Overview
The Letterkeen Loop is one of the flagship walking routes inside Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park, County Mayo. Graded strenuous, the 10.1 km circuit takes roughly three and a half hours to complete and climbs to a high‑point of about 350 m, rewarding hikers with sweeping panoramas over the Nephin Beg Mountains and the surrounding lowlands. The trail is marked with purple arrows and begins at the Brogan Carroll Bothy car‑park, a modest facility that provides parking, picnic benches and a simple bothy for shelter.
The route is a blend of riverbank strolls along the Altaconey River, narrow forestry tracks, sandy road sections and open mountain slopes. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and the trail is open year‑round, although a recent forest fire has occasionally caused temporary closures – always check the latest park updates before you set out.
History & Landscape
Letterkeen Woods, the forest that frames the loop, is a relatively recent creation in Irish terms. Prior to 1951 the area was largely treeless, but a government‑led afforestation programme introduced lodge‑pole pine, Japanese larch and sitka spruce across the slopes and valleys. Over the decades the plantation has matured into a mosaic of coniferous stands and native bogland, forming a key component of the Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, which is still expanding its protected acreage.
The trail itself follows a network of old cattle roads and forestry tracks that once served the timber industry. Today, those same routes provide hikers with a quiet, secluded walk that showcases the park’s geological diversity – from the peat‑rich bogs that cling to steep gradients to the clear‑water Altaconey River that meanders through the valley.
What to See & Do
- Summit Vistas – At the loop’s highest point (≈ 350 m) you can see the full sweep of the Nephin Beg range, the Atlantic coastline to the west and the patchwork of fields and lakes that characterize Mayo’s interior.
- Altaconey River – The gentle riverbank section offers opportunities to spot otters, kingfishers and a variety of freshwater fish. The sound of running water adds a soothing backdrop to the ascent.
- Forestry & Bogland – The alternating terrain keeps the walk interesting. Pine‑filled ridges give way to open, windswept bogs where the ground can be spongy underfoot – a reminder of the area’s glacial origins.
- Bothy & Picnic Areas – The Brogan Carroll Bothy provides a rustic shelter and a small car‑park. Picnic benches are scattered near the trailhead, making it easy to enjoy a packed lunch before or after the hike.
- Local Hospitality – After the walk, the Ginger & Wild Café at the Wild Nephin Visitor Centre serves hot drinks and light meals. The nearby town of Newport (just a few kilometres away) offers a selection of pubs and restaurants for a well‑earned dinner. For those staying longer, Ballycroy Village provides a range of B&Bs and self‑catering options within easy reach of the trailhead.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 10.1 km (≈ 6.3 mi) |
| Ascent | 350 m |
| Estimated time | 3 hrs 30 mins |
| Grade | Strenuous |
| Start / Finish | Brogan Carroll Bothy (car‑park) |
| Waymarking | Purple arrows |
| Dogs | Allowed on a lead |
| Parking | Free car‑park at the bothy, with picnic benches |
| Map | Letterkeen Loop Map (PDF) |
| GPX | Download GPX |
| Contact | Ballycroy Visitor Centre – 098 49888 |
| Nearest town | Newport (≈ 2 km) |
| Seasonal note | Possible trail disruptions due to forest fire; verify status on the Wild Nephin website before visiting |
The trailhead is reached by leaving the N59 at the signpost for Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Lough Furnace, then following local signs to the stone bothy after crossing the Srahrevagh River. GPS coordinates for the start are 53.98931, ‑9.57283.
Because the route traverses a mixture of boggy ground, steep ascents and loose forest paths, sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended. The terrain can become slick after rain, especially on the peat‑covered sections, so careful footing is essential.
There is no admission fee for the trail or the car‑park, and the path is open to the public at all times. The Wild Nephin Visitor Centre, located a short drive from the loop, provides additional information, a café and a small shop where you can purchase snacks, maps and basic first‑aid supplies.
Nearby Walks
If you have extra time, consider tackling the renowned Bangor Trail, a longer, more remote walk that also threads through Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park and offers a contrasting coastal experience.
Overall, the Letterkeen Loop offers a rewarding blend of physical challenge, natural beauty and a glimpse into the recent forestry history of Mayo. Whether you are a seasoned hill‑walker seeking a vigorous circuit or a nature lover eager to explore one of Ireland’s lesser‑known mountain landscapes, the loop delivers a memorable outdoor experience.