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Hiking in 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
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
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
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.
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.
