Mayo

County Mayo in the province of Connacht in western Ireland is some 2,084 square miles in area. It has a long and rocky Atlantic coastline with many inlets and small islands. It contains the largest bog in Ireland, around 200 square miles. It was the focus of property battles between the Gaelic inhabitants and English invaders from the 12th to the 17th century. The county boasts many Neolithic remains, and was the site of the early ministry of the Christian St. Patrick. Ballintober Abbey, founded in 1216, is still in use as a church and monastic ruins are widespread. Captured during the French Revolution, it remained under French control until 1798. To the west and north, the small farms raise mainly cattle, sheep, and pigs. Industries include clothing and woolens manufacture, flour milling, bacon, and toy manufacture. Tourism has grown considerably since the 20th century. The 2003 estimated population was 118,400.