Overview
Glennacally (Irish: Gleann na Caillí, literally “the hag’s valley”) sits in the barony of Murrisk, County Mayo, stretching between Erriff Bridge and Glennacally Bridge on the N59. Covering 5,247 acres, it is the third-largest townland in the county and a landscape defined by winding streams, steep valleys, and a chain of peaks that form part of the Devilsmother, Maumtrasna, and Partry Mountains. The area is best known for the “Hag’s Glen,” a name rooted in Irish mythology where the Cailleach – an ancient goddess or winter hag – was believed to shape the land. Today, the name simply adds an atmospheric layer to a hillwalk that rewards effort with raw, unspoiled mountain scenery and quiet solitude.
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”). By the early 20th century, the collective name faded, and the summits are now identified individually: Benwee (Binn Bhuí, 682 m), the trigonometric pillar on the Maumtrasna Plateau (673 m), Glenagleragh Hill (621 m), Gowlan (≈620 m), Binn Garbh (645 m), and the distinctive horseshoe ridge of the Devilsmother (≈600 m).
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, these structures remain fine examples of robust masonry and continue to handle daily traffic. A quieter cultural marker sits near Gowlan Bridge: Keane’s Field, opposite an old schoolhouse. The field was used during filming of the Richard Harris movie adaptation of John B. Keane’s play, and a nearby stone plaque still reads “Scoil Naisiunta-Oirim-A.D. 1929,” preserving a snapshot of rural Mayo’s educational history.
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
- Estimated Time: 8 hours 50 minutes (at an average pace)
- Highest Point: Maumtrasna Plateau (673 m)
- Key Summits: Devilsmother, Binn Garbh, Knocklaur, Maumtrasna
Route Overview
- Park at the wide gate east of Glennacally Bridge on the N59 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 offers 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.
Alternative: Devilsmother Out-and-Back
For those with limited daylight or a preference for a single summit, the Devilsmother out-and-back trail covers 10.8 km with 752 m of ascent. It typically takes around 3 hours 25 minutes for a fit walker, follows well-marked stone steps for much of the climb, and is graded as difficult. It shares the same starting point and rejoins the main circuit at the ridge.
Practical Information & Safety
Glennacally is accessed directly via the N59, the main road linking Westport and Leenane. Free parking is available at the gate east of Glennacally Bridge, but the space fills quickly during dry summer weekends. Arriving before 9am is advisable.
The circuit is best attempted in calm, dry conditions. Mayo’s mountain terrain becomes treacherous when wet; peat slopes turn slick, and visibility can drop rapidly. Walking poles are highly recommended for the steeper descents, particularly on the Devilsmother ridge. Navigation is generally straightforward along the river and main ridgelines, but the section after the Devilsmother relies heavily on a low stone fence for guidance. Carry an Ordnance Survey Ireland map, a compass, and a fully charged GPS device.
There are no formal admission fees or turnstiles; the land is open access. However, there are no facilities, bins, or shops along the route. Bring sufficient water, high-energy food, a first-aid kit, and extra layers. Mobile reception is patchy across the plateau, so always leave your route plan with someone before setting off.
Dog policy: Dogs are welcome on the open-access land but must be kept on a short lead around livestock and on the historic bridges. Check for seasonal livestock grazing notices before visiting.
Environmental stewardship: Walkers are asked to follow the Mayo seven principles for upland conservation: stay on established paths, take all litter home, avoid disturbing nesting birds, keep dogs under control, respect private property boundaries, use biodegradable toiletries, and heed any local conservation signage.
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.