Overview
The Great Western Greenway (often called the Mayo Greenway) is a 49 km traffic‑free trail that links the bustling seaside town of Westport with the remote beauty of Achill Island. It follows the former Midland Great Western Railway line that was built in the 1890s and closed in 1937, offering gentle gradients and spectacular views of Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick, the Nephin Beg mountains and countless islands that dot the bay. The path is open year‑round, free to use, and is suitable for families, casual walkers, serious cyclists and wheelchair users.
Length note – Some older guides quote 43.5 km, but the official Greenway website confirms the current length as 49 km after the 2024 extension to Cashel.
History
The railway that underpins the Greenway was part of a wider expansion of the Irish rail network in the late‑19th century. By the 1890s a line ran from Westport to Achill Sound, boosting tourism and trade in western Mayo. The line was abandoned in 1937, the tracks were lifted in 1938, and the corridor lay dormant for decades.
In the early 2000s Mayo County Council, local landowners and state agencies secured €5.7 million to convert the disused line into a greenway. Phase 1 – the 18 km Newport‑to‑Mulranny section – opened in April 2010 and won the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) award in July 2011. The full route, including the Westport‑Newport and Mulranny‑Achill sections, was inaugurated by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 29 July 2011. Since then the trail has collected a host of national and European accolades for sustainability, recreation and community benefit.
What to See & Do
| Section | Distance | Highlights | Approx. time (cycling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport → Newport | 12 km | Westport Quay, historic town centre, early‑stage coastal woodlands | 1 – 1.5 h |
| Newport → Mulranny | 18 km | Seven‑arch Newport Viaduct, sweeping views of Clew Bay, Clare Island, the Nephin Beg range, and the Victorian Mulranny Causeway (built 1889) | 2 – 2.5 h |
| Mulranny → Achill Sound | 13 km | Old Railway Station House (service centre, bike hire, showers), Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery, dramatic Atlantic coastline along the Corraun Peninsula | 1 – 1.5 h |
| Achill Sound → Cashel (extension) | 5 km | New boardwalk across blanket bog, children’s playground, toilets and camper‑van spaces | 1 h |
Key Attractions Along the Way
- Newport Viaduct – a striking red‑sandstone, seven‑arch bridge spanning the Black Oak River.
- Mulranny Park Hotel – the only hotel directly on the Greenway, offering dining, accommodation and a base for exploring the nearby Blue Flag beach, Rosmurrevagh Machair and Mulranny Salt Marsh.
- Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery – a small gallery and café in Owenduff, perfect for a mid‑way break.
- Achill Island – after crossing the bridge at Achill Sound, you can explore the Keel Beach Blue Flag sand, the historic Kildavnet Tower, and the Deserted Village at Slievemore (over 80 stone cottages). The Achill Experience Aquarium provides a quick indoor diversion.
- Burrishoole Abbey – a short 1.5 km detour from the Greenway near Newport offers a glimpse of 15th‑century monastic ruins.
- Ballycroy National Park – the Greenway skirts the park’s western edge; its blanket bogs and pine woods are visible from several points.
- Ballycroy Village – a convenient stop for refreshments and information about the surrounding wildlife.
Flora & Fauna
The trail traverses a mosaic of habitats – sea‑coast, bog, woodland and pasture – many of which are designated Special Areas of Conservation. Spring brings a carpet of wildflowers such as purple heather, marsh marigold and the rare Irish lady’s‑tresses orchid. Birdwatchers can spot golden plovers, curlews, and red‑breasted mergansers along the shoreline, while inland sections are favoured by buzzards, red‑kites and occasional peregrine falcons. Butterflies, including the common blue and peacock, are active from May to August.
Seasonal Highlights & Events
- Annual Maintenance Closure – The Greenway is closed on 21 February each year for essential upkeep; the route reopens the following day.
