Brought to you by Rockshore
You’ve probably heard all about Rockshore’s incredible Mate Escape giveaways.
Well, there’s a Mate Escape you could get your mitts on right now.
Rockshore is sending one lucky winner and five of their friends on an island-hopping adventure to none other than Mayo’s Clew Bay from September 13 to 15.
So, with Mayo being the chosen hotspot for such a terrific trip, we’re highlighting just some of the fantastic things you can do in The Yew County around the time of your spectacular escape.
1. Ride along the Wild Atlantic Way
You don’t just ride waves in Mayo. It’s just as important to ride along the gorgeous coast by car. It’s handy in the sense that you can pull over for a quick photo op. and experience so much of Ireland’s hidden beauty. From Ballina to Belmullet is where you’ll be bang in the centre of grassy/boggy plains and you can set your eyes on the famous Nephin Beg Range.
If you’re further north, take a drive from Ballycastle down to Mulranny. Make a visit to Clew Bay and take in some of the most exceptional views the west coast has to offer.
2. Conquer Croagh Patrick
We could all do with more outdoor ventures and few things tick that box as easily and as quickly as a scramble up Croagh Patrick.
Near Westport, in the village of Murrisk is where you’ll find the starting point. It’s best to get climbing Croagh Patrick in the summertime or at least before winter starts to creep in, so go, go, go.
At 2,510 feet above sea level, it generally takes around two hours to reach the summit and then about an hour and thirty minutes to pop back down, so be sure to squeeze enough time for it into your adventure schedule. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, water and let’s be honest… a rain jacket.
3. On Yer Bike (for 42km)
Heard of the Great Western Greenway? It’s beautiful.
Hop on your bicycle at Westport, cycle through Newport, then get to Mulranny and then head for Achill where you’ll find the much-loved Keem Beach. It’s worth grabbing yourselves a paddleboard here, friends. If you’re not feeling like exerting yourself, you can always rent an electric bike. It the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and take in the great outdoors in the best way possible.
4. Island Day Trip
Knocknaveen on Clare Island
To Clare Island! Situated in Clew Bay, you can hire a bike and explore the area, try out some yoga, get into a mindful state with friendly and well-looked after horses at Macalla Farm, get in the water with Clare Island Adventures or opt for a hike with some incredible scenic views. We can only promise a phenomenal day.
5. Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park
Oh. Em. G. It’s heavenly and there’s SO much to do. These 15,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous areas make up a vast uninhabited spot that’s pure wilderness. (Divine!) Here, the Owenduff bog is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe, so it’s quite something!
At the visitor centre, you’ll find heaps of information regarding the landscape and its rare residents like the various kinds of flora, fauna, animal and insect species — many of which depend solely on this landscape to survive. Thankfully, it’s protected and conservation programmes are in place.
Go hiking and enjoy spectacular trails, friends. See if you can spot the likes of white-fronted geese, otters and red grouse. We promise this magnificent place won’t disappoint.
Brought to you by Rockshore
You need to be over 18 to enter this prize. Please drink Rockshore responsibly. Over the next month, Rockshore will reveal details of a new Mate Escape. To be in with a chance to win, keep an eye on Rockshore social media channels and www.rockshore.ie.
