Trip Planner: Europe / Ireland / Western Ireland / Province of Connacht / County Mayo / Louisburgh / Silver Strand / The Lost Valley

The Lost Valley, Louisburgh

4.8

#1 of 11 in Things to do in Louisburgh

Must see · Historic Site · Farm

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The Lost Valley offers a unique window into the cultural heritage of the west of Ireland. Suitable for all ages, pre-booked guided walking tours at a leisurely pace highlight the natural and cultural heritage in the valley. Visitors will experience scenery from pristine sandy beaches to waterfalls and woodlands on the slopes of Mweelrea (the highest mountain in Western Ireland) to unique views of Ireland's only fjord. Because the place was virtually inaccessible until a roadway was built in 1989, it has remained largely untouched since the villagers were evicted and driven out during the great famine of the mid 1800s. The tumbled down walls of their cabins, the multitude of potato plots they left behind, even the stones removed from the rocky soil remain in clusters, exactly as they left them, giving testimony to the hardships they endured. Now an active working sheep farm, the attractions allows visitors to experience life on the farm with pet lamb feeding and a working sheepdog demonstration in season on request. From its striking scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage to its insightful and interactive telling of life on the farm, both past and present, it proves to be an attraction like no other in all of Ireland and provides a uniquely unforgettable immersive experience that enriches all ages. For travelers who use our international travel planner, Louisburgh holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the The Lost Valley and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.

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The Lost Valley reviews

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248 reviews

Google

4.8

By Sasha S

To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. This place took my breath away. The Lost Valley, in my opinion, is the most unique and the most incredible place in all of Mayo Real...

To say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. This place took my breath away. The Lost Valley, in my opinion, is the most unique and the most incredible place in all of Mayo Real... more »
By hogankth

Cannot recommend this tour enough. We were so very lucky to have booked the last tour of the season. A wonderful walk through such a beautiful part of Mayo while being educated on the fascinating...

Cannot recommend this tour enough. We were so very lucky to have booked the last tour of the season. A wonderful walk through such a beautiful part of Mayo while being educated on the fascinating... more »
By ellanaseeb

The Lost Valley is a truly unique experience. The story of the valley is unforgettable and very moving and the landscape will take your breath away. Gerard is an amazing guide! He shares his intimate.... more

The Lost Valley is a truly unique experience. The story of the valley is unforgettable and very moving and the landscape will take your breath away. Gerard is an amazing guide! He shares his intimate.... more »

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By Mona Wheatley

Really worthwhile to take time out for this very enjoyable tour . The scenery is amazing but as Gerard walked us through the centuries of the history of this area and Ireland in general and the plight of the the Irish in the face of famine and subsequent callous evictions under a regime that simply didn’t seem to care, left me feeling very proud to have descended from such resilient people. Amazing delivery of facts & statistics along with very emotional reports from various independent historical reports left all on the tour humbled at what our ancestors had to endure. On a lighter note the interjection of bottle feeding lambs , and an impressive display of their working sheep dog along with other interesting background information of native trees, fairies rings, lone hawthorns, as well as a welcome cup of tea at the end made this experience something I would urge people not to miss.

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By Manon de Zwaan

What a lovely place! Great walk with lots of information about the history and nature. Great views and setting. Definately worth a visit, no matter the weather.

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By Mark Bennett

Amazing experience would thoroughly recommend a visit, spectacular scenery and amazing history. Gerard and his family were so welcoming and friendly. Loved every minute of it.

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By Elaine Dolan

This was such a great tour given by Gerard, really enjoyable and informative. The 3 hours flew by and the scenery is amazing

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By Elizabeth Yorke

My husband and I have travelled the world doing tours of every description along the way . This walking tour is beyond belief . The story of the famine in Ireland told by a farmer and his wife where everything was researched and put together to the highest standards I have ever witnessed. It is a credit to them both and I’m proud to say I have completed this tour. It’s exceptional and my advice is to get in there and do it NOW as when word gets out it’s going to be booked out . The extras they have introduced are phenomenal. Well done Gerard , Maureen and family.

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