Overview
At 5,247 acres, Glennacally (Irish: Gleann na Caillí, ‘the hag’s valley’) is the third-largest townland in County Mayo, a spread of winding streams and steep valley heads between Erriff Bridge and Glennacally Bridge on the N59. Its peaks form part of the Devilsmother, Maumtrasna and Partry Mountains. The ‘Hag’s Glen’ name comes from the Cailleach, the winter hag of Irish myth said to have shaped the land, and the valley wears its remoteness plainly: this is upland walking country, not a roadside stop.
History & Background
The word cailleach historically referred to a nun, a veiled figure, or simply an old woman. Many Irish valleys adopted the “Hag’s” prefix as a practical warning to keep children away from remote, uneven terrain. Throughout the 19th century, the townland appeared on maps as Glanacolla, Glen-na-Callie, and Glanicalle before standardising to Glennacally.
The surrounding peaks were once collectively known as the Formnamore Mountains (from formna mór, ‘great shoulder’). That collective name faded, and the summits are now named individually: Benwee (Binn Bhuí), the Maumtrasna plateau with its trigonometric pillar, Glenagleragh Hill, Gowlan, Binn Garbh, and the distinctive horseshoe ridge of the Devilsmother.
Civil engineer Alexander Nimmo designed the three stone bridges that still carry the N59 across the Erriff, Gowlan and Glennacally rivers. Built in the early 1800s, they remain sound, workaday masonry handling daily traffic two centuries on.
The Hillwalk Circuit
The most celebrated route in the area is the 17.3-km circular hillwalk starting at Glennacally Bridge. It is widely used by experienced walkers and is catalogued on MountainViews (track 2060).
Route Statistics
- Length: 17.3 km
- Total Ascent: 1,085 m
- Total Descent: 1,126 m
- Creator’s time: 8 hours 50 minutes
- Key Summits: Maumtrasna, Glennagleragh, Knocklaur and the Devilsmother tops
Route Overview
- Park at the wide gate east of Glennacally Bridge on the N59 (grid ref L 58966 46113) and cross to the east bank of the Glennacally River.
- Follow the river south for roughly 1.5 km until the Glenfree River joins from the left.
- Cross the confluence and head southeast toward the steep spur of Maumtrasna. The final 200 metres to the plateau climb at a sharp angle.
- After a brief rocky scramble, the terrain levels out for about a kilometre across the plateau to the summit.
- From the top, follow a county-border fence southwest to Glennagleragh Hill, then continue to Knocklaur.
- Descend to the col at the head of the Glennacally River, then climb gently toward the Devilsmother ridge.
- Trace the ridge, passing the Devil’s Mother North Top and a rocky prominence at 380 m, before descending a steep, often slippery grassy ramp.
- The final section winds through a small valley, crosses a fence line, and rejoins an old bog road that leads back to the N59.
On clear days, the ridge opens up sweeping views of the Maumtrasna massif, the deep hollows of Luga Kippen and Luga Gowlan, and distant glimpses of Killary Harbour. The Devilsmother’s horseshoe shape is a favourite subject for landscape photographers, particularly in the low light of autumn mornings.
A shorter alternative
If the full horseshoe is too much for the daylight you have, a shorter way onto the ridge starts near Carraig Bar, on the road between Aasleagh and Leenane, approaching Binn Garbh from the south via Glennagevlagh. It’s still a mountain walk with real ascent, but it cuts out the long plateau traverse.
Practical Information & Safety
Glennacally is reached directly off the N59, the main road linking Westport and Leenane. Free parking is at the wide gate east of Glennacally Bridge; there’s no car park proper, just roadside space.
The circuit is best kept for calm, dry conditions. This is the single most important thing to know about it: Mayo mountain ground is genuinely treacherous when wet. One winter log describes decayed vegetation floating on liquefied peat and slopes turned dangerous on the steeper descents. Walking poles earn their place, especially coming off the Devilsmother ridge. Navigation is straightforward along the river and the main ridgelines, but the section after the Devilsmother leans heavily on a low stone fence for guidance. Carry an Ordnance Survey Ireland map, a compass, and a charged GPS; reception is patchy across the plateau.
The land is open access, with no fees, but equally no facilities, bins or shops anywhere on the route. Bring your own water, food, a first-aid kit and spare layers, and leave your route plan with someone before you set off. Dogs should be kept on a short lead around livestock, and check for grazing notices before visiting.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Aasleagh Falls – A 10-km drive northwest leads to a dramatic waterfall and a popular picnic spot with easy access from the roadside.
- Ballycroy National Park – Located roughly 30 km southwest, the visitor centre offers guided walks, dark-sky programming, and exhibits on peatland restoration and upland ecology.
- Westport & Leenane – Both towns are within a 20-km radius and provide cafés, fuel, accommodation, and access to the Great Western Greenway for a low-impact recovery day.
Start your walk early to avoid afternoon cloud build-up over the Maumtrasna ridge, and check the MountainViews track page for recent condition reports before heading out.