About Mayo, The Plain of the Yew Trees

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County Mayo is a region on the west coast of Ireland.

Its name comes from the Irish words "Maigh Eo" meaning "Plain of the yew trees" and originates from the village of Mayo nowadays known as Mayo Abbey.

The total area is 5.586 km2.

It belongs to the Province of Connaght.

It borders on the north with the Atlantic Ocean, on the south with County Galway, on the east with County Roscommon, while the northeast is adjacent to County Sligo.

The population is 130.425 according to the 2016 census.

The largest towns in the county are Castlebar (county town) with a population of 10.852, Ballina 11.086, Westport 6063 and Claremorris with 3412.

The Mayo coat of arms consists of nine yew trees, a Patriarchal Cross and three Passion Crosses and a ship between waves.

The nine yew trees represent the nine historical baronies, four in the northern area (Erris, Burrishoole, Gallon, Tyrawley) and five in the south of the country (Claremorris, Costello, Murrisk, Klimaine and Carra).

The Patriarchal Cross (the cross with two bars) symbolizes the Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam, while the three Passion Crosses represent the other three dioceses in Mayo: Achonry, Killala and Galway-Kilmacduagh-Kilfenora.

The ship between the waves emphasizes the fact Mayo is a maritime country, while the crown with the rose on top symbolizes the apparition of the Virgin and Saints at Knock on 21st August 1879.

The Irish motto completes the coat of arms: "Dia is Muire Linn", God and Mary be with us.

Geography, Nature and Habitats

Mayo, where land meets sea.

Flora and Fauna

There are a huge variety of plants and animals, all together make up the wonderful Mayo landscapes.

History

County Mayo has a rich historical heritage dating from prehistoric times to the present.

Archaeology

In Mayo there is a wealth of archaeological remains amongst the most famous in the world.

Arts and Culture

Mayo's culture and folklore are very interesting. Here you can listen to real Irish traditional music, songs, tales and legends.

Food and Drink

County Mayo possesses the perfect mix of food and drink and can give the right idea of what traditional Irish cuisine can offer visitors.

Genealogy

County Mayo has developed many Family Research Centres in order to provide help with the ancestral research of individuals and families.

Sports

Mayo can offer visitors and holidaymakers a good range of sport to chose from.

Travel

Getting to Mayo is easy with its new transport links and better road infrastructure. Discover how to reach your destination.

People

Mayo has produced many people who have become famous in a variety of fields.

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