A trip ‘Into the West’ is always an adventure and full of surprises. We decided to do a road trip to Geesala in Mayo. Just under a four hour drive, we broke it up by having lunch in Longford. The road infrastructure is good and the scenery is breathtaking when you get further away from the busier towns. The mountains on both sides are distracting in a good way and the roads can be squiggly like a snakes and ladder game. When you arrive in Erris, you nearly drive through it until you see the Erris Coast Hotel on the right hand side of the main road.
Where to stay in Mayo
The hotel is family run and Director, Deborah O’Sullivan shares that they have updated and renovated it inside and out. It’s one of those places that feels genuinely welcoming from the minute you walk through the door – no fuss or pretence, just a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. That’s a big thing when you’re travelling solo with kids. You want somewhere where you don’t feel out of place, and here, I felt totally at ease. The family room has an interconnecting room, properly spacious, which makes a huge difference when there are three of you trying to unpack and not trip over each other. It was spotless, cosy and the beds were really comfortable. There was plenty of space for the kids to chill without being right on top of me, which is always valued when on road trips. They have great size bunk beds for the children while mam or dad can enjoy the other double bed room. The furnishings are warm earthy tones and paintings of the sea are hung on the walls (just so you don’t forget the stunning beaches here)
Inside the Erris Coast Hotel
Inside the hotel in many of the rooms, it has old wooden beams which evokes a medieval appearance and adds to its uniqueness. You could certainly see how the breakfast room could be turned into a gorgeous function room in the evening. The Millington bar is part of the hotel and is a hive of activity for locals and visitors. The renowned Irish playwright and poet John Millington Synge has a strong association with the area with one of his best known works, ‘The Playboy of the Western World’ inspired by a visit he made to Erris in 1904/05. For children (and adults) there is a golf simulator room where you can practice those swings before you Tee off at the world renowned Carne Golf Links. The hotel is also pet friendly for all the families who like to bring their pet on road trips too.
What to do in Mayo
If you’re worried the kids might get bored, don’t be – there’s plenty nearby. From Wild Nephin National Park and Ballycroy Visitor Centre with hiking and stargazing, to cycling the Great Western Greenway along the old Westport to Achill railway route. We took a boat with Belmullet Boat Charters (a local family run business) to Inishkea Island – silky white beaches, no crowds, no shops, so pack your own snacks. And we were lucky to see a pod of dolphins swim alongside and in front of the boat – just breathtaking. If boats aren’t for you, there are distillery tours, seaweed baths, lighthouse visits, weaving or food classes, and of course, a drive to Keem Bay on Achill Island, famous from the movie, ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’.
Keem Beach
The drive over to Keem Bay, dodging sheep and sheer drops, was an experience on its own – my daughter couldn’t even look out the window. The beach itself is stunning: clear aquamarine water, white sand, tucked between mountains like something off a postcard. After a swim and a climb to the house from the movie, we had sandwiches and tea, soaking it all in. On the way back through Keel, we stopped for a snack in the sun, and it really struck me why people come back here year after year – the place has a genuine community feel.
Belmullet
I would definitely recommend a 30 minute drive out to Belmullet and a dip in the Belmullet tidal pool. It had been on my swim list for ages after spotting it on Instagram – those photos don’t do it justice. Set right on the edge of the Atlantic, with views stretching out to the horizon, it feels wild and peaceful all at once.
So, pack up that car with the children and take a drive over to Erris; it feels like stepping into a quieter, wilder part of Ireland – where life slows down and the landscape takes over. From here, it’s all about simple pleasures: beach swims, local food, friendly faces and that feeling you only get when the mountains meet the sea – absolute bliss.
Travel facts
Prices are based on 2 adults & 2 children sharing and include breakfast – Off season, starting from €180, peak season this goes up to €250. There is an additional charge of €20 per night, for having a dog in the room.
If the hotel is at full capacity(they have many functions on here) there is also an option of a local self-catering apartment on Airbnb called Temerity Vineyard Charming Coastal Apartment. It is near the hotel so you have the best of hotel dining. Suitable for larger families who may need more space for little ones. Prices are €150 per night.
Published in the Irish Daily Mail on 2/8/2025