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The Great Western Greenway, 42km from Westport to Achill, is one of the best walks in Mayo. Pic: Bord Failte

Walking in Mayo

Of the many the things to do in Mayo, walking is one of the most popular, and for good reason. The views you’ll get of the planned town and unspoilt countryside are breathtaking, and the invigorating pure sea air direct from the Atlantic is an added bonus.

A huge community effort in recent years has developed a very wide variety of marked trails within easy reach of Westport. Care has been taken to build trails with everyone in mind, from families with children to adventure sports enthusiasts.

The trails range from short strolls around Westport town and on the Westport Greenway to walks on spectacular Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches, loop walks by the sea, in the hills and in the wood and forests around Clew Bay, to the spectacular Great Western Greenway and the more adventurous long-distance walks of the Western Way, Bangor Trail and Tóchar Phádraig.

The Croagh Patrick descent, with its spectacular views of Clew Bay and the islands

Perhaps the most famous of all the walks around Westport is the ascent of Ireland’s Holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, known locally as ‘The Reek’. A pilgrimage mountain since prehistoric times, thousands descend on Westport on Reek Sunday to make the two-hour climb to the summit in the hope of atoning for their sins, many in their bare feet.

For the more adventurous, hill walking in Mayo in the Sheeffry Hills or the Nephin Beg Range, climbing the difficult Mweelrea on Killary Fjord or tackling Nephin, Mayo’s tallest peak, are breathtaking days out.

Westport hotels offer a variety walking holidays catering for fitness fanatics and Sunday strollers. Destination Westport members and partners can help you plan a walking holiday in Ireland to remember, whatever your fitness level.

More information

• Westport Greenway or Old Railway Line Walk
• The Great Western Greenway

Marked loops and trails within easy reach of Westport

• Brackloon Woods
• Tawnyard Forest Trail
• Letterkeen Forest Loops
• Derradda Loops
• Tiernaur Loops
• Mulranny Loops
• Cong Forest Nature Trail

Hill walking

• Croagh Patrick
• The Sheefry Mountains
• Mweelrea
• The Nephin Beg Range
• Nephin

Get even more information on walks all over the county from Mayo Trails and Mayo Walks

Mayo walks on the map