Overview
Letterkeen Wood sits on the north‑west fringe of the Nephin Beg Mountain range, overlooking Clew Bay and offering some of the most dramatic conifer scenery in the Republic of Ireland. The forest covers roughly 10 km of interlinked tracks and is dominated by lodgepole pine, Japanese larch on the higher slopes and sitka spruce in the more fertile valleys. The trees were planted after 1951 when the State launched a large‑scale forestry development programme, turning what was once open mountain pasture into the lush woodland you see today. The area is earmarked for inclusion in the forthcoming Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, with an interpretive centre planned for Ballycroy.
History
Before the mid‑20th century, the Letterkeen landscape was virtually treeless. The 1951 forestry initiative introduced fast‑growing conifers to provide timber and to stabilise the steep slopes. Over the decades the forest has become a habitat for a variety of birdlife and a beloved recreation zone for locals and tourists alike. Recent government acquisition of several thousand acres around Letterkeen signals a long‑term commitment to conservation and public access, paving the way for the future national‑park status that will further protect the area’s natural heritage.
What to See & Do
The heart of the visitor experience is the Brogan Carroll Bothy, a stone hut rebuilt in recent years that marks the trailhead and provides a handy shelter. From here three loop walks diverge, each identified by a coloured way‑mark:
| Loop | Distance | Difficulty | Ascent | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | 9.6 km | Moderate | 310 m | 2.5 hrs |
| Blue | 10.1 km | Hard/Strenuous | 350 m | 3 hrs |
| Purple | 12 km | Hard/Strenuous | 350 m | 3‑3.5 hrs |
All three routes share an initial segment before branching off, so you will often see red, blue and purple arrows together. The purple loop is the most demanding, featuring a steep climb to a high‑point of 311 m that rewards walkers with panoramic views across the Nephin Beg peaks and the distant Atlantic coastline. The red loop offers a gentler introduction to the forest, winding along riverbanks, sandy paths and low‑lying tracks. The blue loop sits between the two, combining moderate ascents with sections of open mountain track.
Along the way you will encounter:
- The Altaconey River, a clear watercourse that snakes through the forest floor.
- Lake Avoher glimpsed from the “Sheep Pass” ridge.
- A series of historic stone footbridges and the occasional disused two‑storey house that hints at the area’s agricultural past.
- The Mountain Meitheal Hut, a modest shelter near the trail’s midpoint where hikers often stop for a tea or sandwich.
Wild Nephin Ballycroy Visitor Centre’s café, Ginger & Wild, lies a short drive away in Newport and provides a warm spot to refuel after the walk. Newport itself offers a selection of pubs and restaurants for a post‑hike meal.
Practical Information
Getting there – From Westport, follow the N59 eastward to Newport. After about 1 km turn right at the signpost for the Marine Institute and Lough Furnace. Continue past Lough Feeagh, Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Shramore Lodge, then cross the small bridge over the Srahrevagh River. Immediately after the bridge turn left onto the forestry road marked for the Bangor Trail and the Western Way; the trailhead appears after roughly another kilometre, beside the stone bothy.
Parking – A small car‑park is located next to the Brogan Carroll Bothy. It is free and provides space for a handful of vehicles; during peak summer weekends it can fill quickly, so early arrival is advisable.
Waymarking – The loops are signposted with coloured arrows (red, blue, purple). The purple arrows are the primary markers for the full 12 km circuit, while the red and blue arrows guide the shorter variants. Way‑markers are placed at regular intervals and are clearly visible even on the steeper sections.
Dog policy – Dogs are welcome on a lead throughout the forest.
Facilities – The bothy offers a basic shelter and a bench. Picnic tables are scattered near the trailhead. No toilet facilities are provided on‑site; the nearest public toilets are in Newport.
Safety – The purple and blue loops involve steep ascents and sections of boggy ground that can become slick after rain. Hikers should wear sturdy hiking boots and consider gaiters if the weather is wet. Mobile phone coverage is generally good along the main road but can be patchy once you are deep in the forest.
Maps & Guides – The route is covered by OSI Discovery Series Sheet 23 and is also available as a downloadable PDF from the Sport Ireland website. A GPX file can be obtained from the Mayo Trails site for use with GPS devices.
Contact – For the latest information on trail conditions, especially after the recent forest fire, contact the Ballycroy Visitor Centre at 098 49888 or email the Rural Recreation Officer at mdillane@southmayo.com.
Seasonality – The forest is open year‑round. While the trail is usable in all seasons, the higher sections can be snow‑covered in winter and very wet in early spring.
Nearby attractions – After your walk, consider a short drive to the Nephin Beg Mountains for additional hill‑walking, or explore the Wild Atlantic Way coastal villages of Achill and Mulranny.