Leisure Activities in Castlebar in Co. Mayo
Walking & Cycling
Leisure Walking is fast becoming one of the most popular outdoor pursuits in Ireland and Mayo has become the epicentre for walking enthusiasts. There are a number of scenic routes which are easliy acessible from the town of Castlebar. Visitors to Castlabar can take in some Heritage along one of the Walking routes as the Castlebar Heritage Trail passes through soome of the historic sites in Mayo’s county town.
Cycling is another sport and leisure activity which has enjoyed phenomenal growth over the recent past. The Castlebar Cycling Club welcomes new members who want to avail of the extensive knowledge of the local cycling network. The Castlebar Club can cater for all ages and can tailor a route to suit your needs. The Great Western Greenway is located west of Castlebar and is the longest off-road Cycling/Walking route in Ireland.
Golf
Castlebar Golf Club is home to a beautiful designed 18-Hole course. In 2010, Castlebar GC hosted the All-Ireland Cups & Shields National Finals and the was voted the Best Presented Course in Connacht in 2004 and 2010. Castlebar Golf Club is situated at Rocklands in Castlebar and is open all-year round. Just a short drive from Castlebar are the Championship Courses at Westport and Ballinrobe, while Claremorris GC is also located close to Castlebar.
Angling
County Mayo is one of the premier destinations for inland Angling in Ireland and offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Situated close to the town centre of Castlebar, Lough Lannagh is stocked with Brown Trout. The lake has being redeveloped in recent years and now incorporates a beautiful park and playground. Lough Bilberry is located close to Castlebar and also offers good Trout fishing.
There are a range of other lakes situated in County Mayo such as Lough Conn and Lough Cullin in Pontoon, Clogher Lough near Westport and the Callow Lakes which are located between Swinford and Foxford. There are a number of rivers in this area which also produce Brown Trout and Salmon. The Castlebar River which originates in the Castlebar lakes offers good Trout fishing throughout the season. The nearby Manulla River contains many ridge pools which are rich with Brown Trout while the Clydagh River offers good Salmon fishing in the spring season.
Elsewhere in Mayo, the River Moy in the North-east of the County is renowned all over the world for its stock of wild salmon. Sea Angling is available along Clew Bay, with departures from Westport, Newport and Achill Island.
Horse riding
One of the most enjoyable ways to take in the beautiful scenery around County Mayo is by trekking on Horseback through the hills and mountains which dominate the rolling countryside. Carrowholly Stables in Westport have a range of treks to suit experienced riders and novices. There are also equestrian centres located in Turlough, Knockmore, Newport and Bohola.
Swimming pool
A new Castlebar swimming pool opened in April 2019.
The facility is composed of a 25 competitive swimming pool with eight lanes, a toddler learning pool, gym, aerobics studio, steam room and sauna, dressing room facilities and general purpose rooms.
From most of the rooms stunning views of Lough Lannagh and Croagh Patrick can be admired.
Indoor Leisure Pursuits
There are also indoor leisure facilties available in the town of Castlebar. Mayo Leisure Point, which is located in Moneen in Castlebar, caters for a wide range of indoor pursuits. 10-Pin bowling is one of the many sports which is popular at Mayo Leisure Point, with 8 lanes to choose from at the facility.
Group bookings for Birthday Parties and Family Outings are available at the Bowling Arena which is open from 10am - 10pm Monday - Saturday and 12pm - 8pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Other sports that are available at Mayo Leisure Point include Snooker and Pool, while Kachina offers an extensive range of Holistic Health and Beauty Treatments.
For avid cinema goers, Mayo Movieworld is situated adjacent to the Leisure Point.