Carrowteige Head 156

Ballycastle

R314

R314

Carrowmore

R313 R313

R315 Bangor Inishkea N59 364 y n Wa ter Ballina es R Maumykelly W iv e r

M

R312 o B y a n g o 721 r T N59 r Benwee Head a 600

Blacksod Bay il

500 N26

400

300 R315 INITIATIVE A 200 156 100

Ballycroy 627 Visitor Centre Bunaveela Excellence of Destination European A Beg Lough 672Ballycastle 311 Nephin 806 Lough NATIONAL 700 R314 Conn 600 E 500 PARK Glennamong 400 Lough Keel G 300 Belmullet 688 Acorrymore Bunacurry 628 200 Lough ANNAGH N 3 100 A 698 R314 R Achill Head R319 Keel Birreencorragh G W

100 714 Pontoon E e 300

6 200 400 500 s Lough 600

ACHILL B t R313 e All For Suitable Walks

R313 SOUND r Cullin

n N26

G

466 N 588

r I Lough W R319 e Feeagh

H Stunning of Collection A a P a t y E N58 1 W Buckoogh R315 N / 452 e Claggan B s t a e n

r g Knockletraghn Beltra Bangor o Lough r G

r Mulranny T e 4 r e European Destination of Excellence a n i w 6 l Bellacorick a y R317 Furnace R310 Inishkea Lough

N59 Crossmolina 500 364 524 Way 400 ern 6 st Ballina Maumykelly e 300 R W iv 2 Rockfleet R312 e Corraun Hill 200 r St Brendens N5

M Castle Abbey Newport R312 o 5 Well B Slieve Carr y a n Kildownet 100 g o 721 r N59 T Castle Church ra 600 il W y N26 a e 500 s 400 w t 300 e 200 R315 n e r 100 Island n R311 e r W Ballycroy G 627 a n Bunaveela y Visitor Centre Lough r Slievemore e 311 t 672 Nephin s e 806 Lough W NATIONAL 700 Conn t N59 600 a E 500 Glennamong e 400 PARK r Lough Keel INISHBIGGLE G 300 N60 688 628 200 Acorrymore Bunacurry G Lough ANNAGH N 3 100 Croaghaun ISLAND A 698 R Achill Head R319 Keel Birreencorragh N5

G W N84 100 714 Pontoon 1 E e Foxford 300

6 200 400 500 s Lough 600

ACHILL B t e

SOUND r Cullin

n N26 G

466 N 588 r I Lough W R319 e H Feeagh a Westport a P t y E N58 1 W Buckoogh N / 452 e Claggan Mountain B s t a e n

r g Knockletraghn Beltra o Lough Achill Island r G

r Mulranny T e 4 r e European Destination of Excellence a R330 n i w 6 l a y ClareR317 Island R335 Furnace R310 Lough 524 500 6 400 Louisburgh 300 2 Rockfleet Burrishoole R312 Corraun Hill 200 St Brendens N5 5 Well Castle Abbey Newport Kildownet 100 Castle Church 600 500 764 W 400 y a e 300 s Achillbeg w t n e 200 e r W y Island n R311 estern Wa e r W 100 G Castlebar

a n r y e t s N59 e

W

t N59 a

e r N60

G Clew Bay N5 1 N84 Westport

R330 R335 Louisburgh

Croagh PatrickInishturk R335 600 500 764

400 300 Walking & Cycling Trails Getting to Mulranny 200 Weste n Way r N84 MAYO CO 100 N59

GreatDoo Western Lough 600 Greenway762 To Mulranny from

500 400 300 200 Knock Airport: 1 hour 28 min EXPERIENCE WALKING WALKING IN MAYO 700 Mulranny Loop 100 500 600

