Award winning American travel writer visits Mayo

INFLUENTIAL FIGURE ?Paula Froelich, Editor in Chief of Yahoo Travel.

Award winning American travel writer visits Mayo

Ciara Galvin

EDITOR of the world’s largest travel website and author of a New York Times bestselling novel visited Mayo last week to sample all the county has to offer.

Paula Froelich, Editor in Chief of Yahoo Travel, a travel website which attracts an astounding 700,000 hits a day, travelled to Mayo on a family holiday last week.

Accompanied by her father, uncle and aunt, the author, journalist and travel writer got a chance to experience all things Mayo, from seaweed baths, to the picturesque scenery. 

The Mayo News caught up with the American in Murrisk on Thursday last as she got to grips with a horse, in the shadows of Croagh Patrick.

Turning would-be horse whisperer to her four legged friend, the quick witted Ms Froelich ensured that her noble steed remained placid as they were both pictured against the backdrop of the holy mountain, by jokingly singing to the animal. 

“I love animals, but to do horse riding in this location is really special, outstanding beauty in Clew Bay,” noted the writer, who was fresh from a night experiencing traditional music and craic at Matt Molloy’s Bar. 

Ms Froelich was hosted by Adventure Islands and Destination Westport while she visited Mayo for four days. 

“It’s a fantastic chance to showcase the best of the west and the Wild Atlantic Way,” said CEO of Adventure Islands Ciaran Collins.

When asked what her favourite part of the trip was, the diplomatic writer said ‘all of it’. Pressed for some highlights following a trot out on the impressive looking horse, Ms Froelich said she really enjoyed Westport House and its history, adding that Sheelyn Browne and staff were great.

Local produce

While in the Westport area, the travel writer visited micro breweries, tasted locally produced foods and took a trip to Collanmore Island on Clew Bay. 

Such was the love for the Mayo scenery by Ms Froelich’s family, that her aunt Dee was musing about buying a house in the Yew County, while the writer’s father described the county as ‘a touch of heaven’. 

After soaking in the sunshine in Murrisk, Ms Froelich and her family travelled to the newly- renovated and reopened five star Ashford Castle Hotel in Cong to enjoy some afternoon tea. 

Paula Froelich is the New York Times best-selling author of the novel, ‘Mercury In Retrograde’. She is best known in New York for being the deputy editor of the New York Post’s gossip column, ‘Page Six’ until 2009.