Drumshinnagh House

"Your own haven right here in the West of Ireland"
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Watersports

Surfing / Wind-surfing / Kite-surfing / Sea-kayaking

Surfing appeared in Ireland in the middle of the Sixties but it is only in the last few years that surfing has developed in Ireland. Along with the development of the sport, came the arrival of wind-surfing and sea-kayaking. There are a number of locations around the county of Mayo suited to these sports, and two most famous are Achill and Louisburgh.

The surfing season is usually during, April and May and September and October. During these periods you’ll benefit from the best conditions. August/September is generally when the water is at its warmest; temperatures average around 16°C. This dips at the coldest time of year in February/March to around 8°C. From October to April a 5mm wetsuit, boots and gloves are recommended. A 3mm wetsuit is suitable for the rest of the year.

Angling

Mayo is one of Europe’s top angling destinations with specialist equipment, boats and experienced ghillies readily available. A stone's throw from Lough Mallard mean that we are ideally placed looking to catch some trout and pike. There's also Bilberry lake, about a mile and a half away where you can hire a boat and try your luck. Licences are required for salmon and sea-trout angling which can be purchased on the spot from tackle shops of tourist offices. Ballina hosts an annual salmon festival every July. Loughs Conn, Cullin, Carra and Mask dominate the county and are renowned for trout. Larger stocked lakes managed by the fishery boards including Lough Brohly (Ballina), Ballin Lough (Westport) for rainbow trout while brown trout (wet fly and dry fly) is available on a number of tributaries to the River Moy and Robe.

Sailing

The West Coast of Ireland is one of the finest sailing areas in all Europe. As yet undiscovered by mass tourism, its numerous secluded bays and islands have remained unchanged for centuries and they provide the sailor with an opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the beauty and wealth of culture of this unique region - as well as its sailing challenge! The Mayo Sailing Club at Rosmoney is located only a 20 minute trip from the guesthouse.

Beaches

Mayo has the enviable position of having some of the finest Blue flag beaches in Ireland.

Many of these beaches are located a short drive from Drumshinnagh House such as Carrowmore & Old Head, Louisburgh, Mulranny. Alternatively, Achill Island, 45 minute drive, was the proud recipient of the Blue Flag Award for beaches at Dooega, Dugort, Keel, and Golden Strand.

Blue Flag Beaches:
  • Dooega, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
  • Dugort, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
  • Carrowmore, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
  • Ross Strand , Killala, Co. Mayo
  • Elly Bay Belmullet, Co. Mayo
  • Old Head Louisburgh, Co. Mayo
  • Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
  • Mulranny, Co. Mayo
  • Golden Strand, Achill Island, Co. Mayo