Overview
Brackloon Wood sits on the eastern slopes of Croagh Patrick, just six kilometres south of Westport. Covering 74 hectares (183 acres), it is one of the largest surviving remnants of the Atlantic oak woodland that once blanketed much of western Ireland. The forest is dominated by native oak trees aged between 150 and 200 years, their trunks draped in lichen and ferns, interspersed with holly, birch, ash, willow and hazel. The Owenwee River threads through the heart of the wood, creating a damp, sheltered microclimate that supports a wealth of native plant life. Managed by Coillte, the woodland has undergone careful restoration since the 1990s, when non-native conifers planted in the 1960s were removed to allow the original deciduous canopy to recover.
Walking Trails & Routes
The wood is criss-crossed by a network of forest tracks, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll or a focused nature walk. The most popular route is the Brackloon Wood Loop, a 2.8 km easy-grade trail marked with purple way-markers and the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail walking-man logo. The loop takes roughly an hour and follows the Owenwee River, passing close to the ancient ringfort and stone circle before returning to the trailhead near Brackloon School.
For a slightly longer outing, the 4 km circular walk stays entirely off-road and weaves through mixed stands of oak, ash and birch. This route is particularly suitable for families, as the terrain is gentle and the forest floor is relatively clear of roots. At the northern end of the walk, you can step off the main track and follow the bank of the Owenwee for a quieter, more immersive experience. Both routes start from a small free car park at the trailhead, making it easy to combine a woodland walk with a visit to nearby Westport or the surrounding County Mayo countryside.
History & Archaeology
Long before the oaks reached their current height, this landscape was shaped by human activity. Archaeological surveys have uncovered several fulacht fiadh (Bronze Age cooking pits) scattered near the riverbanks. These ancient sites were used to boil water by dropping heated stones into stone or timber troughs, a technique common across Ireland from around 1000 BC. In the centre of the wood stands a well-preserved stone ringfort, or cashel, measuring approximately 25 metres in diameter. Built during the early Christian period (post-300 AD), it would have served as a dwelling and animal enclosure for early settlers.
The area’s strategic importance is further highlighted by the proximity of Tóchar Phádraig (Patrick’s Causeway), a pre-Christian road capable of carrying wheeled traffic. This ancient route linked the royal seat at Rathcroghan in County Roscommon to Croagh Patrick, passing just beyond the woodland’s edge. Historically, the forest was subject to intensive timber harvesting and clearance for charcoal production to fuel blast furnaces, which were introduced to the region in the 16th century. By the 19th century, Brackloon had become part of the Westport House estate owned by the Marquess of Sligo, before being acquired by the Irish Land Commission in the 1940s. In the late 1990s, the wood was selected as a pilot site for the national Native Woodland Scheme, with Coillte undertaking restoration to clear non-native conifers (planted in the 1960s) and allow the ancient oak canopy to recover. Today, the wood is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), protecting its ecological and historical value for future generations.
Flora & Fauna
Brackloon Wood is a sanctuary for native biodiversity. Spring and early summer bring the woodland floor to life with wood sorrel, hard fern, bilberry and the striking yellow flag iris along the river’s floodplain. The forest is also home to one of Ireland’s rarest plants: the white sword-leaved helleborine orchid. This extremely threatened species is protected by law, so visitors are asked to admire it from a distance and leave it undisturbed.
The damp, sheltered conditions support over a thousand recorded fungal species, making autumn a particularly rewarding time for nature enthusiasts. Wildlife sightings are common but often fleeting. Badgers, foxes and pine martens navigate the undergrowth, while the canopy hosts woodpeckers, jays and the occasional red-breasted flycatcher. The forest floor and riverbanks provide ideal habitat for amphibians and insects, contributing to the wood’s status as a living laboratory of Atlantic oak ecology.
Practical Information & Getting There
- Access: The wood is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Entry is free.
- Parking: A small free car park is located at the trailhead, adjacent to Brackloon School. From Westport, drive south on the N59 for approximately 6 km, turn right for Owenwee, then right at the crossroads. The trailhead appears on the right after about 1.5 km.
- Facilities: There are no visitor centres, toilets or refreshment stops within the wood. Bring your own water, snacks and a light rain jacket, as the Atlantic weather can shift quickly.
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on a short leash. Keeping them under control is essential to protect ground-nesting birds and delicate orchid habitats.
- Accessibility: The main forest tracks are firm and suitable for pushchairs and sturdy wheelchairs, though some side paths and riverbank sections can be muddy or uneven after heavy rain.
- Further Reading: For a detailed account of the woodland’s ecology and history, the Mayo County Library publication Brackloon – The Story of an Irish Oak Wood offers an excellent behind-the-scenes look at the conservation efforts that have shaped the forest today.
Brackloon Wood rewards visitors with a quiet, unhurried pace and a direct connection to Ireland’s ancient landscape. Arrive early in the morning to catch the dappled light filtering through the oak canopy, and allow extra time to explore the riverbank at the northern end of the loop.