400 : 90 min Westport: 25 min 300 100 803

200 700 Letterkeen LoopBen Creggan Castlebar: 30 min 100 300 200 MULRANNY R335 Inishbofin 400 500 Lough N84 K By Air Mask IL Lettermaghera Loop700 Belfast LA 600 762 R West Airport Knock Lough West Mayo is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and beautiful walking destinations. 500 Y 673 400 300 Sheeffry Hills H Sligo 200 A Mask 700 100 RClewB Bay Coastal Walk 500 600 Mulranny 400 O 300 100 803 200 U By Rail It offers not only wild mountain scenery but also dramatic coastal walks and seascapes. Knock 700 Ben Creggan R 600 100 300 200 500 Inishbofin 400 Mweelrea Mountains 500 Lough Achill Cycle Hub & Achill Spur Train to Westport or Castlebar Lough Fee 400 300 MAYO K 700 Mask 200 IL Maumtrasna 100 LA Lough R334 RY 673 IRELAND H Ben Gorm Mask The vast Nephin Mountain Range and iconic seascape of Clew Bay, with its drowned A R BO Ballinrobe U R 600 500 400 500 300 Galway Lough Fee 400 300 200 Lough Nafooey Leenaun 200 100 R334 drumlin , provide spectacular views and ever changing hues. Mayo is a county Dublin 100 Easy/Moderate Length: 42km Mulranny to Newport (18km) 500 400 R336 300 Lough Nafooey Kylemore Lough 200 N59 of great geographical contrasts, offering walkers a quality of terrain that few places 100 Cycling Time: 2 to 2.5 Hours Shannon Kylemore Lough R336 Achill to Mulranny (13km) Cleggan N59 Maumturk Mountains Walking Time: 5 to 5.5 Hours 100 100 Maumturk Mountains Cycling Time: 1 to 1.5200 Hours 100 100 200 200 300 200 300 400 can compete with… 400 500 500 300 300 600 Walking Time: 2 to 6002.5 Hours Newport to Westport (11km) The Twelve Pins400 Cong 500 667 The Twelve Pins400 Cong 600 500 667 654 725 600 Cycling Time: 1 to 1.5 Hours Cork Rosslare Harbour 654 725 Walking Time: 3 to 3.5 Hours Clifden Clifden

Erris Loop Achill Island Clew Bay Coastal Walk (Guided) Erris Head Loop Achill Island Take to the Hills

