Overview
Brackloon Wood lies on the eastern slopes of Croagh Patrick, a short drive south of Westport on the N59. Covering roughly 74 hectares (183 acres), it is one of the few remaining semi‑natural Atlantic oak woodlands in the west of Ireland. The forest is dominated by ancient oak trees aged 150‑200 years, interspersed with holly, birch, ash, willow and hazel. A network of forest tracks follows the Owenwee River, which threads its way through the heart of the wood, offering a peaceful backdrop for walkers.
The wood is managed by Coillte, the state‑owned forestry body, which removed the non‑native conifers planted in the 1960s and replanted native species in the 1990s. The result is a thriving, biodiverse habitat that supports rare orchids such as the white sword‑leaved helleborine, as well as badgers, foxes and pine martens.
History
The story of Brackloon Wood stretches back over 10 000 years. After the last glaciation, the area was covered in dense oak forest, a landscape that persisted until the arrival of humans around three thousand years ago. Archaeological evidence points to continuous occupation:
- Fulacht fiadh – Bronze‑Age cooking pits built near streams, where heated stones boiled water in stone troughs.
- Ringfort (cashel) – A stone‑built fort about 25 m in diameter situated in the centre of the wood, typical of early‑Christian settlements (post‑300 AD).
- Stone circle and standing stones – Remnants of Celtic ritual activity, shrouded in local legend.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the forest was heavily felled for charcoal and timber to fuel ironworks at nearby Knappagh. By the 1700s the wood had been reduced dramatically, and in the 19th century it formed part of the Westport House estate owned by the Marquis of Sligo. The Irish Land Commission acquired the land in the 1940s, and recent conservation work has aimed to restore its original deciduous character.
The ancient Tóchar Phádraig (Patrick’s Causeway), a pre‑Christian road that once carried wheeled traffic from the High Kings of Connacht to Croagh Patrick, runs close to the wood, adding another layer of historic intrigue.
What to See & Do
Walking the Brackloon Wood Loop
The Brackloon Wood Loop is a well‑marked, easy‑grade trail that showcases the wood’s natural and archaeological highlights. According to Mayotrails, the loop:
- Length: 2.8 km (approximately 1 hour walk)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Markers: Purple way‑markers and the walking‑man logo of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail
- Terrain: Forest track
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | 6 km south of Westport, turn right for Owenwee, then right at the crossroads (GPS 53.7639, -9.5685) |
| Duration | ~1 hour |
| Highlights | Ancient oak canopy, Owenwee River, stone circle, ringfort (visible from the central clearing) |
| GPX Download | Download GPX |
The loop follows the purple markers and passes close to the ringfort and a stone circle. The riverbank at the northern end offers a quiet spot to pause and listen to the gentle flow of the Owenwee.
The 4 km Circular Walk
Barry’s Guided Tours describes a slightly longer 4 km circular walk that takes a little over an hour. This route stays entirely off‑road and is suitable for families with children. It weaves through the oak, ash, willow and birch stands, and provides an optional detour to the river’s edge for a different perspective.
Sweathouse Ruins
Along the Owenwee River, near the northern edge of the wood, stand the stone foundations of an old sweathouse. Historically, a fire would be lit inside the stone chamber; the heat would rise, and participants would sit inside to sweat out ailments before cooling off with a quick dip in the river. The ruins are a tangible reminder of traditional Irish health practices.
Skelp Mountain Walk (11 km)
The Skelp Mountain Walk is a longer circuit that begins at the Brackloon Wood entrance and loops around Croagh Patrick. The 11 km route offers spectacular views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay, passes through heathland dominated by purple‑flowering heather, and climbs the quartzite‑rich Skelp ridge. Highlights include:
- Sweathouse ruins along the Owenwee River (see above)
- Ancient pilgrim route – the trail follows the historic Tochar Phádraig, a pre‑Christian pilgrimage way linking Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.
- Panoramic vistas from the Skelp summit over bogland and the Atlantic coastline.
The walk starts at the same car park used for the Brackloon Wood Loop, making it easy to combine a short family stroll with a more ambitious hill walk.
Events & Guided Walks
The wood regularly hosts nature walks as part of the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail. For example, on 24 October 2015 a guided walk led by National Parks and Wildlife Service expert Eoin McGreal was held, with a modest €5 cover charge. These events include tree and wildlife identification and are suitable for all ages. Interested visitors can contact the Clogher Heritage Centre (094 9030687 or info@croaghpatrickheritagetrail.com) for the latest schedule.
Flora, Fauna & Rare Species
Brackloon Wood is a living laboratory of Atlantic oak ecology. In addition to the white sword‑leaved helleborine, visitors may spot:
- Yellow flag iris – a striking wet‑land plant that favours the river’s floodplain.
- Lactarius torminosus and other colourful fungi – over a thousand fungal species have been recorded here.
- Birds – woodpeckers, jay, red‑breasted flycatcher and occasional hawk.
- Mammals – badgers, foxes and the elusive pine marten.
The diversity makes the wood a rewarding spot for botanists, birdwatchers and anyone interested in Ireland’s native wildlife.
Picnic, Dogs & Accessibility
Designated picnic tables sit near the northern riverbank, providing a pleasant spot for a family lunch. Dogs are welcome on a leash to protect ground‑nesting birds and delicate orchid habitats. The main loop is wheelchair‑friendly on firm sections, though some side tracks can be uneven.
Getting There
- By Car: From Westport, travel south on the N59 for about 6 km. Turn right for Owenwee; the trailhead appears on the right after roughly 1.5 km. A small free car park is provided at the trailhead, adjacent to Brackloon School.
- By Bike: The same route is suitable for mountain‑bikes; the road is quiet and the final kilometre is a gentle gravel track.
- Public Transport: No direct bus serves the wood. Take a Bus Éireann service from Westport to Castlebar, alight at the Castlebar Road (R331) stop, then walk north‑east for about 1.2 km following the signs to Brackloon Wood.
- On Foot: From Westport town centre, follow the Main Street (N5) to the junction with the R331, then continue to the sign for Brackloon Wood – a pleasant 7 km walk for the energetic.
Practical Information
- Access: Open all year, 24 hours.
- Parking: Small free car park at the trailhead (Brackloon School).
- Facilities: No visitor centre or café; bring water and snacks. Mobile phone coverage is generally good along the main track.
- Seasonality: Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers and the rare orchid; autumn colours highlight the oak canopy. The river can be brisk in winter – wear waterproofs.
- Conservation Status: Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (Site code 000471) protecting old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum.
- Dog Policy: Dogs allowed on leash.
- Accessibility: Main loop suitable for sturdy wheelchairs; side tracks may be uneven.
- Further Reading & Maps:
- Official SAC details: NPWS SAC page
- Detailed walk description: Destination Westport – Brackloon Wood Walk
- County Council map (PDF): Brackloon Wood Map
- Book: Brackloon – The Story of an Irish Oak Wood (Mayo County Library publication) – provides an in‑depth scientific and historical account.
- Nearby attraction: Combine a visit with Aasleagh Falls for a scenic waterfall walk within the same region.
Brackloon Wood offers a rare combination of ancient oak scenery, archaeological intrigue and gentle river walks, making it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring County Mayo’s natural heritage.