Overview
The Sheeffry Pass is a remote mountain road threading the Sheeffry Hills in south County Mayo. Leaving Westport on the N59, a right‑hand turn at Liscarney puts you on the narrow L1842 for about 12 km until the road reaches its highest point – roughly 200 m above sea level – before it descends into the spectacular Glenummera Valley. The route is often missed by travellers on the Wild Atlantic Way, yet the sweeping vistas of Ben Gorm, Ben Creggan and the glacial‑carved Tawnyard Lough make it a hidden gem that rivals any of Ireland’s famed scenic drives.
Background
While the pass itself has no recorded historic monuments, the surrounding landscape is steeped in Irish folklore and agricultural heritage. The Erriff River, which springs from a series of unnamed waterfalls near the road, has long powered local farms. In winter the northern slopes can retain frost and occasional snow, giving the pass a stark, almost other‑worldly appearance.
What to See & Do
Panoramic Viewpoint
At the summit you’ll find a small car park and a handful of picnic benches. From here the view sweeps over Tawnyard Lough, the peak of Devilsmother and the rolling Sheeffry Hills. On clear days the distant silhouette of Croagh Patrick is visible to the west.
Tawnyard Trail (8 km out‑and‑back)
A short walk begins just 200 m downhill from the viewpoint. The trailhead is marked by a modest information board (often weather‑worn). The route is classified as light‑to‑moderate and is suitable for families with older children. It winds through dense coniferous forest, occasional slate outcrops and a small fishery before emerging onto open ground with sweeping views of the Partry Mountains, Ben Creggan and Devilsmother. Note that the lake itself is hidden from the trail by the forest canopy.
Glenummera Valley Drive
Continuing westward after the pass, the road follows the Glenummera River through a landscape of shepherd‑tended fields, stone walls and the towering peaks of Tievummera (762 m) and Barrclashcame (772 m). The valley offers several pull‑in spots for photos of the iconic Mweelrea massif.
Doolough Valley & Leenaun
The route then joins the R335 at Doolough, a classic Wild Atlantic Way stretch famed for its “most beautiful road” reputation. A short detour leads to the village of Leenaun, where the Purple Door café or the Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre provide a warm lunch stop and a chance to watch local wool‑craft demonstrations.
Lough na Fooey & Cong
A left turn onto the L1301 takes you past the secluded Lough na Fooey, a deep glacial lake framed by the Partry Mountains. The 50 m waterfall at the lake’s head is a favourite photo spot for cyclists. The loop finishes in the historic village of Cong, home to the 12th‑century Cong Abbey and the famous Ashford Castle grounds.
Cycling the Pass
The Sheeffry Pass is a favourite among cyclists for its short but steep climb. Approaching from Westport the ascent is 2 km long with a maximum gradient of 14 % and an average of 6.1 %. The descent into Glenummera Valley is fast and flowing, making the pass a key segment of several Wild Atlantic Way bike loops.
| Route | Distance | Climbing | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport → Sheeffry Pass → Leenaun → Cong (full loop) | 116 km | 585 m (pass climb + valley) | 5–6 hrs (incl. stops) |
| Cycle‑only (Westport → Sheeffry Pass → Leenaun) | 69 km | 585 m | 3–4 hrs |
Practical Information
- Getting there: From Westport drive south on the N59, turn right at Liscarney onto the L1842 and follow the signs to Drummin and the Sheeffry Pass. The first fuel stop after Westport is Holland’s Daybreak (a small petrol station a few miles out); the next opportunity to refuel is in Leenaun, about 45 km further.
- Parking: A free car park with a few spaces and picnic benches sits just after the highest point of the pass (approximately 1 km down the descent). The Tawnyard Trailhead also has limited roadside parking.
- Opening hours / admission: The viewpoint, car park and trail are free and open year‑round. No ticket office or staffed facility is present, so access is unrestricted.
- Official website: For the latest visitor information see the dedicated page on Sweet Isle of Mine – Sheeffry Pass – Mayo. (The site is currently live.)
- Best time to visit: April to October offers the longest daylight and the clearest views. Winter months can bring snow and lingering ice on the northern‑facing road, so extra caution is required.
- Facilities: No permanent café exists on the pass itself. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to walk the Tawnyard Trail. In Leenaun, the Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre serves hot meals and tea.
- Accessibility: The viewpoint car park is level, but the narrow, blind‑cornered road and the steep gradients make the pass unsuitable for wheelchair users. The Tawnyard Trail is a forest path with uneven footing; it is not wheelchair‑accessible.
- Safety: The road is narrow with occasional blind corners and a significant drop‑off on the left near the summit. Drive slowly, watch for tractors and sheep, and be aware of possible ice in winter.
- Cycling support: The pass features a 14 % gradient over 2 km, ideal for a short, intense effort. Cyclists often combine the pass with the longer Wild Atlantic Way loop that finishes in Westport via the R336 and L301.
Quick checklist for a day trip
- Fuel up at Holland’s Daybreak before you set off.
- Pack a picnic for the viewpoint and a water bottle for the Tawnyard Trail.
- Allow at least a full day if you intend to walk the 8 km trail, stop for lunch in Leenaun and explore Cong.
- Check the weather forecast – a clear day will reward you with the most dramatic panoramas.
The Sheeffry Pass may be off the beaten tourist map, but its combination of dramatic mountain scenery, a quiet lakeside walk and a cyclist‑friendly climb makes it a rewarding destination for anyone seeking authentic, unspoiled western Ireland.