Clew Bay is one of Ireland’s most iconic seascapes and a The is bounded by the Atlantic and the Achill Island stands strong in the . Looking out The Nephin Beg Mountain range dominates the landscape in “must see” for any visitor. Discover Mulranny’s sand islands of Inishkea, and More to the west. over the sea with the breeze in your face, nothing invigorates North West Mayo. It offers some of the best Hillwalking Mulranny , one of ’s rarest habitats – dynamic landforms The peninsula is one of the most remote areas of Ireland and is like a visit to the largest island off Ireland. Achill has glorious opportunities anywhere in Ireland. This relatively undiscovered MAYO renowned for their variety of wild flowers, they feature a characterised by spectacular scenery and unspoilt natural amenities. scenery, spectacular drives and walks and beautiful . mountain range contains five iconic hikes for the experienced IRELAND variety of habitats including , , mudflat and Atlantic Visitors will find an easy-going, traditional lifestyle intact. With its Atlantic location, five Blue Flag beaches and breathtaking hillwalker. Nephin itself is a towering mountain of some 806 . Rosmurrevagh is a fine example and home to rare Erris is a area and the is still practiced. mountain landscapes, Achill provides an unrivalled arena for metres and the views from the top are impressive. On a clear species of fungi, moths and curious beetles. outdoor activities and watersports for all types. day in Donegal is visible. Nearby Bireencorragh Grade: Moderate Length: 5km – The walk takes 1½ – 2 hours Explore the Islands Horseshoe is a tough but very rewarding circuit. It rises to 698 Historic sites on the route include a Celtic Midden, a Killeen, Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, water & snacks. There are lots of walking options on Achill from easy loop metres with a Bronze Age burial site at the top. Mayo’s offshore islands are a paradise for walkers - windswept Gairí Beagh Na bPáistí, (the Children’s small garden), a fairy walks to challenging mountains... There are no fewer than 13 hills of blanket , towering cliffs and pristine sandy shores. fort Blea Na Shee, (the curve of the fairies) a fine lime kiln self guided loop walks graded from easy and suitable for all Glendahork Horseshoe (714m) is one of Ireland’s finest high These small dollops of land offer a remarkable variety of trails and the magnificent single arch Washing Pool Bridge. Rosturk the family to those that are not for the faint hearted! For those level circuits. Nephin Beg (627m) and Slieve Carr (541m) are from short looped walks and strolls to lengthy hikes that will takes you deeper into the bay offering exceptional views of Carrowteige/ looking for a mountain challenge choose from a number of more remote but well worth the hike into the north Mayo really blast away the cobwebs. Along the way, you’ll be treated Clew Bay’s drowned drumlins, a beautiful legacy of the last stunning routes on Slievemore or Croaghan. wilderness and . to dramatic scenery, undisturbed nature and a huge collection of Ice Age. You can walk past the historic Rosturk Castle and Ceathrú Thaidhg Loops Nearby Achill Island & the Corraun Peninsula have some of the fascinating historical treasures. Drive onto Achill Island or hop the guides offer a unique opportunity to access the once “The finest sustained coastal walk in western Ireland, with a best high level hikes with Croaghaun (688m) and Slievemore on a ferry and discover Clare Island, Inishturk, Inishbiggle or inhabited island of Moynish Mór. profusion of precipitous cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands (672m) as two examples with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean. the beautiful . Route 5 Grade: Moderate Length: 19km – The walk along the remote North Mayo .” – Lonely Planet. Further south there’s the iconic Croagh Patrick that rises 764 takes 5 – 5½ hours Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, The three Carrowteige loop walks are amongst the best coastal metres into the sky above Mayo. The tradition of pilgrimage water & snacks. walking trails anywhere in Ireland. Taking the walker from to this holy mountain stretches back over 5,000 years from the Other Guided walks can be organised through Carrowteige village onto a section of the dramatic North Mayo Stone Age to the present day without interruption. Magnificent A Mulranny Tourism initiative www.mulrannywalking.com and the Mulranny Park Hotel. coast that includes breathtaking sea