Hymany Way

Overview

The Hymany Way is a 80 km (≈50 mi) linear trail that traverses the heart of East Galway, following the western bank of the River Shannon before turning inland through historic villages, ancient cathedrals and pristine bogland. It forms the fifth section of the Beara‑Breifne Way, Ireland’s longest national waymarked route, and is managed by the Aughrim Development Company Ltd.. The trail is waymarked with a yellow arrow on a black background and is rated moderate (often described as easy‑to‑moderate) – suitable for confident walkers and families seeking a multi‑day adventure.

Key facts:

History

The Hymany Way was officially opened on 24 September 2010 by Councillor Jimmy McClearn, Mayor of County Galway. Funding came from the NTR Foundation and the trail was designated a National Waymarked Trail by the Irish Sports Council’s National Trails Office.

Its route mirrors a segment of the historic march of Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare in 1603, when a thousand followers fled the Beara Peninsula after the Siege of Dunboy and trekked north‑eastwards, eventually reaching O’Rourke’s Castle in Leitrim. The Hymany Way therefore retraces the western bank of the Shannon that the marchers once crossed in the depths of winter.

Key historic sites along the way include:

• Battle of Aughrim (1691) – the bloodiest battle of the Williamite War, interpreted at the modern centre in Aughrim.
• Clonfert Cathedral – a 12th‑century Romanesque masterpiece with a celebrated doorway, 15th‑century font and 19th‑century oak pulpit.
• Meelick Church – reputedly the oldest Catholic church still in regular use in Ireland.
• Blackloon Castle – a 500‑year‑old tower house still inhabited.
• Cloonigny Castle – a ruined 16th‑century moated castle with a nearby souterrain.
• Killure Bog – declared a Natural Heritage Area in 2003 for its rich flora and fauna.

The trail also links to the Suck Valley Way at its planned northern extension, further integrating Galway’s walking network.

What to See & Do

River Shannon & Callows

Historic Landmarks

• Portumna Bridge – a five‑span pivoting bridge that opens for river traffic, offering striking views of the Shannon.
• Meelick Church – the oldest Catholic church still in regular use.
• Clonfert Cathedral – admire the Romanesque doorway and interior carvings.
• Blackloon Castle – a small, inhabited tower house.
• Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre – interactive displays on the 1691 clash.
• Cloonigny Castle (ruins) and a nearby ringfort with a souterrain.
• Killure Bog – Natural Heritage Area.

Interpretive information panels are positioned at several points – the Shannon crossing, Blackloon Castle, Clonfert Cathedral, Meelick Abbey and St Ruth’s Bush (the Aughrim battle site) – giving walkers context without needing a guide.

Natural Highlights

• Esker Riada – glacial ridges stretching from Dublin to Galway; the trail skirts its exposed face north of Aughrim.
• Shannon Callows – a mosaic of cut‑over, drained and raised bogs, interspersed with quiet forest paths and country roads.
• Birdwatching – the Callows host over 40 % of Ireland’s Corncrake population.

Optional Extension & Walking Passport

Beyond the official end at Ballygar, many walkers continue north to Ahascragh (≈19 km) and then to Ballygar (≈23 km), creating a 100 km loop that can be tackled in five days. The Beara‑Breifne Way offers a walking‑passport stamp at each major waypoint (Portumna, Meelick, Clonfert, Ballinasloe, Aughrim, Ballygar). Stamps can be collected at local visitor centres and exchanged for a completion certificate.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The Shannon Callows are a designated Special Protection Area. In addition to the species already mentioned, you may spot Pipit, Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler and occasional Barn Swallow during the migration periods. Early‑morning walks give the best chance to hear the distinctive call of the Corncrake. The surrounding bogland supports a variety of moths, dragonflies and rare plants such as Sundew and Bog Cotton.

Practical Information

Getting There

• Start – Portumna: Served by Bus Éireann and Kearns Transport (twice daily from Dublin and Galway) and a local weekend service. Riverside parking is available at Portumna Bridge.
• Mid‑trail – Ballinasloe: Buses run every half‑hour to Dublin and Galway; a link road connects the town to the Shannon Waterway.
• Finish – Ballygar: Reachable by Boyle Coaches (three daily services) and by Bus Éireann from Galway.
• Directions: Google Maps directions to the start point.

Trail Conditions

• Open year‑round, but the Loonaghton Bog section (53.449273, -8.352054 to 53.453055, -8.345445) is currently closed; follow posted diversions or contact the Rural Recreation Officer on 086 262 2306.
• Waymarking is generally good; occasional over‑grown grass reported near the Shannon levy at Portumna.
• Mostly off‑road with short quiet country‑road sections; elevation change modest (≈97 m).
• No wheelchair access due to bog and forest sections.

Accommodation & Camping

• Portumna: Hotels, guesthouses and Portumna Forest Park (600 ha) – camping sites and walking facilities.
• Ballinasloe: Range of B&Bs and hotels; also a bus link to the Shannon Waterway.
• Mid‑trail villages (Meelick, Clonfert, Lismany): Small B&Bs and self‑catering options.
• Aughrim: Accommodation plus the Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre (free entry).
• Camping: Popular wild‑camping spots include Meelick Harbour (on the Shannon) and designated sites in Portumna Forest Park. Check local signage and obtain landowner permission where required.

Stages (as suggested by Galway Tourism)

Essentials

• Waymark colour: Yellow arrow on black background.
• Dogs: Not permitted on the trail.
• Accessibility: Not wheelchair‑friendly.
• Emergency numbers: 112 or 999 (mobile‑compatible even without coverage).

Maps & Resources

• OSI Discovery Series sheets 40, 47 and 53 cover the entire route.
• PDF map guides (Sport Ireland):
  • HW1 – Portumna to Muckanagh
  • HW2 – Muckanagh to Clonfert
  • …subsequent sections HW3‑HW7.
• Detailed trail guide (PDF) from Galway Tourism: The Hymany Way Walking Guide.

Contact

• Trail management: Aughrim Development Company Ltd., Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Co Galway – email: hymanyway@gmail.com
• Rural Recreation Officer (for closures): 086 262 2306

For a deeper dive into the historic sites along the way, see the dedicated pages for Clonfert Cathedral, Meelick Church, and the Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre.