Hiking & Walking trails near Newport Mayo
Walking is one of the most popular things to do in Mayo and Newport is at the centre of it all, regarded at the hub for all the trailheads to some of the best loop walking, mountain and coastal trails. Hotel Newport is the perfect place to stay for those looking to explore the Greenway, the Western Way, the Bangor Trail and all of the Burrishoole and Letterkeen Loop Walking Trails. With Nephin, Croagh Patrick, the Sheefry Hills, Achill and Mweelrea all within relatively short driving distance.
Newport is the ideal destination for your walking holiday in Mayo. The area provides scope for mountain climbing and hill walking, as well as cultural and historic tours of the area. Expect breathtaking views of the unspoilt countryside. The fresh, clean sea air direct from the Atlantic is an invigorating added bonus.
1. Croagh Patrick
Perhaps the most famous of all the mountain walks in Mayo is the ascent of Ireland’s Holy Mountain,Croagh Patrick, known locally as ‘The Reek’. This is a pilgrimage mountain, since prehistoric times, with thousands of people descending on Reek Sunday in the hope of atoning for their sins, many in their bare feet.
2. The Great Western Greenway
The world class Great Western Greenway is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. This 42km trail is traffic free and follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill Railway which closed in 1937.
3. The Nephin Beg mountain range
The Nephin Beg Mountain Range dominate the skyline looking north over Clew Bay. Nephin Mor Mountain is just 20 minutes from Connacht’s second highest mountain, offering superb views of Mayo in all directions from its central location. Just outside the small village of Lahardane and towering above Lough Conn, to 806m, Nephin offers a great day of hill walking, of around 4 to 5 hours duration.
4. Letterkeen loop walks
The Letterkeen woods have three looped walks. The three loops walks have colour-coded signposts: red, blue and purple. All three walks begin at the Brogan Carroll bothy.
5. The Bangor Trail
The Bangor Trail is an old road through the Nephin Beg mountains in north-west Mayo. It used to be the main route from Bangor to Newport, dating back to the 16th Century.
6. The Western Way
The Western Way is 200km walking trail taking in spectacular scenery in the counties of Galway and Mayo in the west of Ireland. The trail begins in Oughterard in County Galway and continues north toward Maum. Newport is at the centre of the route and many choose this as a base while passing through or starting the route in either direction.
7. Sheeffry Hills
The Sheeffry Hills are a range of hills between Westport, Louisburgh and Leanne. The highest peak is Barrclashcame (772m, 2,533ft), at the western end.
8. Mweelrea
Mayo’s highest mountain peak Mweelrea mountain stands at 814m (2,671ft) and is the highest point in Mayo and in the province of Connacht. Take note this is a dangerous mountain and climbing it should only be attempted by experienced and well-prepared hill walkers.
9. Burrishoole Loop Walks
Burrishoole is located in west Mayo and includes the following areas, Newport, Derrada, Tiernaur & Mulranny. Each of the four areas have a serious of approved walks ranging in distance from 3km to 16km. The complete package of 12 walks in marketed as the Burrishoole Loop Walks. Detailed information on each of the walks in listed hereunder.
10. Newport Loops
There are four loop walks that begin in the town of Newport ranging in distance from 3km to 13km.
- Trailhead: Centre of Newport town, located opposite the children's playground.
- No. of Trails: 4 in total ranging in distance from 3 km – 13 km.
- Terrain: Multi – Access trails, includes footpaths & stone surfaced tracks.
- Essential: Rainwear, Fluids & Snacks.
- Map: Click here for the Newport Loop Walk - Downloadable Brochure
11. Derrada Loops
There are three loop walks that begin at the Derradda community centre, about 3.5km West of Newport, just off the Newport/Mulranny road (N59).
- Location: Start from the town of Newport. Follow the N59 in the direction of Mulranny for approximately 5km to reach a road junction on your right (signposted Derrada Community Centre). Turn right and follow this road for approximately 500 meters until you arrive at the Community Centre.
- Trailhead: Derrada Community Centre.
- No. of Trails: 3 in total ranging in distance from 7 km – 12 km
- Terrain: Bog tracks, Country Lanes & Stone Surfaced Tracks.
- Essential: Rainwear, Walking Shoes / Boots, Fluids & Snacks.
- Map: Click here for Derradda Loop Walk - Downloadable Brochure
12. Tiernaur Loops
There are three loop walks, each beginning from Nevins Newfield Inn, about 11km West of Newport. Each loop has fine views of Clew Bay and cross the Great Western Greenway four times.
- Location: Located approximately 3 km from Mulranny village on the N59 Mulranny to Newport road.
- Trailhead: Opposite Nevins Bar & Restaurant.
- No. of Trails: 3 in total ranging in distance from 9 km – 16km.
- Terrain: Bog tracks, Country Lanes & Stone Surfaced Tracks.
- Essential: Rainwear, Walking Shoes / Boots, Fluids & Snacks.
- Map: Click here for the Tiernaur Loop Walk - Downloadable Brochure
13. Mulranny Loops
Mulranny has two loop walks. They have substantial overlap but vary in distance. The Causeway walk is 6km and the Cushlecka Walk is 9km.
- Location: Mulranny village.
- Trailhead: Community Centre.
- No. of Trails: 2 in total ranging in distance from 6 km – 9 km.
- Terrain: Country Lanes, Mulranny Beach& Stone Surfaced Tracks.
- Essential: Rainwear, Walking Shoes, Fluids & Snacks.
- Map: Click here for the Mulranny Loop Walk - Downloadable Brochure
Contact
Address
Hotel Newport,
Main Street,
Newport,
Co. Mayo
F28 YX89
Phone
098 41234
