Drummin, County Mayo

Overview

Drummin is a small village in the west of County Mayo, situated on the R318 between Foxford and Pontoon, just a short drive from Westport and the pilgrimage mountain Croagh Patrick. The settlement centres around St. Mary’s Church, a primary school and a traditional public house. Though the local post office has closed, the village remains a gateway to some of Mayo’s most rewarding natural scenery.

History

The name Drummin (Irish: Droimín) reflects its location on a modest ridge overlooking the surrounding countryside. Historically the area has been linked to tales of hidden gold and ancient monuments, and the nearby Brackloon Wood is one of the last remaining Atlantic oakwoods in Ireland, a habitat of national and international importance. Local folklore tells of King Conor MacNeasa and the Red Branch Knights riding the winding lanes that now lead hikers and cyclists through the hills to the coast.

What to See & Do

Forest Walks

Coillte manages the Drummin forest, offering roughly four kilometres of marked woodland trails. The routes weave through a blend of coniferous plantation and native broadleaf species such as ash, holly and hazel, providing a pleasant contrast of colours throughout the year. The Foxford Way, a national long‑distance trail, cuts across the north‑eastern edge of the forest, allowing walkers to link Drummin with the wider Mayo Way network.

Lakeside Paddle

At the forest car‑park a sandy lakeside edge invites visitors to launch a small paddle‑board or simply enjoy the water’s edge. The lake is shallow enough for families with children to wade safely while taking in the surrounding trees.

Scenic Viewpoints

From the hilltops above Drummin, panoramic vistas sweep across Clew Bay to the historic island of Clare, once the stronghold of the pirate queen Gráinne Uaile. The view is especially striking on clear days when the Sheeffry Pass and Doolough Valley can be seen in the distance.

Cycling

Drummin is a key waypoint on the “Cycle 11” route that links Westport, the Sheeffry Hills, Doolough and Louisburgh. Cyclists follow the L1823 road for about ten kilometres to reach the village, then tackle a short, steep climb to the Sheeffry Pass before descending into the spectacular Doolough valley. The route is rated intermediate and offers a mix of quiet backroads, greenway sections and dramatic mountain scenery.

Cultural Highlights

• St. Mary’s Church – a modest parish church that serves as the spiritual heart of the village.
• Drummin National School – known locally as Scoil Náisiúnta Coill Mór, it reflects the community’s commitment to education.
• Brackloon Wood – a protected oak woodland that can be explored via the Tóchar Valley network; contact details are listed below.

Getting There

Drummin lies on the R318, a well‑signed regional road that connects the towns of Foxford and Pontoon. The nearest bus services stop at Foxford (approximately 5 km north) and Westport (about 10 km north‑east). The closest train station is Westport, on the Dublin‑Westport line, with regular Irish Rail services. Parking is available at the Drummin forest car‑park; it is free when the forest is open, but note that the site is currently closed for repairs after recent storm damage.

Seasonal Highlights

The forest trails are usable year‑round, but the best walking conditions are typically from late spring to early autumn when the native under‑storey is in leaf and the views over Clew Bay are clearest. After the storm‑damage closure, Coillte advises checking the official site for reopening dates before planning a visit.

Nearby Attractions

• Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – a short 30‑minute drive north‑west, offering rugged coastline, peatlands and the famous Bangor Trail.
• Ballina – the “Salmon Capital of Ireland”, located about 25 km east, with river walks and a lively town centre.
• Foxford Way – the long‑distance trail that passes close to Drummin, linking a series of historic sites across the county.

Practical Information

The Drummin forest site is currently closed while repairs are carried out after recent storm damage, so visitors should check the Coillte website for reopening updates before planning a walk. When the forest reopens, access is free and the car‑park, picnic area and trailheads are available on a first‑come‑first‑served basis.

The Foxford Way and Cycle 11 routes are open year‑round and do not require a fee. For cyclists, the route is best tackled in the morning to avoid the occasional traffic on the R318. The nearest fuel station and food outlets are in Westport, about ten kilometres north‑east of Drummin.

Contact for local information

Accommodation options such as Drummin House are located just off the Westport town centre, offering modernised rooms within easy reach of the Greenway and the village’s walking and cycling routes.