A bench on the Great Western Greenway, perfect for lunch or just for a breather.
The Great Western Greenway – cycling for all the family
Westport – Newport (12km)
Newport – Mulranny (18km)
Mulranny – Achill (13km)
Escape the bustle of urban life on the Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road cycling and walking trail in Ireland.
Meandering along the old Westport to Achill railway line which closed in1937, this 42km almost entirely traffic-free route is ideal for getting out on a bike for a spin and is perfect for a day of family fun.
The first 14km stage of the Greenway opened in 2010 while the eagerly awaited extension opened on June 18, 2011, lengthening the route to 42km, almost all off-road.
Travelling the Greenway you’ll be surrounded by idyllic countryside. This is your chance to drink in the view of the spectacular Nephin Beg mountain range and across Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick. You could even stop off for a hike on the Lettermaghera Loop walk or take a break on Mulranny’s Blue Flag Beach.
If you’re a history buff you can visit fascinating gems like the seven-arch bridge over the Black Oak river in Newport, Granuaile’s Rockfleet Castle and the 15th century Burrishoole Abbey.
Bicycle hire
Want to cycle the Greenway but can’t bring your bikes? Clew Bay Bike Hire has bases in each town and village along the route that allow you to hire in one town and drop your bike off at any of their other bases. This means you only have to cycle as far as you want and they will bring you back to your starting point in their shuttle bus. The company can also supply bikes with trailers to keep younger children close.
The Greenway on TV
In this second episode of the 2010 RTE series ‘Tracks and trails’, garden designer Diarmuid Gavin cycles 18 km of the Great Western Greenway, from Newport to Mulranny, Co. Mayo.
iPhone app
Mayo County Council have produced a Greenway App for iPhone. Linked to the iPhone’s GPS, it gives more information based on where you are on the trail.