cliffs and lovely sandy beaches. views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside The Bangor Trail is a way marked trail linking the town of Newport From the trailhead follow the blue arrows for the Children of Lir are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. For further information please contact in mid west Mayo with the town of in Erris, North loop (10km), the red arrows are for the Black Ditch Loop, (13km), At 750 metres it is one of the highest peaks in the West of Ireland. www.mulranny.ie Mayo. It is a fascinating and wonderful trail, full of history and the green arrows follow a shorter loop. www.mulrannyparkhotel.ie Mweelrea is the highest mountain in both Mayo and Connaught. dating from a time when the vast swathes of North-West Mayo www.greenway.ie Experienced Walking Guides Please be aware that the cliff edge is unfenced, so keep dogs and Standing at 814 meters the peak offers panoramic and dramatic were not yet reached by road. It meanders through the Nephin www.discoverireland.ie kids under strict control. Don’t miss the view over Tráigh Na views of surrounding mountains such as the Sheeffry Hills, the Beg mountains and makes for a great day’s walking. Not always There are a number of very knowledgeable experienced bhFothantaí Dubha from Black Ditch path and the view of Stags Twelve Pins, Croagh Patrick with the backdrop of the Atlantic the smoothest or driest terrain but you will enjoy great views across walking guides in Mayo. Using a walking guide on any of Broadhaven from cliffs near the Children of Lir monument. Ocean, and some of Mayo’s finest beaches. With the , mountains, coastline and plantation forests of north Mayo. walk will change the way you look at the living landscape. all these wonders on offer you’ll not be surprised to learn that these Find more information on walking guides at Grade: Moderate Length: Varies – The walk takes 2½ – 3 hours Grade: Moderate to hard Length: 29km – The walk takes approx vistas are not given lightly but are earned. Not for the faint hearted! www.mulranny.ie Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, water & snacks. 8 hours Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, water, snacks, As with all hikes they require a guide and demand good levels of map, compass, fully charged mobile phone & emergency bag. Funded by South West Mayo Development Company under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013, fitness, experience, water, food and appropriate gear. Irish Government National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 Maoinithe ag Comhlacht Forbartha Iar-dheisceart Mhaigh Eo faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe 2007 – 2013, Carrowteige Loop Rialtas na h-Éireann Plean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007 – 2013 WALKING FROM This walking brochure gives a taster for the walks available in Co Mayo. We are surrounded by some of the best walks in MULRANNY CO MAYO Ireland including the Burrishoole Loop series of walks which is one of the most The beautiful seaside village of Mulranny is a walkers haven. comprehensive networks of Fáilte Ireland Located 25 minutes from Westport and 15 minutes from both approved walks anywhere in the country. Achill Island and Ballycroy National Park, It’s just waiting for you to explore… it is the ideal base for walking in Mayo. All walking networks depend upon the goodwill of a variety of local stakeholders CYCLING including landowners, local businesses and communities. Please respect the Within Mayo, there is a feast of great cycling options through a series of scenic routes. There are country roads leading to property, the rights and the needs of each seaside coves and to mountain tops. The variety of scenery is of these groups especially as most of these almost endless: Islands, lowlands with rural villages and towns, castles, historic sites and parks to visit; highlands with fantastic walks depend upon permissive access scenery; and the stunning Atlantic coastline. Rich in breathtaking from landowners. Close gates behind you, scenery, the area has been referred to as the cyclist’s paradise. take your litter with you and don’t bring The choices of terrain on offer range from hill-climbs to flatland your dog as you may travel on working so a trip may be planned which will tax the seasoned cyclist’s ability or alternatively will make for a holiday of gentle exercise. farmland. So why not hire a bike or bring your own and explore many of the Mayo Greenways, Cycle ways and Cycle hubs.

