Overview
The Hymany Way is an 80km (50 mile) linear walking trail that cuts through the heart of East Galway. As the fifth section of the Beara-Breifne Way – Ireland’s longest national waymarked route – it connects the riverside town of Portumna Bridge to the quiet rural crossing at Ballygar. Managed by the Aughrim Development Company Ltd., the trail is rated moderate and is open year-round. It’s a rewarding challenge for confident walkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to step away from the coast and explore Galway’s inland character.
You’ll recognise the path by its distinctive yellow arrow on a black background. The route stays largely off-road, weaving through quiet country lanes, ancient forest tracks, and bogland footpaths. While the overall elevation gain is modest at just 97m, walkers should be prepared for soft ground underfoot, particularly on the raised bogs. Dogs are not permitted on the trail to protect local livestock and wildlife.
A Route Steeped in History
The Hymany Way was officially opened in September 2010, but the ground it covers has witnessed centuries of Irish history. Most notably, the trail retraces a segment of the desperate 1603 march of Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare and his followers. After the fall of Dunboy Castle in County Cork, roughly a thousand men, women, and children fled northwards through the winter, eventually reaching safety in Leitrim. Walking the Hymany Way means following the western bank of the River Shannon that the marchers once crossed, a journey that still carries a palpable sense of resilience.
Beyond the march, the trail passes some of Galway’s most significant heritage sites:
- Clonfert Cathedral: A 12th-century Romanesque masterpiece. Look out for the intricately carved doorway, the 15th-century baptismal font, and the striking 19th-century oak pulpit.
- Meelick Church: Often cited as the oldest Catholic church in Ireland still in regular use, its medieval stone walls hold centuries of local worship.
- Battle of Aughrim: The site of the bloodiest engagement of the Williamite War (1691). The nearby Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre offers excellent context for the clash that shaped modern Ireland.
- Blackloon Castle & Cloonigny Castle: Two very different fortifications. Blackloon is a compact 500-year-old tower house that remains a private home, while Cloonigny is a ruined 16th-century moated castle accompanied by a ringfort and souterrain.
Interpretive panels are placed at key waypoints – including the Shannon crossing, St Ruth’s Bush, and the cathedrals – so you can piece together the story as you walk without needing a guide.
Landscape & Wildlife
The first leg of the Hymany Way tracks the Shannon Callows, a vast floodplain that transforms with the seasons. In spring and early summer, the reed beds and wet grasslands become a sanctuary for birdlife. The area is internationally important, hosting over 40% of Ireland’s Corncrake population. If you walk quietly at dawn, you might catch the distinctive, rattling call of the Corncrake, along with sightings of Skylarks, Sedge Warblers, and Reed Buntings.
As the trail pushes inland, the landscape shifts to the rolling ridges of the Esker Riada, a massive glacial formation that stretches from Dublin to Galway. North of Aughrim, the path skirts the exposed face of the esker, offering sweeping views over the surrounding farmland. Further on, the route crosses Killure Bog and Loonaghton Bog. Declared Natural Heritage Areas, these raised bogs are peat-rich ecosystems supporting rare flora like Sundew and Bog Cotton, as well as a variety of dragonflies and moths.
Walking the Trail: Stages & Practicalities
Most walkers tackle the Hymany Way over four days, though the official route can be completed in three if you’re in good shape. The trail is easily broken down into manageable stages:
- Portumna to Meelick (17.2km): A gentle riverside start that introduces the Callows and ends at the historic Meelick Church.
- Meelick to Clonfert (7.4km): A short, scenic day linking two of Galway’s most important ecclesiastical sites.
- Clonfert to Ballinasloe (21km): The longest stage, taking you through mixed farmland and quiet villages before reaching the market town of Ballinasloe.
- Ballinasloe to Aughrim (13km): A steady walk through rural Galway, finishing at the Williamite battle site.
- Aughrim to Ballygar (≈22km): The final push across bogland and esker ridges to the trail’s official terminus.
For those wanting to extend their journey, an optional 19km leg continues north to Ahascragh, and a further 23km brings you back to Ballygar, creating a 100km loop. The Beara-Breifne Way also offers a walking passport; collect stamps at visitor centres in Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Aughrim, and Ballygar to receive a completion certificate.
Getting There & Resources
The trailhead at Portumna Bridge is accessible by car, with riverside parking available nearby. Public transport options include Bus Éireann and Kearns Transport, which run services from Dublin and Galway city. Mid-trail, Ballinasloe offers frequent bus connections, while the finish at Ballygar is served by Boyle Coaches and local Bus Éireann routes.
Accommodation is plentiful in Portumna and Ballinasloe, with a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering options. Smaller villages like Meelick and Clonfert offer cosy B&Bs. For wild campers, Meelick Harbour provides a scenic riverside spot, but always check local signage and seek landowner permission. Portumna Forest Park also has designated camping sites.
Trail conditions & safety The path is open year-round, but bog sections can be slippery after heavy rain. Waterproof boots are essential. Note that the Loonaghton Bog section is occasionally closed for ecological management; follow posted diversions or contact the Rural Recreation Officer on 086 262 2306 for updates. Mobile coverage can be patchy in the bogland and forest sections, so carrying a physical map is wise. OSI Discovery Series sheets 40, 47, and 53 cover the full route. Free PDF stage maps are available from Sport Ireland, and a detailed walking guide can be downloaded from Galway Tourism.
Start early to catch the birdsong in the Callows, take your time at Clonfert’s carvings, and pack a sturdy pair of boots for the bog crossings. The Hymany Way rewards patience with quiet landscapes and layered history, making it one of the most grounded inland walking experiences in the province.