Mayo

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County of the Republic of Ireland, in the province of Connacht; county town Castlebar; area 5,400 sq km/2,084 sq mi; population (2002) 117,450. Its wild Atlantic coastline is about 400 km/249 mi long. The principal towns are Ballina, Ballinrobe, and Westport, and the principal rivers are the Moy, the Robe, and the Owenmore. Loughs Conn and Mask lie within the county. Agriculture includes pig, sheep, and cattle farming, and salmon fishing (particularly in the River Moy). The soil of the central plain is fertile, and crops include potatoes and oats. An excellent marble is found in the northwest district.

Two of Ireland's national places of pilgrimage are situated in County Mayo: Croagh Patrick (765 m/2,510 ft), where St Patrick spent the 40 days of Lent in AD 441; and Knock, the site of alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary. There are several ecclesiastical remains and early fortifications. The county has a number of important archaeological sites, the most significant of which is Céide Fields, an extensive Neolithic site with evidence of field systems and dwellings, 10 sq km/4 sq mi in extent.

The arms show a Bible open at the Gospel of St John, a Trinitarian symbol. The white cross symbolizes faith. The arms appear on national and state flags. Effective date: 14 September 1863. >>