Monasteries of the Moy

Overview

The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway and Cycle Route stretches 14 km between the bustling market town of Ballina and the coastal village of Killala in north‑west Mayo. Part of the wider Western Way, the route is a blend of on‑road sections, quiet off‑road tracks and a forested greenway that follows the River Moy for much of its length. Along the way you’ll encounter four of Mayo’s most impressive monastic sites – the Augustinian Abbey beside St Muiredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, Rosserk Friary, Moyne Abbey and the Priory of the Holy Cross at Rathfran – each offering a distinct glimpse into Ireland’s medieval ecclesiastical heritage.

History

The monastic landscape along the Moy dates from the 13th to the 15th centuries, a period when mendicant orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians were establishing houses across Connacht. Rosserk Friary was founded around 1440 by the Joyce chieftains and served the Third Order of St Francis, a community of married men and women who lived a Franciscan lifestyle. Moyne Abbey, built by the powerful de Burgo family in 1455 and consecrated in 1462, became a provincial Franciscan school with its own library, infirmary and mill.

The Augustinian Abbey beside St Muiredach’s Cathedral in Ballina dates from the early 13th century; its ruins sit adjacent to the still‑active cathedral, offering a striking contrast of past and present worship. The Priory of the Holy Cross at Rathfran was founded by the Dominicans in 1274; like the other sites it was burnt during the Elizabethan wars of the late 16th century. A 19th‑century holy well, Tobar Mhuire, built in 1799, lies near Moyne Abbey and adds a later layer of devotional history.

All four sites were sacked in the late 1500s, most notably by Sir Richard Bingham, English Governor of Connacht. Over the 19th and 20th centuries the Office of Public Works stabilised the structures, allowing visitors to explore them safely. Phase 1 of the greenway was officially opened in July 2016 by Minister Michael Ring, and the route is being completed in stages to reach its full 14 km length. The greenway is Mayo’s second purpose‑built cycling‑walking route and is being developed on a phase‑by‑phase basis.

What to See & Do

Stage 1 – Ballina to Belleek (off‑road greenway)

Begin at the trailhead in Belleek Woods, one of Europe’s largest urban woodlands. While you cycle or walk, keep an eye out for the Ice House, a 19th‑century lime‑kiln, the old famine wall, the stone quay and the Mausoleum. The woods are also home to Ireland’s native red squirrel, re‑introduced in 2007 and now thriving.

Stage 2 – Ballina to Moyne (on‑road)

Leaving the forest, the route follows a quiet country road past two of the most intact monastic ruins in Mayo. Rosserk Friary boasts a climbable bell tower, vaulted chambers and a rare double piscina topped with carved angels. A short detour brings you to Moyne Abbey, perched above the Moy estuary; its enclosed cloister, ship‑motif wall murals and well‑preserved stonework make it a highlight for history enthusiasts. Note that Moyne Abbey is accessed via a stile and a right‑of‑way across private land, so it is not fully wheelchair‑accessible.

Stage 3 – Moyne to Killala (off‑road greenway)

The final leg is a flat, bird‑rich trail that takes you under an old railway bridge and across a designated road crossing into Killala town. Here you can explore the town’s round tower, ancient cathedral and heritage trail, or head to nearby beaches such as Ross, Lacken and Kilcummin. For the truly adventurous, Rathfran Abbey lies about 8 km north‑west of Killala and can be added as a side excursion.

Fishing on the River Moy

The River Moy is famed for salmon angling. From Ballina you can join a guided drift‑net or fly‑fishing trip, with the prime salmon run at the Ridge Pool running from early February to the end of September. The river also supports sea trout and brown trout, making it a versatile spot for anglers of all abilities.

Bike Hire & Amenities

If you don’t have your own bike, Ballina Bike Hire offers quality road and electric bikes, with delivery options throughout Mayo and parts of Sligo. Their shop is located on Quay Road, Ballina. The route is well‑sign‑posted with greenway and road waymarks, and the terrain ranges from easy (Stage 1 & 3) to moderate (Stage 2).

Wildlife & Nature

Belleek Woods supports a thriving population of red squirrels, and the river corridor is a haven for kingfishers, herons and occasional otters. Bird‑watchers will also spot swallows, swifts and wintering waders along the estuary. The varied habitats – woodland, riverbank, coastal dunes – make the greenway a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

Getting There & Transport

By car – The route is accessed via the N59; ample free parking is available at the Belleek Woods trailhead (car park off the N59) and in the centre of Killala near the harbour. By public transport – Bus Éireann route 440 runs between Ballina and Killala, stopping near the trailhead. The nearest train station is Ballina (Irish Rail), with regular services to Dublin and Westport. Both bus and train connections make the greenway reachable without a car.

Seasonal Advice

The greenway is open year‑round, but the off‑road sections can become muddy after heavy rain, so sturdy shoes and waterproof clothing are advisable. Late spring to early autumn (May‑September) offers the most pleasant weather and the best chance of spotting wildlife. Winter walks are possible but daylight is limited.

Dog Friendly

The route is popular with dog owners; dogs are welcome on the trail and in Belleek Woods provided they are kept on a leash, especially where wildlife nesting sites are present.

Future Developments

In November 2023 local councillors urged Mayo County Council to fund a macadam surfacing of the loose‑surface section on the R314 between Killala and Ballina. The request was made to the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) for the 2024‑25 cycle, aiming to improve safety and comfort for cyclists and walkers. Work on this upgrade is ongoing, and the greenway is expected to be fully surfaced once the final phase is completed.

Practical Information

The Monasteries of the Moy Greenway is free to use; there is no admission fee for any of the monastic sites, which are public heritage monuments. Parking is available at the Belleek Woods trailhead and in the centre of Killala. While the route is open year‑round, the off‑road sections can be muddy after heavy rain, so sturdy shoes are advisable. The only accessibility limitation is at Moyne Abbey, where the stile and private‑land crossing may pose a challenge for visitors with impaired mobility. Mobile phone coverage is generally good along the main road sections, but can be spotty within the deeper forest.

Stage Summary

For further reading on the abbeys, see the North Mayo tourism page and the detailed Heritage Ireland article.