I took advantage of the lovely early June weather to travel the Monasteries of the Moy Greenway, the walking and cycling route that will link Ballina and Killala when it’s completed in 2016.
Guide to Loop Walks and Walking Trails in County Mayo
Walking in Mayo comes with a guarantee - magnificent scenery, clean air, and only the soothing sounds of nature to disturb your peace. Mayo walking trails and looped walks cater for everyone. Whether you like to trek for hours over remote and mountainous terrain - or prefer a more leisurely stroll along a well-surfaced trail with more gentle gradients, Mayo has it all for those who enjoy walking while on holiday. There is such a variety of Mayo walks you will never be disappointed. Mayo looped walks take you along white sandy beaches, skirt clifftops with breathtaking views of the North Atlantic, down forest trails, and around by beautiful lakes.
Walking from Killeen to Killadoon
The long drive from Ballina to the south west corner of Mayo where the Mweelrea Mountains slope down to Killary Harbour is always a pleasure as we look forward to the magnificent Atlantic seascapes that await us.
Discovering the charms of Derryhick Lake
Over the years, whenever I passed the roadsign to Derryhick Lake near Pontoon, I made a mental note to check out this secluded lough at some stage.
Walking the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway
I finally got around to walking the Castlebar to Turlough Greenway in mid-April and I wasn’t disappointed by the 7km trail that opens a door to the countryside for walkers and cyclists in Castlebar.
A walk around lovely Lough Lannagh
My regular visits to Castlebar are never complete without a walk around beautiful Lough Lannagh – the urban park and walking trail that is a recreational oasis in the heart of Mayo’s county town.
A walk in Drummin Wood
Drummin Wood near Pontoon has one of the most scenic forest walking trails in Mayo with lake and mountain views to complement the wonderful woodland scenes.
Panoramic views on Ballycastle Loop Walk
Ballycastle, the gateway village to the wonderful, wild wilderness that is North Mayo, has one of the most scenic looped walks in Co Mayo. The Sralagagh Loop Walk is just one of a number of tourist attractions, including the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, and Downpatrick Head blowhole, that are conveniently located near the pretty seaside village of […]
An afternoon in Enniscoe House and Country Estate
I have been regular visitor to Enniscoe House and Country Estate near Crossmolina for many years and it’s one of my favourite places to visit in Mayo. Located just off the R315 between Crossmolina and Lahardane, the estate’s woodland walks are the perfect antidote to the pressures of modern life.
Cross Loop Walk where scenery and legend meet
There are very few looped walks that can rival The Cross Loop Walks on The Mullet in Co Mayo for such varied and magnificent seaside scenery. From the moment you set foot on Cross beach, which stretches from Cross Point to Corraun Point, you will know you are in place of great beauty that has inspired […]
One day in Mulranny
It’s amazing all you can do in just one day in Mulranny – and even more if you decide to holiday in the Mayo seaside village. Mulranny (Mallaranny) is at the heart of what can be best described as the Mayo Riviera – a beautiful south facing stretch of sheltered coastline along the northern side of […]
Legends and cliff tops on Carrowteige Loop Walk
The Carrowteige Loop Walks in remote North West County Mayo are among the most most spectacular coastal loop walks to be found anywhere in the world.
A visit to beautiful Inishkea South
The Inishkea Islands, off the Mullet, in North Mayo are among the most rarely visited of County Mayo’s many island outposts. During the summer months from June to August, depending on weather conditions, there are organised boat trips to Inishkea South, a few times a week. Once supporting thriving fishing and farming communities, the two […]
Enchanting waterfall at heart of Tourmakeady Woodland Walk
Tourmakeady, on the shores of Lough Mask, has one of the most beautiful forest trails in County Mayo that leads the walker to an enchanting waterfall. The 2.5 km nature trail, which takes about 1 hour, is suitable for all age groups and starts at the car park. Turn right off the main road through […]
Derradda – a walker’s paradise
Derradda in South West Mayo, located just outside the pretty and historic town of Newport, is a walker’s paradise. The Derradda Loop Walks are part of four walking trails that comprise the Burrishoole Loop Walks, which also include Newport, Mulranny and Tiernaur.
Erris Head Loop walk is spectacular
Erris Head Loop Walk, located on the northern tip of the magnificent Mullet peninsula, is one of my favourite loop walks in County Mayo. The walk is 5km and can be completed at a leisurely pace in under 2 hours. At any rate, the scenery is so beautiful you are likely to linger and enjoy […]
Cycling Mayo’s Great Western Greenway from Newport to Mulranny
Mayo’s Great Western Greenway is fast becoming one of the most successful tourism attractions in Ireland. And I found out why when I finally got around to cycling the Greenway last week. I loved every minute of my trip along the former railway line that has been transformed into Ireland’s longest off-road walking and cycling […]