Rehins Wood

Overview

Rehins Wood (sometimes written Raheens Wood) sits on the Newport Road (R311) just a few kilometres north‑west of Castlebar, County Mayo. Spanning roughly 33 ha, of which 23.5 ha is classified as old woodland dating back to the 1840s, the site is celebrated as one of the finest examples of native semi‑natural woodland in the region. Dominated by hazel and birch, the canopy also includes ash, oak, rowan, grey willow and alder, while the ground layer bursts with greater woodrush, bracken, bramble, wood avens, wood sedge, ivy, mosses and lichens. Two plant species of particular interest – red campion (Silene dioica) and the lichen lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) – are uncommon in County Mayo, underscoring the wood’s high ecological value.

The wood is freely accessible and equipped with a car‑park, a modest picnic area and a series of well‑marked walking trails. It also forms a key segment of the Great Western Greenway – Castlebar Network, linking the woodland to Lough Lannagh, the National Museum of Ireland Country Life and the wider 45 km greenway system.

History

The Rehins Wood NeighbourWood project was officially opened on 3 March 2013 by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. The ceremony highlighted the collaborative effort between Coillte, Mayo County Council, the Forestry Service and the local community. A plaque commemorating the late Minister of State for Forestry, Shane McEntee TD, was unveiled, and Kenny planted an oak tree in his memory. The project was conceived to improve public access to a historic woodland that had been managed by Coillte since the 1840s, and to provide interpretive information about the site’s natural and cultural heritage.

The opening coincided with National Tree Week, reinforcing the wood’s role as a living classroom for tree‑planting initiatives and ecological education. Since then, the wood has become a beloved local amenity, described by councilors as a “real gem” and praised for its proximity to Castlebar (about two miles) and the Castlebar lakes.

What to See & Do

• 1.8 km Loop Walk – The main trail is a short, easy loop marked with red way‑markers. Information boards along the route explain the identification of trees, shrubs and lichens, making it an ideal walk for families and school groups.
• Flora Highlights – Keep an eye out for the rare red campion and lungwort lichen, as well as enchanters nightshade and herb Robert, which are conspicuous along the corridor.
• Cenotaph & Views – A small cenotaph dedicated to Maria Browne O Donel stands near the trail’s highest point, offering a clear‑day vista of Croagh Patrick.
• Great Western Greenway Connection – Cyclists and walkers can continue onto the Castlebar Network of the Great Western Greenway, which links Rehins Wood to Lough Lannagh and onward to Westport.
• Picnic Spot – A modest picnic area near the car‑park provides a pleasant place to rest after the walk.
• Interpretive Plaques – The opening plaque to Shane McEntee and additional signage detail the woodland’s history and the collaborative nature of its development.

Trail Details (as published by Mayo Trails)

Flora & Fauna

Rehins Wood supports a rich assemblage of plant and animal life. The lichen lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is a key indicator of ancient, humid woodland and is listed as a priority species in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Birdwatchers may spot willow warbler, blackbird and occasional raptors such as the hen harrier that frequents the nearby Lough Lannagh and Clogher Bog area. Small mammals – including Irish hares and the occasional squirrel – are common, and the damp ground supports a variety of mosses and liverworts that add texture to the forest floor.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (March–May) – The woodland floor comes alive with bluebells, wood avens and the first flush of lungwort spores. Ideal for botanists and families.
• Summer (June–August) – Longer daylight makes the 1.8 km loop perfect for picnics; the canopy provides cool shade on hot days.
• Autumn (September–November) – Colourful foliage of birch and hazel creates a photogenic backdrop, and the crisp air is great for brisk walks.
• Winter (December–February) – While the ground may be damp, the trail remains accessible; occasional frost highlights the texture of lichens.

Practical Information

Rehins Wood is open year‑round with no admission fee. Parking is free in the on‑site car‑park, which is located on the left side of the R311 after the 4 km mark from Castlebar. The trail is multi‑access and suitable for wheelchairs where the surface remains firm and level, although some sections of the older woodland may be uneven.

Facilities – A basic picnic site and public toilets are available near the car‑park. The wood is part of the Great Western Greenway, so cyclists will find a solid‑surface path suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the woodland.

Further information – Detailed maps and downloadable PDFs are hosted on the Coillte website. For the latest updates on events or guided walks, check the official page when it becomes available.

Getting There – Public Transport & Cycling

• By car – From Castlebar, follow the R311 north‑west for about 4 km; the wood’s signpost and car‑park appear on the left.
• By bus – The nearest bus stop is Castlebar Bus Station (approximately 2 km away). A local bus service runs to Newport; from there it is a short walk to the R311 turn‑off.
• By bike – The Castlebar Network of the Great Western Greenway provides a traffic‑free, tarred surface that links directly to Rehins Wood. Bike‑hire schemes in Castlebar (e.g., Mayo Bike Hire) make it easy to reach the trail without a car.

Nearby Attractions

• Lough Lannagh – A scenic lake just a kilometre east of the wood, popular for fishing and birdwatching.
• National Museum of Ireland – Country Life – Located in Turlough, a short walk along the greenway showcases Irish rural heritage.
• Clogher Bog – A protected bog area a few kilometres north, offering boardwalk walks and opportunities to spot dragonflies, damselflies and occasional hen harriers. It provides a quieter alternative for those seeking solitude.
• Castlebar town centre – Shops, cafés and the Harlequin Hotel (4 km away) provide dining and accommodation options.

Events & Community

The opening of the NeighbourWood project was timed to coincide with National Tree Week, a nationwide celebration of tree‑planting and woodland stewardship. Each year the wood hosts small community‑led activities such as guided nature walks, school‑group tree‑identification sessions and occasional Bike Week events that use the Great Western Greenway as a route for family‑friendly cycling challenges.

Greenway Details

Rehins Wood forms the northern terminus of the Great Western Greenway – Castlebar Network. The greenway was awarded the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) award in 2011, recognising its high‑quality off‑road surface and scenic value. Trailheads are located at Turlough Village, Lough Lannagh car park and the Rehins Wood car park. The surface is mainly tarred or compacted, making it suitable for walkers, joggers, hybrid bikes and mountain bikes. Way‑marking uses blue text on a white background, and all dogs must be on a lead.