Overview
Tourmakeady Wood lies on the fringe of the village of Tourmakeady, nestled between the shimmering waters of Lough Mask and the rugged Partry Mountains in County Mayo. Managed by Coillte, the state forestry board, the wood is a popular destination for walkers, anglers and anyone seeking a slice of Ireland’s Gaeltacht scenery. The highlight of the walk is a spectacular waterfall that tumbles over a series of stone steps into a deep plunge pool, framed by moss‑covered rocks, ferns and the occasional heather‑clad outcrop.
The wood forms part of a larger network of trails that link the community centre, a small car park and the historic Tourmakeady Lodge. Way‑marking is provided by purple‑arrowed signs and low black posts, ensuring the route is easy to follow for all ages.
History & Background
The name Tourmakeady (Tuar Mhic Éadaigh) translates from Irish as “the bleach field of the Mac Ceadaigh family”, a reference to an old flax‑bleaching practice that once dominated the landscape. While the flax industry has long vanished, the area retains a strong textile heritage – the Gaeltarra Knitwear brand still produces world‑renowned sweaters in the village.
Historically the surrounding parish stretched from Dereendafderg (the little oak wood of the red ox) to Derrypark (the field of the oak), hinting at an ancient oak‑dominated forest. The Great Famine of the 1840s caused severe hardship and emigration, but the community rebounded in the mid‑20th century when a state‑sponsored knitwear industry revitalised the local economy.
The wood itself was once owned by the Moore family of Moorehall and later by Lord Plunkett, Archbishop of Tuam. Today it is public land, open to visitors year‑round.
What to See & Do
The Loop Walk
The official Tourmakeady Wood Loop is a 3.90 km (approximately 5 miles) easy‑grade circuit that can be completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The route combines surfaced forestry roads, sanded pathways and narrow woodland tracks. Key way‑points include:
- Car park and information board – located just off the main road opposite the community centre.
- Woodland gateway – a painted wooden gate marks the entrance to the forest.
- Lakeshore stretch – a short, tranquil section runs alongside the Glensaul river and a small pond, offering opportunities for quiet bird‑watching.
- Waterfall – after roughly 2 km of walking, the trail reaches the waterfall, where a stream drops over tall steps into a clear pool. A modest shelter nearby provides a place to rest.
- Wildfowl pond – further along, a pond attracts mallards and other waterfowl.
The loop is dog‑friendly and the terrain is suitable for families with children, provided they stay on the marked paths.
Flora & Fauna
Originally an oak‑dominated broadleaf forest, the wood now presents a mixed composition of native species – oak, ash, rowan and birch – alongside fast‑growing conifers and a few exotic specimens such as red oak and poplar. Seasonal displays of heather and rhododendron add colour in spring and summer.
Wildlife includes foxes, rabbits and pine martins, while the coniferous sections attract wrens, crested grebes and jays. Mallards are common on the lake. Recent Coillte surveys have recorded Irish red squirrels, badgers, deer and river birds such as the dipper and kingfisher along the Glensaul.
Fishing & Hill Walking
Beyond the loop, the surrounding area offers excellent brown‑trout fishing in the man‑made lake that feeds the Glensaul river. The proximity to the Partry Mountains also makes Tourmakeady a convenient base for longer hill‑walking adventures.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Coillte has identified Tourmakeady Wood as a key biodiversity site. In 2024 a targeted programme removed large stands of invasive Rhododendron ponticum, which had been shading the forest floor and suppressing native regeneration. The clearance is part of Coillte’s wider strategy to increase the proportion of its estate managed primarily for nature to 30 % by 2025. The work is expected to improve habitat for the native flora and the wildlife listed above, ensuring the wood remains a thriving natural asset for future generations.
Alternative Short Walk
For visitors with limited time, a 2.2 km (1.4 miles) shorter circuit starts from the car‑park at the trailhead and loops back after the waterfall. This route takes about 30–45 minutes and follows the same well‑marked path, making it ideal for a quick visit or for families with very young children.
Visitor Tips & Best Time to Visit
- Weather: The waterfall is most dramatic after rain, so a wet day can be the best time for photos. Bring a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes.
- Season: Spring brings a burst of heather and rhododendron, while autumn colours enhance the woodland ambience. The walk is open year‑round.
- Facilities: No toilet facilities are inside the wood; the community centre in Tourmakeady provides basic amenities. Picnic benches are available near the car park and beside the waterfall.
- Accessibility: Paths are sanded and surfaced but not wheelchair‑specific.
- Dog etiquette: Keep dogs on a lead near the water and wildlife.
Practical Information
Access & Parking – The trailhead is at the Tourmakeady Community Centre. From Westport follow the R330 north‑east for 18 km, then turn right toward Tourmakeady; the village lies another 8 km on the R330. From Ballinrobe take the N84 to Castlebar, then the R330 to Partry and finally the R300 to Tourmakeady. Free parking is available at the designated car park near the information board.
Way‑marking – Purple arrows on posts guide walkers along the loop. Black direction posts, about one metre high, are also present at key junctions.
Trail Conditions – The majority of the route is on sanded or surfaced forestry roads, making it suitable for standard walking shoes. The woodland sections are well‑trodden, with a few low fences near the edge of the wood.
Facilities – A small shelter sits beside the waterfall, and picnic benches are scattered near the car park. There are no formal toilet facilities within the wood; the community centre in the village provides basic amenities.
Dogs – Dogs are allowed on the trail but should be kept under control, especially near the water and wildlife.
Safety – While the walk is easy, the waterfall area can be slippery when wet. Visitors are advised to stay on the marked path and avoid crossing the river.
Map Reference – The route is covered by the Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map Sheet 38.
Further Information – For up‑to‑date details, maps and local events, visit the official Tourmakeady website or the Discover Ireland page on the Tourmakeady Loop.
Nearby Attractions
- Aasleagh Falls – A short 20‑minute drive north brings you to the dramatic Aasleagh Falls, a great spot for a waterfall‑watching side‑trip. [/aasleagh-falls/]
- Croagh Patrick – The iconic pilgrimage mountain lies about 30 km south‑west and can be combined with a day of hill walking.
- Cong – Known for its historic abbey and connections to The Quiet Man film, Cong is a pleasant stop on the way back to Westport.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, wildlife and a touch of textile heritage that makes Tourmakeady Wood a memorable stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.