The best walks and hikes around Ross Lake
3.8
(21)
152
hikers
8
hikes
Hiking trails around Ross Lake are situated in the Conamara Municipal District, County Galway, Ireland. The region is characterized by a landscape of lakes, rivers, and woodlands, with gentle hills and open countryside. Trails often traverse through forested areas and along the shores of the lake, offering varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Ross Lake
- The most popular hiking route is View of the Lake loop from Pribbaun, a 4.3 miles (7.0 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
3.3
(3)
50
hikers
6.96km
01:49
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
3
hikers
7.51km
01:57
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(5)
15
hikers
5.84km
01:30
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.5
(2)
16
hikers
11.9km
03:11
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.6
(5)
26
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is the official start of the Western Way, a spectacular hiking journey through Galway and Mayo and one of Ireland's National Trails. It's a journey of more than 125 miles (200 km) from Oughterard in Galway to the Sligo/Mayo border near Bunnyconnellan. Along the way, it explores the mountain ranges of Connemara, Croagh Patrick, the Nephin Beg range and the north Mayo coast.
1
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There’s a bench and a picnic bench here. Definitely the best place to eat your sandwiches!
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We sat and ate our sandwiches on the little jetties here. Lovely and peaceful. Saw an angler on a boat and he gave us a wave.
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Aughnanure Castle is open to the public and it is worth paying the entrance fee (€5 adult) to explore the well preserved tower house and hear from the extremely knowledgeable guides. The castle was the stronghold of the O’Flaherty family, who ruled this area for 300 years. Their motto was, ‘Fortune favours the strong’. For more details see the website https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/aughnanure-castle/
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Lough Seecon (Suí Con) is set in a forestry plantation. The lake is gradually reducing in size as it is becomes taken over by the surrounding bog. Please note that mobile phone coverage can be poor in this area.
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Take a seat and enjoy the view over Lough Corrib. Little islands smatter its surface. It's the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. In places it is up to 154 feet (47 m) deep.
2
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Beautiful old castle and walls all around
0
1
Castle ruins from the 16th century 3-5€ entrance fee http://oughterardtourism.com/attractionsaughnanurecastle.htm Difficult to reach on foot from Oughterard, as you have to walk along the road and there are hardly any alternatives in places.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Ross Lake?
There are 8 hiking trails around Ross Lake in County Galway, Ireland. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, catering to various fitness levels.
What kind of landscape can I expect to see while hiking near Ross Lake?
The landscape around Ross Lake is characterized by serene lakes, winding rivers, and lush woodlands. You'll find trails traversing through forested areas and along the shores of the lake, with gentle hills and open countryside typical of the Conamara Municipal District.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Ross Lake offers 6 easy hiking routes. A popular choice is the View of the Lake loop from Pribbaun, which is 4.3 miles (7.0 km) long and provides lovely views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
Are there any moderate hiking options for those looking for a bit more challenge?
For those seeking a moderate challenge, there are 2 routes available. The Newvillage Forest loop from Oughterard is a good option, covering approximately 11.8 km through varied terrain.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Ross Lake?
The trails around Ross Lake are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 3.8 stars from over 21 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful lake views, forest paths, and the overall natural beauty of the area.
Are there any historical or cultural attractions along the hiking routes?
Yes, one notable route, the Aughnanure Castle loop from Aughnanure Castle, explores the area around the historic Aughnanure Castle, offering a blend of natural scenery and cultural interest.
Can I find circular hiking routes around Ross Lake?
Many of the trails around Ross Lake are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of the Lake loop from Pribbaun and the Start of the Western Way loop from Oughterard.
What is the typical duration for a hike around Ross Lake?
Hiking durations vary depending on the route. For example, the easy View of the Lake loop from Pribbaun typically takes around 1 hour 49 minutes, while longer moderate routes can take several hours.
What are the general characteristics of the trails in terms of elevation?
The trails around Ross Lake generally feature gentle hills and relatively low elevation changes, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers. For instance, the View of the Lake loop from Pribbaun has less than 50 meters of elevation gain.
Is Ross Lake a good destination for exploring part of the Western Way?
Yes, Ross Lake is an excellent starting point for exploring sections of the Western Way. The Start of the Western Way loop from Oughterard is a popular 3.6-mile (5.8 km) trail that leads through varied terrain, offering a taste of this renowned long-distance path.
What kind of natural features are prominent in the Ross Lake hiking area?
The area is rich in natural beauty, featuring the serene Ross Lake itself, along with other rivers and streams. Hikers will enjoy the tranquility of the woodlands and the expansive views across the open countryside, characteristic of County Galway.
Most popular routes around Ross Lake
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