Road Trip on the Border

Tyrone and Fermanagh in the province of Ulster, and Sligo and Mayo in the province of Connacht are places knitted together by geography, landscape and enduring traditions.

The drive from Dungannon in Tyrone to Westport in Mayo offers a thrilling glimpse of Ireland’s small villages and towns, of the daily rhythms of the people who live there and discovering hidden gems along the way. The 145 mile trip on the A4 to the N5 takes about 3 ½ hours, but this is a route you want to savor, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

In Dungannon, visit Hill of The O’Neill, an ancient heritage site where the O’Neill dynasty, perhaps one of the greatest of the Irish clans, ruled for more than 300 years, and the panoramic view from the hilltop displays most of Ulster province. Get a map of the Dungannon Heritage Trail to see more highlights of this historical town.

Next stop on the A4 is Ballygawley, where the US Grant Ancestral Homestead marks the place where U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant’s great grandfather lived before emigrating to America.

Enniskillen is the largest town in Co. Fermanagh. Nestled on a small island separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, the town is at the epicenter of natural beauty and storied history. Visit 15th century Enniskillen Castle and take a leisurely 5k bike ride to Coole Castle. Back in the town center, stop by the Buttermarket and enjoy the artisan shops, galleries and cafes.

The A4 becomes the N16 when you cross the border from Northern Ireland to Ireland and head for Sligo, a coastal town straddling the Garavogue River and Sligo Bay. Sligo is known as Yeats Country, in tribute to Ireland’s Nobel Prize poet William Butler Years who is buried just five minutes from Ben Bulben Mountain at Drumcliffe Cemetery. Nearby, you’ll find some of the best surfing on the west coast of Ireland.

The N16 becomes the N5 as you proceed south. Near Ballysadare Village is beautiful Lough Gill, where the Isle of Innisfree inspired Yeats to write one of his greatest poems.

Crossing from Sligo into Mayo, stop in Charlestown, known as the Crossroads of the West, just five minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock. Then its onto Castlebar, the largest town in Mayo. Visit the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, set on 35 lush acres of parkland.

Final stop on the trip is Westport, Co. Mayo, one of the amazing treasures along the Wild Atlantic Way. With stunning natural beauty, historic castles and mansions and beautiful walking trails, Westport invites you to linger. Top off your trip by checking out Matt Molloy’s Pub, run by renowned flutist Matt Molloy of the Chieftains and Bothy Band.

ireland.com