Within Mayo, there is a feast of great cycling options through a series of scenic routes. There are country roads leading to seaside coves and to mountain tops. The variety of scenery is almost endless: Islands, lowlands with rural villages and towns, castles, historic sites and parks to visit; highlands with fantastic Mulranny & the Great Western Greenway have been designated a scenery; and the stunning Atlantic coastline. Rich in breathtaking European Destination of Excellence. The award recognises the outstanding locally scenery, the area has been referred to as the cyclist’s paradise. driven achievements, including the opening of the great Western Greenway, the Route 6 sensitive restoration of the stunning Mulranny Park Hotel and the regeneration of Mulranny’s Victorian Causeway and Look Out Hill walks. Combined with a truly spectacular location these developments enhance an already remarkable place.

ECOTOURISM “I visited Mulranny as part of a tour around all the EDEN award-winning destinations in Ireland… These are small regions which have been awarded the EU’s European Destination of Excellence Award for sustainable tourism practices. A long time ago, the railway brought this community together and now the Greenway plays that role linking cyclists with canoeists, walkers with wildlife photographers and sailors with surfers. Although it is the extraordinary achievement of the Great Western Greenway that most people are hearing about, what they don’t discover until they get here is the whole web of The Local Environment wonders which weave out from the Greenway. Electric bike Clew Bay is one of the most spectacular seascapes in Europe. Great Western Greenway Mulranny Loop - Lookout Hill Letterkeen Loop Lettermaghera Loop tours along the Bangor Trail, catamaran on Bellacragher The descent of its drumlins into the Atlantic Ocean is marked, Bay, a plethora of loop walks straight out of the Mulranny Mulranny & the Great Western Greenway is a designated Based in the village of Mulranny this is a walk of stunning beauty The Letterkeen Loop takes in a hidden area of outstanding This walk starts at the Deradda Community Centre and takes a first by an array of peninsulas and then an archipelago of Park Hotel and then Achill Island at the end of it which, when European Destination of Excellence. They are a jewel in the and immense diversity. Such is the biodiversity here that you natural beauty, rugged landscape and coniferous forest. Set in meandering route through Burrishoole’s “lake district” with the drowned drumlin islands and inlets stretching out into the you cycle around it, is like saving the icing on the cake until last. county of Mayo. enter three different European designated areas of conservation the remote out-back of the Nephin Mountains, unspoilt bog as a stunning backdrop. Along the route you bay. This delicate ice sculpted landscape is a haven for otters Having met a lot of the tourism providers who have come together and Ireland’s largest National Park. On the way visit Ireland’s and mountain stretches as far as the eye can see. This way marked can visit the famous “ Leap” at Lough Furnace, part of and seals, seabirds and wild flowers, a panoramic vista of The Great Western Greenway follows the old railway line in vital networks to make this web accessible and attractive, only stand of Mediterranean heather, woodland, beaches, rare walk is made up of mountain track, a somewhat challenging Europe’s oldest salmon research centre. Here you can enjoy unparalleled beauty. from Westport to Achill Island. On opening in 1895 it was I was bowled over by the community-driven commitment Machair dunes, Atlantic salt marsh and traverse Trawoughter scramble across deforested bog land and mountainous terrain. the beautiful sight of different kinds of fish swimming in the known as one of the most scenic railways journeys in to sustainable tourism in Mulranny, and consequently would Mulranny commands a superb view over the bay and its Bay along Mulranny’s unique causeway. The route features Hike here and you’ll see that bogs can be beautiful. On a sunny water. You then join a bog road crossing the lower slopes of the western Europe. The railway line operated until 1937. happily cite it as a top model of ethical and sustainable tourism” Machair sand dunes, which provide a safe idyllic platform to elevated views of the dramatic deep sided Bellacragher Bay and day in July, the views take on an almost hallucinogenic hue: the Bengorm Mountains, which offers splendid views across Clew Today the line with its many fine engineering structures explore the terrestrial and inter-tidal reaches of the bay. to the south the stunning spectacle of Clew Bay and its drowned bogs burn shocking pink and acid green. The route circles Bay and its islands. The route turns south again passing through – Catherine Mack and breathtaking scenery has been given a new lease of life The dunes are one of Europe’s rarest and most bio-diverse drumlin islands set against the majestic Croagh Patrick. back to the bothy via a stretch of the , following Burrishoole’s “lake district” and crossing the new Great Western Travel writer specialising in responsible and ecotourism and is a fitting reminder of the glorious railway era. habitats and a unique attraction of Co Mayo. another rugged riverside. Greenway until you are back at the Community Centre. The Greenway is the first of its kind in Ireland and is the Route 2 Grade: Moderate Length: 5½km – The walk A multi media presentation is available in the Mulranny longest off road walk and cycle trail in the country. takes 2½ hours Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, walking Route 3 Grade: Hard Length: 10km – The walk takes 4 hours Route 4 Grade: Easy Length: 7km – The walk takes 2½ hours Tourist Office which gives an insight into the local stick, binoculars, water & snacks. Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, water and snacks. Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, water & snacks. environment and our fascinating history. Route 1 Grade: Easy Length: 42km – The walk takes 10-11½ hours Recommended: Boots, waterproofs, walking stick, binoculars, water & snacks.

This is an Outdoor Ethics Programme designed to promote and inspire responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Last Stronghold of the Old Irish Goat The Seven Principles of Leave no Trace are: • Plan ahead and prepare Mulranny’s Old Irish Goats are colourful characters. The • Be considerate of others males in particular are impressive animals, a veritable melting • Respect farm animals and wildlife pot of all things masculine – long hair, quiffs, beards and side- • Travel on durable ground burns, not to mention their impressive horns. The females • Leave what you find have a more delicate frame and a matriarchal role, their lineage • Dispose of waste properly is the social thread of the herd. Collectively these attributes make • Minimise the effects of fire them a fascinating part of our natural heritage. Mayo is now the last stronghold of the Old Irish Goat, and although elusive, Practice a Leave no Trace ethic and make it hard for others they are still regularly seen on the foothills around Mulranny. to see or hear you.