- Local Festivals – Summer sees a series of music and food events in Westport, Newport and Mulranny that are easily combined with a Greenway day (e.g., Westport Folk Festival in August).
- Wildlife Seasons – Late summer and early autumn are the best times for spotting migrating birds over Clew Bay and for enjoying the autumn colours of the Nephin Beg woodlands.
Practical Tips & Services
- Waymarking – The route is signed with the National Cycle Network symbol and white directional arrows, making navigation straightforward.
- Bike‑repair & Service Stations – New repair hubs have been installed at Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill Sound (details on the official site). They provide tools, pump stations and basic servicing.
- Safety – Helmets are mandatory for cyclists. Carry a mobile phone, water, snacks and a waterproof jacket. In the Newport town‑centre stretch cyclists share the road with traffic; extra caution is advised.
- Accessibility – Most of the surface is compacted tarmac or solid‑surface track, suitable for wheelchairs. The Mulranny cycle hub (opened Oct 2024) offers accessible tricycles for hire.
- Parking
- Westport – free parking beside Clew Bay Bike Hire and the Westport Town Car Park.
- Mulranny – free spaces behind the Mulranny Park Hotel and at the old Railway Station House.
- Newport – limited on‑street spaces; the main car park is a short walk from the trailhead.
- Achill Sound – purpose‑built car park adjacent to Óstán Oileán Acla / Achill Island Hotel.
Bike Hire & Services
A range of hire operators serve the route. Prices are typical €25 for an adult bike and €15 for a child’s bike, with shuttle‑bus return service included.
- Clew Bay Bike Hire – Westport, Newport, Mulranny, Achill. Tel: +353 98 24818. Email: info@clewbayoutdoors.ie. clewbayoutdoors.ie
- Greenway Bicycle Hire – Main Street, Newport. Tel: +353 86 0382593 / +353 86 0382594. Email: info@greenwaybicyclehire.com. greenwaybicyclehire.com
- Sean Sammon Cycle Hire – James Street, Westport. Tel: +353 98 25471.
- Westport Bike Hire – James Street, Westport. Tel: +353 86 088 0882. Email: info@westportbikehire.com. westportbikehire.com
- Achill Bikes – Dooagh, Achill Island. Tel: +353 98 43301 / +353 87 2437686 / +353 86 1723087. Email: info@achillbikes.com. achillbikes.com
Facilities
- Toilets & Showers – available at the Old Railway Station House in Mulranny (showers included) and at the Achill Sound car park.
- Refreshments – cafés at Dánlann Yawl, Gráinne Uaile in Newport, and the hotel bars in Westport and Mulranny.
- Playgrounds – children’s playgrounds at Achill Sound (opened 2020), Keel Beach, and the quayside in Newport.
- Safety – lock bikes when leaving them unattended and keep valuables out of sight in parked cars.
Accessibility & Rules
- The Greenway is a shared space; walkers keep to the left, cyclists pass on the right and ring a bell before overtaking.
- Dogs must be on short leads and owners are asked to clean up after them.
- The trail is wheelchair‑friendly for most of its length; the Mulranny cycle hub (Oct 2024) offers accessible tricycles for hire.
- The Greenway is closed on 21 February each year for maintenance.
- In Newport the trail shares a 1.5 km stretch of road with traffic; extra caution is advised there.
Costs
There is no admission fee – the Greenway is free to use. Bike‑hire, parking and optional shuttle services are charged by private operators.
Suggested Itinerary
For a relaxed day, start in Westport, follow the trail to Newport (12 km), stop for lunch at Gráinne Uaile, continue to Mulranny (another 18 km) to explore the causeway and enjoy a coffee at the Mulranny Park Hotel. Finish at Achill Sound, where you can unwind with a pint at the local pub before catching a bus back to Westport or staying overnight on the island.
Plan your adventure with the free map and mobile app available on the official site, and remember to respect the seven Leave‑No‑Trace principles to keep Mayo’s landscapes pristine for future visitors.