Hiking in Westport
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Westport has some of the best hiking trails in Ireland giving you a birds-eye view of Mayo's magnificent landscapes. Below are some of our visitor favourites. We recommend downloading the Alltrails App to help you find your way. If you find these hikes too challenging, check out our easier loop walk suggestions here.

Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

Croagh Patrick

The iconic Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland's most concerned hill, or mountain, depending on your hiking experience! Give yourself at least two hours to get to the top, and around an hour-and-a-half to come back down. Check out our full guide on getting to the top here.

THE BASICS

Terrain: Rocky path and steps

Length: 7km

Estimated time: 3.5hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

The Skelp & Brackloon Forest

Consider this the diet version of Croagh Patrick as this hike will take you over the lower part of the mountain known locally as 'The Skelp'. Enjoy breathtaking views of Clew Bay with the trail finishing off in an ancient Oak Forest of Brackloon.

THE BASICS

Terrain: Rocky paths & road

Length: 17km

Estimated time: 5hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

CROAGHAUN

At 688 metres, Croaghaun (or Croaghan) is Achill Island’s highest and most westerly peak. Its northern slopes boast the highest sea cliffs in Ireland – and the third-highest sea cliffs in Europe. As if that were not enough, the mountain is also home to Ireland’s highest corrie (glacial) lake.

Starting point: Keem Bay car park

Terrain: Boggy/grassy hillside, sometimes extremely steep

Estimated time: 5hrs

Difficulty: Hard

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

NEPHIN

Less than a 45-minute drive northeast from Westport, Nephin rises to a heart-busting 806m. This is the second-highest mountain in County Mayo, and the views from the cairn that marks its summit are breathtaking.

THE BASICS

Starting point: Pruglish Forest

Terrain: Heather, grass, giving way to a stoney slope

Estimated time: 5 hours

Length: 9km

Difficulty: Hard; experienced hillwalkers only.

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

Sheeffry Hills

This is one of the most beautiful hikes the area has to offer, if you’re willing to brave the bog that is! A tough undertaking at the best of times, those who stick it out will be rewarded with glorious views over the Sheeffry Pass, with plenty of sheep to keep you company. This is a quiet route so it’s unlikely you’ll meet anyone along the way.

The Basics -

Starting point: Glenummera

Terrain: Boggy/grassy hillside

Length: 20km

Difficulty: Hard

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

MWEELREA

The highest mountain in Mayo and the entire province of Connacht, majestic Mweelrea rises to 814m. This is no climb for the inexperienced or ill-prepared hillwalker; in poor weather (and the weather can change in an instant) good navigational skills and equipment are absolutely essential.

THE BASICS

Starting point: Silver Strand

Terrain: Open bog and grassland; rough, rocky mountain paths; steep hillside

Length: 8.5km

Estimated time: 4 hours

Difficulty: Hard; experienced hillwalkers only.

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

Doo Lough - Mweelrea

If you’ve conquered Mayo’s tallest and most challenging mountain from Silver Strand, why not try it from Doo Lough? This hike doesn’t get any easier just because it’s reversed - it’s still challenging and for experienced hillwalkers only (unless you’re with a guide). Check the weather before you go, and make sure to have the right gear with you.

The Basics -

Starting point: Doo Lough

Terrain: Steep hillside; rough, rocky mountain paths; open bog and grassland.

Length: 8.5km

Estimated time: 4 hours

Difficulty: Hard; experienced hillwalkers only.

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Hiking in Westport  - Destination Westport

Slievemore and Deserted Village

Achill’s second highest peak is Slievemore. The challenging 12.1-km loop trail gives you wonderful aerial views of Deserted Village, a “booley” settlement that’s now just the remnants of 80 stone cottages. This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, so expect to meet other hikers. Take a path to the right of the white house and download a map to find your own way up the mountain.

The Basics -

Starting point: Keem Bay car park

Terrain: Boggy/grassy hillside, sometimes extremely steep

Length: 12km

Difficulty: Hard

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