Overview
The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route connects the market town of Ballina with the coastal village of Killala over 14 km of varied terrain. Forming a key section of the wider Western Way, the route follows the River Moy corridor, alternating between traffic-free forest paths, quiet country lanes and a recently upgraded off-road greenway. Along the way, four medieval monastic sites stand as quiet witnesses to centuries of Irish religious and political history, all accessible on foot or by bike with no entry fees.
The Monasteries: History & Highlights
The ecclesiastical landscape along this stretch of the Moy was shaped between the 13th and 15th centuries, when mendicant orders expanded across Connacht. Each ruin tells a distinct story:
- Rosserk Friary (c. 1440): Founded by the local Joyce chieftains for the Third Order of St Francis, this site served a community of married men and women living a Franciscan lifestyle. Look for the climbable bell tower, vaulted chambers and a rare double piscina crowned with carved angels.
- Moyne Abbey (1455–1462): Built by the powerful de Burgo family, this Franciscan friary once operated as a provincial school complete with a library, infirmary and mill. The enclosed cloister and ship-motif wall murals are among the best-preserved features in north Mayo.
- Augustinian Abbey, Ballina: Dating to the early 13th century, these ruins sit directly beside the still-active St Muiredach’s Cathedral. The juxtaposition of medieval stonework and ongoing Catholic worship creates a striking focal point for the route.
- Priory of the Holy Cross at Rathfran (1274): A Dominican foundation located further inland, it shares the fate of the other sites: all were sacked in the late 1500s, most notably by English Governor Sir Richard Bingham. OPW stabilisation in the 19th and 20th centuries has kept the structures safe for public access.
A short walk from Moyne Abbey leads to Tobar Mhuire, a 19th-century holy well built in 1799 that adds a later layer of local devotional history to the medieval landscape.
Route Breakdown
The greenway is divided into three logical stages, each with different surfaces and pacing:
Stage 1 – Ballina to Belleek (Off-road)
Starting at the trailhead in Belleek Woods, this 2.5 km section runs entirely on traffic-free paths. The woodland contains a 19th-century lime kiln, an old famine wall, a stone quay and a mausoleum. The trail is flat and suitable for all ages.
Stage 2 – Ballina to Moyne (On-road)
Leaving the forest, the route follows a quiet country lane for roughly 6.5 km. This section carries light traffic but remains calm. It passes Rosserk Friary and requires a short detour to reach Moyne Abbey. The stonework and river views make this the most visually rewarding leg, though cyclists should stay alert at junctions.
Stage 3 – Moyne to Killala (Off-road)
The final 5 km returns to a dedicated greenway, crossing under an old railway bridge and finishing in Killala town centre. The terrain is flat and bird-rich, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. From here, you can explore Killala’s round tower and cathedral, or extend your trip to nearby Ross, Lacken and Kilcummin beaches.
Stage Summary
| Stage | Distance | Surface | Difficulty | Walking | Cycling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballina – Belleek | 2.5 km | Mixed off-road | Easy | 60 min | 20 min |
| Ballina – Moyne | 6.5 km | On-road lane | Moderate | 60–90 min | 20–40 min |
| Moyne – Killala | 5.0 km | Off-road | Easy | 50–90 min | 20–30 min |
Nature & Wildlife
Belleek Woods is one of Europe’s largest urban woodlands and a key habitat for Ireland’s native red squirrel, successfully reintroduced here in 2007. The river corridor and estuary fringe support kingfishers, herons, swallows and wintering waders, with occasional otter sightings along quieter stretches. Late spring and early summer bring nesting activity, so quiet observation is encouraged.
Practical Information
- Bike Hire: Ballina Bike Hire stocks road and electric bikes, with delivery available across Mayo and parts of Sligo. Their shop is on Quay Road, Ballina.
- Dogs: Welcome on all stages and in Belleek Woods. Keep them leashed, particularly near nesting birds and along the on-road section.
- Accessibility: The route is largely flat. Moyne Abbey requires crossing a stile and a private right-of-way, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. All other ruins are accessible from public paths.
- Seasonal Conditions: Open year-round. Off-road sections can turn muddy after heavy rain, so waterproof footwear is recommended. May to September offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours.
- Fishing: The River Moy is renowned for salmon and sea trout. Guided drift-net and fly-fishing trips depart from Ballina, with the prime Ridge Pool run running from early February through September.
Getting There
- By car: Park free at the Belleek Woods trailhead (off the N59) or in Killala town centre near the harbour.
- By public transport: Bus Éireann route 440 connects Ballina and Killala, stopping near the trailhead. Irish Rail services stop at Ballina station, with regular connections to Dublin and Westport.
Book bikes a few days ahead during summer weekends, and start early to catch the morning light on the abbey stonework before the afternoon heat builds.