a boat with engine, and €100 to €130 ($130-$170) for a boat with engine and ghillie. This school offers a 1-day course in the art of fly-casting, as well as fly-tying, tackle design, and other information necessary for successful game fishing. Fees run from €85 ($110) per person. Courses run daily year-round if there is demand. The newly expanded Pontoon Bridge Hotel also runs painting and cooking classes.

Permits and state fishing licenses can be obtained at the North Mayo Angling Advice Centre (Tiernan Bros.), Upper Main Street, Foxford, County Mayo (tel. 094/925-6731). It also offers a range of services, including boat hire and ghillies.

For fishing tackle, try Jones Ltd., General Merchants, Main Street, Foxford, County Mayo (tel. 094/925-6121), or Walkins Fishing Tackle, Tone Street, Ballina, County Mayo (tel. 096/22442). On Achill Island, get sea-angling gear at O'Malley's Island Sports on the main road in Keel (tel. 098/43125). It will also arrange boat hire and bike hire.

Golf

County Mayo's 18-hole golf courses include a par-72 links course at Belmullet Golf Course, Carne, Belmullet, County Mayo (tel. 097/82292; www.belmulletgolfclub.ie), with greens fees of €55 ($73) daily. The par-71 inland course at Castlebar Golf Club, Rocklands, Castlebar, County Mayo (tel. 094/902-1649), has greens fees of €25 ($33) weekdays and €32 ($42) weekends. The par-73 championship course at Westport Golf Club, County Mayo (tel. 098/28262; www.golfwestport.com), charges varied greens fees of €38 to €55 ($49-$71) depending on the time of year and day of the week. On the shores of Clew Bay, the challenging and scenic course winds around the slopes of Croagh Patrick Mountain.

Kayaking

Courses for adults and children are at the Atlantic Adventure Centre, in Lecanvey, just outside of Westport, County Mayo (tel. 098/64806). Most of the kayaking is done at Old Head, Bertra, and Carramore. Very reasonable accommodations rates are available for campers. The adventure center has all you need for a wide range of activities, from canoeing to rock-climbing. Call for details.

Walking

The region to the east of the Mullet peninsula has a spectacular array of sheer sea cliffs and craggy islands. The small, secluded beach at Portacloy, 14km (8 2/3 miles) north of Glenamoy on the R314, is a good starting point for a dramatic walk. On a sunny day, its aquamarine waters and fine-grained white sand recall the Mediterranean more than the North Atlantic. At its western edge, there is a concrete quay. From here, head north up the steep green slopes of the nearest hill. Don't be too distracted by the fantastic view or adorable little sheep: The boggy slopes on which you are walking end precipitously at an unmarked cliff edge -- the walk is not recommended for children. Exercise caution and resist the urge to try to get a better view of the mysterious sea caves or to reach the outermost extent of the coast's promontories. Instead, use a farmer's fence as a guide and head west toward the striking profile of Benwee Head, about 2.4km (1 1/2 miles) away. Return the same way to have a swim in the chilly, tranquil waters of Portacloy.

Windsurfing & Other Sports

The constant wind off the Atlantic Ocean means that Achill Island is ideal for windsurfing, hang gliding, or any activities that involve a breeze. If you want to try it out, talk with Richie O'Hara at McDowell's Hotel (Slievemore Rd., near Dugort; tel. 098/43148). He also gives surfing instructions, advice on rock climbing, and rents out canoes and surfboards. For other options, contact the useful Atlantic Adventure Centre .