The best walks and hikes around Mayo

While County Mayo is a fantastic place to explore, many trails cross private farmland with livestock, especially sheep. For this reason, dogs are often not permitted, even on a leash. For example, the Keenagh Loop Trail explicitly prohibits dogs. Always check for local signage at the trailhead before starting your walk. Trails within national parks like Wild Nephin may have specific rules, so it's best to confirm beforehand.

For an easy and accessible outing, the Great Western Greenway is a fantastic option. It's a 42km traffic-free path on a former railway line, making it safe for walkers of all ages. You can walk short sections of it for a gentle stroll. Another great choice is the walk to the Tourmakeady Waterfall, which is a short and relatively flat path from the car park to a beautiful cascade, perfect for little legs.

Yes, the Tourmakeady Waterfall is a popular and easily accessible natural attraction. The walk to the falls is known for being peaceful and refreshing, taking only about 10-15 minutes from the car park through the woods. It's an excellent short hike for a rewarding view.

County Mayo has some of Ireland's most spectacular coastal scenery. The Erris Head Loop is a highly-regarded trail near Belmullet that offers incredible cliffside views over the Atlantic. For a truly wild experience, the hike to the Cliffs of Croaghaun on Achill Island is a favorite, leading to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Be prepared for unmarked paths and challenging terrain on the Croaghaun hike.

The Croagh Patrick pilgrim trail is considered a strenuous and challenging hike. The main difficulty comes from the steep gradient and the loose, rocky scree that covers the upper sections of the path, which can be slippery underfoot. It requires good fitness and sturdy, supportive hiking boots. The panoramic views of Clew Bay from the summit are a fantastic reward for the effort.

Yes, Mayo offers numerous loop walks that bring you back to your starting point. The Yellow Water Picnic Area – Yellow Water River loop is a great moderate option. On Achill Island, the Slievemore Loop combines natural beauty with history, passing a deserted village. For a more remote experience, the Letterkeen Loop in Wild Nephin National Park provides a challenging circular route through wilderness terrain.

Wild Nephin National Park offers a true wilderness experience defined by vast expanses of blanket bog and mountainous terrain. Trails like those starting from the Letterkeen Trailhead can be challenging, with uneven, rocky, and often boggy ground. It's a place for hikers seeking solitude and spectacular, unspoiled views. Waterproof footwear is essential.

You'll find a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 100 routes available on komoot. The selection is well-balanced, with nearly 50 easy walks, 50 moderate hikes, and a handful of difficult trails for those seeking a serious challenge.

The hiking routes around Mayo are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the region's dramatic coastal scenery, the sense of wildness in the national park, and the mix of challenging mountain ascents and peaceful shoreline walks.

The weather on Ireland's west coast can change very quickly, so it's essential to be prepared. Always bring waterproof rain gear (jacket and trousers), even if the day starts sunny. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must, as many trails are rocky, uneven, and can be very boggy. Also pack layers of clothing, water, snacks, and a fully charged phone.

Absolutely. For a tough mountain day, the Hen Mountain – Cock Mountain loop offers a long and demanding route with significant elevation gain. Another option for experienced hikers is the unmarked Bangor Trail through Wild Nephin National Park, a remote and challenging trek that requires excellent navigation skills.