Our Facilities

Our Farm

Devlin Farm

Richard Mannion runs a small hill farm where he breeds traditional Mayo Blackface sheep, using the same blood lines his grandfather developed in 1925. Close to his heels at any time of day or night are his two border collies, Rocco and Toby who are both essential working dogs and much loved pets. As an ex-scientist, Richard brings a combination of scientific skills and inherited farming know-how to managing his beloved flock.

A chattering flock of free range hens wander around the property, scratching and pecking contentedly in search of seeds and insects. Collecting their warm, brown eggs daily is a popular chore with younger visitors.

In springtime the fields close to the farmhouse are filled with wide-eyed baby lambs, leaping and bouncing for joy as they discover their new world and new friends. Some are pets, who for one reason or another aren’t being fed by their mother and need regular bottle feeding. Taking a turn at feeding these snow white lambs is often a highlight of the holiday for guests at Devlin House and an extra pair of hands is always welcome.

At any time of year farm life is busy with the sheep and managing the land itself. This is challenging hill territory, exposed to the Atlantic and the Mayo Blackface sheep are ideally suited to it. Small, agile and tough they thrive in these conditions. The sheep run free on the hillside commonage shared with other farmers but Richard always knows his own flock. They follow the paths their ancestors trod, always heading for the top of the hill where Richard’s grandfather chose the dryer land for his flock a hundred years ago. That’s living tradition.

For more information about sheep you might like to read this informative blog Veronica wrote.

• Just a twenty-minute drive from our farm stands iconic Croagh Patrick with its sharply defined triangular shape. Known locally as ‘the reek’, this mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for Christians for thousands of years. The main pilgrimage days are the last Sunday in July and the 15th of August. Masses are held on pilgrimage days in the little white church perched on top. It’s a popular climb all year round and some endurance events include it in their route. The view from the top is magnificent taking in all of Clew Bay and the reputed 365 islands. There’s a convenient carpark at the bottom and a couple of local pubs for food and refreshments afterwards. Don’t underestimate this climb, it’s popular but it is challenging and the terrain is very uneven. Wear good boots and bring supplies.
• Take a few minutes to visit lovely Murrisk Abbey just across the road and the poignant National Famine Memorial opposite Croagh Patrick carpark.
• For more experienced climbers, Connacht’s highest mountain Mweelrea is one to tick off the list. It’s not a particularly difficult climb but it must be treated with respect and in poor visibility good navigational skills are essential. It is only suitable for experienced hillwalkers or as part of a guided group. It can be tackled along several routes, the most popular from the southern end of Doolough over the hill to Delphi Mountain Resort which is a full day hike.

Devlin Farm Life is in Mayo but just the other side of Killary Fjord is the famed rugged landscape of Connemara. We would highly recommend a day touring around Connemara at any time of year.

No matter where you decide to go in Connemara (Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Renvyle, Clifden, Roundstone, the Twelve Bens …) you will begin by following one of the loveliest routes in Ireland. The meandering road through the Doolough valley passing beneath the towering mountains of Mweelrea, Sheaffrey and Bengorm with the brooding dark lake alongside the road is truly breath-taking. The road brings you along the Killary Fjord (the only fjord outside Norway) looking across towards the rustic mountain landscape that is Connemara. Past Aashleigh Falls (a lovely stop with a convenient carpark), take a right turn to tiny Leenane Village and the head of the fjord. All of magical, moody, magnificent Connemara now opens out for you. It’s going to be a wonderful day.

Surfing
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an introductory surfing session or a surfer who is in need of some professional guidance, SurfMayo is the perfect surf school for you. One of Irelands leading surf schools for over two decades and is located on Carrowniskey beach. It’s open seven days a week in summer.

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding)
Supping is fun for all the family. It’s easy to learn and everyone can get involved no matter what age they are. Summer SUP and Kayak offer both rental and lessons at Old Head beach near Louisburgh. Go on, give it a go.

Kayaking
Summer SUP and Kayak also offer kayak rental and lessons at Old Head beach. It’s fun and exhilarating.

Louisburgh (10km/15 minute drive)

Louisburgh is our local town, it’s a quaint town located on the Bunowen River on the southwest coast corner of Clew Bay. It’s full of character and retains many attractive 18th century features in style and scale. Louisburgh has a really wonderful location in an area of immense natural beauty with Croagh Patrick to the east, the Atlantic to the west, the Sheaffrey Hills and Mweelrea to the south and Clew Bay to the north.

It’s a charming spot with shops, pubs, chemist, hairdresser, church, and some lovely places to eat, including some of our favourites – Louisburgh 74, Tia, Seven Wanders Cafe and Good Grazing for a takeaway.

Don’t miss the Granuaile Interpretive Centre in the town, where you can learn all about the famous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. This centre is based in the Old Protestant church and is attached to the library. Louisburgh is also home to the innovative community bookshop Books At One.