The draw of Mayo, Sligo, and Roscommon is the astounding number of activities to keep any type of traveler occupied. Tourists seeking open spaces dotted with loughs, stunning coastlines, and quaint towns will be enticed by Mayo. Travelers attempting to uncover the rural poetic muse of Yeats will be drawn to Sligo, while the ever-popular Lough Key Forest Park, for example, in Roscommon would appeal to an outdoorsy type of family.

Croagh Patrick and Coffin Ship Sculpture,County Mayo

Near Westport, Croagh Patrick (www.croagh-patrick.com; known as “the Reek” by the thousands who climb it on the last Sunday in July, called “Reek Sunday”) sits over Clew Bay at 750 meters (2,461 feet). The mountain is not overcrowded during other times of the year. Ireland's pious Saint Patrick fasted here for Lent in 441 for forty days and nights. Only able-bodied hikers ready for the grueling two-hour trek need attempt it. Always come prepared for weather changes and hike with rain gear. The Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre (098 64 114) marks the trailhead. Open daily, April–May, 10 A.M.–6 P.M.; June–August, 10 A.M.–7 P.M.; September–October, 11 A.M.–5 P.M. Call or e-mail for November–March hours.

Doo Lough Valley, County Mayo

Better experienced than described, the Doo Lough Valley is akin to Glendalough (County Wicklow) for its absolute splendor. Spreading out from the R335 between Westport and Leenane and east of the Mweelrea Mountains, the Doo Lough (Black Lake) Pass has its own sorrowful tale. Known as the “Famine Walk,” over 200 souls perished on the roundtrip journey between Loisburgh and Delphi after being denied food from their landlord. The picturesque valley is most assuredly worth a slow drive, as is staying in Delphi (County Galway) a day or two to salmon fish and explore the lake's environs.

Mayo's Islands: Achill, Clare, and Inishturk

With its broad west side overlooking the Atlantic, County Mayo has three superb islands beckoning exploration. The first, Achill Island (An Caol, www.achill-island.com) is actually connected to the mainland via a bridge. With a far-removed feeling similar to the Dingle Peninsula (County Kerry), the island boasts five Blue Flag beaches, along with an array of mountains and staggering cliffs. A visit to the Deserted Village at Slievemore containing empty stone cottages and a graveyard are a showcase to the hard times of west Ireland's past. Keep an eye out for the various works of famed painter Robert Henri, who lived on the island and shared his work with the locals. Paintings appear in guesthouses, restaurants, and petrol stations. The Achill Tourism website (www.achilltourism.com) offers insight into the island's events, festivals, and accommodations.

Clare Island (www.clareisland.info) is an ideal spot in Clew Bay for walking and rambling. Mount Knockmore sits perched in the center of the isle, rising to 460 meters (1,510 feet). The Cistercian abbey and Grace O'Malley's castle are monumental hotspots. A Yoga Retreat Center (98 25 412, www.yogaretreats.ie) promotes stretching your visit to the island for healing, rest, and relaxation.

Ferries depart Roonagh Quay, west of Louisbourgh, and take about fifteen minutes one way. For daily departures visit the Clare Island Ferry Company (086 851 5003, www.clareislandferry.com) or O'Malley Ferries (098 25 045 or 086 600 0204, www.omalleyferries.com).

Inishturk Island (www.inishturkisland.com) is the island of choice for travelers seeking true solitude. In the off-peak season, you might be the only one on the “Wild Boar Island.” Exploring the back roads and visiting the bird sanctuaries along its cliffs make a fascinating day. Fishing and scuba diving are available in summer. Located just about 15km (9 miles) off of Mayo's coast, ferries depart from Roonagh Quay at 11:00 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. Contact the Inishturk Ferry (098 45 541 or 086 202 9670, patrickheanue@ vodaphone.ie) for details. Private hire available.

C éide Fields, County Mayo

The collection of unearthed 5,000-year-old stone walls of C éide Fields are an archaeological dream. Discovered by Patrick Caulfield and later examined by his archaeologist son Seamus, the place has become one of the world's foremost preserved Stone Age discoveries (all thanks to the bog). On site are megalithic tombs, houses, and various remnants that open a window into ancient days. To get the most out of a visit, take a guided tour from the well-designed Visitor Centre (096 43 325). Located off the R314 west of Ballycastle. Open daily: mid-March–May and November–October, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; June–September, 10 A.M.–6 P.M. Admission 2.50/3.50.

