Day 14 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - MAYO
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Mayo: Mountains, Monks & Mayo Magic
What’s the story, Mayo?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, pedaling into the land of legends with Guinness Zero in my bottle cage and a wind so strong it nearly gave me a new hairstyle. I’m cycling across Ireland to raise awareness for Jigsaw, the charity helping young people mind their mental health—and Mayo? You’ve got wild beauty, rebel roots, and more sheep than sense (in the best way possible).
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🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the madness, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
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🏞️ First Impressions: Mayo’s Wild Swagger
I rolled into Mayo with the Atlantic roaring beside me and the Nephin Beg Range looming like ancient giants. First stop? Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain. I didn’t climb it barefoot like the pilgrims, but I did give it a respectful nod and a stretch.
Then I hit Achill Island, where the cliffs are dramatic, the beaches are pristine, and the sheep have serious road rage. I cycled past Keem Bay, and I swear it looked like a Caribbean postcard—if the Caribbean had Irish weather and a chance of hail.
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😂 Funny Mayo Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
- Mayo has more coastline than any other county in Ireland. That’s a lot of sea spray and scenic selfies.
- The town of Ballina is twinned with Scranton, Pennsylvania—home of The Office. So technically, Mayo and Michael Scott are cousins.
- Knock Shrine is one of the world’s leading Marian pilgrimage sites. I popped in and felt instantly calm—like holy WiFi.
- The Greenway from Westport to Achill is 42km of pure cycling bliss. I did it with a grin and a few snack breaks.
- Grace O’Malley, the pirate queen, ruled these waters. I didn’t see her ghost, but I did feel like I was being watched by a seagull with leadership energy.
- Mayo GAA fans are famously loyal. I met a man who said, “We’ll win Sam someday—even if it’s in the afterlife.”
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🎶 Trad, Turf & Timeless Vibes
Mayo’s got rhythm in its roots. I stopped in Westport, where the pubs are packed with fiddles, flutes, and fierce footwork. I joined a session and tried to keep up on the bodhrán. I was offbeat, but the locals clapped anyway. Legends.
Then I wandered through Castlebar, where the streets hum with history and the coffee hits different.
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🗣️ Chatting with Mayo Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Tom who swears he once saw a UFO over Belmullet. I asked what it looked like. He said, “Like a tractor with ambition.”
I met a woman who runs a wool shop and makes scarves inspired by bog patterns. I bought one. It’s now my official cycling neckwear.
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Mayo’s Soul
The roads here are rugged, remote, and ridiculously scenic. I passed through Mulranny, Louisburgh, and Killala, where every bend brought a new view and a new reason to pause. Mayo’s got layers, and I was loving every one.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Mayo’s Quiet Power
Mayo doesn’t shout—it whispers. I sat by Lough Conn, sipping my Guinness Zero, watching the water ripple like it was telling secrets. That’s the kind of peace Jigsaw wants every young person to find.
If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not broken. You’re human. And there’s help.
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🛏️ Mayo Hospitality: A Random B&B with Bogside Warmth
I stayed in a cozy little B&B tucked into the hills. The kind of place where the tea’s strong, the welcome’s stronger, and the host gives you directions with a side of folklore. I asked how to get to Croagh Patrick and got a full itinerary, a weather forecast, and a story about their cousin who once met Daniel O’Donnell in a petrol station.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Mayo, you’ve been magic. From pirate queens to pilgrim peaks, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s untamed soul.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or shouted “Go on ya legend!”—thank you. To the sheep who blocked my path and refused to move—respect. To the county itself—keep roaring.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
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💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
