Beautiful County Mayo and the Greenway Trail
This highly rated route is the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in the country and is a great way to escape to the wild. Not feeling energetic? Alternatively, choose to drive or be driven from Westport to Achill Island via Newport and Mulranney. Stops can be made along the way to savour the fine vistas. Achill Island is connected by road to the mainland.This is ideal as part of a Private Tour of Ireland.
This section of the Wild Atlantic Way (West of Ireland coastal route) passes by blue flag beaches, archaeological treasures and stunning hills, villages and coastline. Cycling or walking allows the opportunity to take in the splendour of the scenery. Imagine back to times of old when the narrow gauge train chugged along this former rail line, past villages and stunning scenery connecting places like never before.
The trails appeal is its suitability for all ages and only requires a low level of fitness as its mostly flat and totally up to you how far to go or indeed where to start from. The full route is 44km in length which is made up of three sections. Westport to Newport (11km), Newport to Mulranny (18km) and Mulranny to Achill (13km). Bikes can be rented easily and for a good price and most provide a convenient shuttle bus service.
Little watering holes and cafes are dotted along the route to fuel up in case you didn’t pack lunch. One can decide to partially walk some of these sections or if driving just stop along the way from Westport and take pictures and take in the salty sea air.
As mentioned, the route follows the old Great Western railway line and hugs lovely Clew bay with its archipelago of little islands. Westport or Achill or numerous spots in between can serve as your starting point. The town of Wesport with its charming buildings, Croagh Patrick and a multitude of outdoor activities and fabulous pubs and restaurants is a must.
Insider Tip : be sure to check out Sage restaurant and Matt Molloys pub in Westport
From Westport which is very well served with bike rental facilities one can cycle to Newport (1-1.5hrs) where a drink or meal can be had while resting for the next section. The church in Newport contains work from Ireland’s finest stained glass artist Harry Clarke and the Newport River has superb fly fishing.
The route from Newport to Mulranney(18km) and beyond to Achill provide the best views of coast, wilderness and the Nephin Beg mountain range which is a hillwalkers paradise. This section has been designated a European destination of excellence.
The route is well signposted with plenty of little bridges , farm pastures, winding trail and features many points of interest along the way including Rockfleet castle, former home of the famous pirate queen Granuaille where you can explore, be warned though you can expect wet feet at high tide! Also the 15th c. Burrishoole abbey is another ruinous and haunting reminder of Irelands past which can be viewed along the way.
Reaching Mulranney, nestled close to Ballcrory National Park (which has the title of best small tourism town) you can rest up or head onwards to Achill Island. Perhaps get a glimpse of the endangered local old wild Irish goat on Mulranney hill or check out the popular Mulranney beach near here to relax or for a refreshing dip if you feel like braving the elements!
From Mulranney one can continue toward Achill Island (13km). Achill is worth exploring if you have the energy or perhaps stay a night and take in this special place with its tally of five blue flag beaches. Visit the deserted village or participate in one of the many water sports on the island. Not to fear, accommodation and other services are available on the island.
To sum up this a fabulous and laidback adventure in a truly beautiful part of Europe. If you’re worried or haven’t been on a bike in years this is the perfect trip to rekindle the pure pleasure of bike riding and its suitable for all ages and abilities! Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the unspoiled panorama as you power along under your own steam.
So what are you waiting for?
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