Driving Yeats Country, County Sligo

With Lough Gill at its center, a drive, bike, or walk around Yeats Country will bring you close to the poet's pastoral muse. With hiking trails circumnavigating the entire lake and grounds, packing a picnic lunch and heading out for a few hours makes a splendid outing.

From the N4, turn right onto the R287 until arriving at Don-ney Rock. Park the car and take the somewhat vertiginous trail down to the Dooney Rock lookout to enjoy the beautiful and awe-inspiring panoramas of the lake. Trails also extend out from this point.

Rounding pass Innisfree and onto the R288, Parke's Castle (071 916 4149, open daily, mid-March–October, 10 A.M.–6 P.M. Admission 2/3) is actually in County Leitrum. The fortified manor was built in 1609 for Englishman Robert Parke. It has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.

The R288 becomes the R286, which takes you up the N16 and continues up to beautiful Lough Glencar with its waterfall, accessible from a path. The small road continues around Glencar's northern edge to the N15.

Overlooking Drumcliff Bay is the former home of the Gore-Booth family, the Lissadell House and Gardens (071 916 3150, www.lissadellhouse.com). Yeats, a close friend of the family, spent many a night in this massive manor and even depicted the famous Gore-Booth sisters in poetic verse. The family is revered here for their willingness to help the Irish locals during the Great Famine. Additionally, it is the birthplace of Constance Markievicz, who was elected to the British House of Commons. Tours available. Open daily, 10:30 A.M.–6:00 P.M.; October–mid-March, 10:30 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Admission to House and Gardens 6/12.

Farther along is W. B. Yeats's grave in the Drumcliff churchyard off of the N15 toward Donegal, which includes a notable high cross and monastic ruins. A pint (and a good meal) in honor of the great poet can be had at the Yeats Tavern (071 916 3117) on Bridge Street.

Rambling up Knocknarea and Ben Bulben

For climbers, the 328 meter (1,074-foot) Knocknarea (Cnoc na Rí) to the west of Sligo Town awaits the fit for a one-hour workout. The pinnacle affords views of Ben Bulben and Rosses Point. Continuing north on the N15, the mighty 526-meter (1,726-foot) Ben Bulben (Binn Ghulbain) is a large glacier-etched rock formation jutting abruptly into the sky. A view from its upper vantage point (on a clear day) is in all likelihood the best-kept vista in Ireland.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery,County Sligo

The timeless allure of cemeteries, cairns, dolmens, and tombs come to life with a visit to the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (071 916 1534). The site is Ireland's largest Stone Age cemetery and Europe's second biggest. While some of the ruins date back nearly 5,000 years, the stone rings and passage tombs once numbered in the hundreds. A discovery at the end of the 1990s unearthed a grave that was later carbon tested at over 7,000 years old. All of this and more is handsomely presented and detailed in the visitor center. Guided tours available. Located outside Carrow-more toward Church Hill. Open daily, 9:30 A.M.–6:30 P.M. Closed October–April. Admission 2/3.

Eagles Flying Irish Raptor ResearchCenter, County Sligo

A cool activity for any type of traveler, the Eagles Flying Irish Raptor Research Centre (071 918 9310, www.eaglesflying.com) offers two stupendous birds of prey shows daily. With these trained birds swooping to and fro, the hour-long demonstration is an educational and mesmerizing encounter with close calls for all! Located on the road to Temple House in Portinch, Ballymote. Research Centre open April to early November, daily, 10:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. and 2:30 P.M.–4:30 P.M. Eagles Flying show daily at 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.

Arigna Mining Experience,County Roscommon

Fun for the entire family, the Arigna Mining Experience (071 964 6466, www.arignaminingexperience.ie) was Ireland's last fully functioning coal mine until the 1990s. After closing, locals wanted to keep its memory alive. Exhibitions detailing the mine's history are discussed by ex-miners who make wonderful local guides. Located in north Roscommon in the Arigna Valley. Open daily, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Admission 6/8/10.

Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon

Just near Lough Key and its thirty-two islands is the Lough Key Forest Park (071 966 2363, www.loughkey.ie). Ideal for a family outing; trail walking, monuments, and picnic areas are just some of the appealing attractions. Do not be surprised if you spot deer, hedgehogs, or otters. A twelfth-century abbey sits on Trinity Island; a nineteenth-century castle sits on Castle Island. Rowboats and motorboat rentals are available. Pony trap rides through the park will please the kids. Camping (071 966 2212, May–August) is available, as is an adventure playground and visitor center with various activities.