Overview
The Western Way (Slí an Iarthair) is a 179 km (111 mi) National Waymarked Trail that cuts across the wild western fringe of Ireland. Starting in the fishing town of Oughterard on the western shore of Lough Corrib, the route threads through Connemara’s quartzite mountains and blanket bogs before crossing into County Mayo and following the Atlantic coast to the Sligo border near Bunnyconnellan. Managed jointly by Coillte, Galway and Mayo County Councils, and local development companies, the trail is graded moderate and marked with a yellow arrow on a black background. It is a linear, point-to-point route best suited for walkers comfortable with uneven terrain, occasional steep climbs, and remote sections with limited services. Dogs are not permitted on any part of the trail.
Route Highlights
Galway Section: Oughterard to Leenane
The 55 km Galway leg is the trail’s most iconic stretch, typically completed in two to three days. From Oughterard, the path follows the shoreline of Lough Corrib before turning inland toward the Maam Valley. This area holds the legacy of Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo, who surveyed and planned Connemara’s modern road network in the early 19th century. The route crosses the rugged Maumturk range at Mám Éan (Maumeen Pass), a historic pilgrimage site marked by a small stone oratory. At 259 m, it is the highest point on the Galway section and offers sweeping views over the valley below.
Descending into the Inagh Valley, the trail winds between the dramatic peaks of the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks. Here, the landscape shifts to quiet forestry tracks, open moorland, and timber bog bridges. The section concludes at Killary Harbour, one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords, with the village of Leenane serving as the traditional endpoint for this leg.
Mayo Section: Aasleagh to the Sligo Border
Entering Mayo at Aasleagh, the trail picks up pace and covers roughly 124 km. It skirts the eastern slopes of Croagh Patrick before descending into Westport, a useful resupply stop. Beyond the town, the route heads north through Newport and into the Nephin Mountains, where the terrain becomes more remote and bog-bound. The trail crosses the most inaccessible stretches of mid-Mayo before reaching the north coast.
From Ballycastle, the Western Way transitions to a coastal path, following Atlantic cliffs and sandy stretches through Killala to Ballina. The broad floodplain of the River Moy provides a stark contrast to the mountainous western sections, before the trail finishes near Lough Talt in the Ox Mountains. Walkers can seamlessly continue onto the Sligo Way from here.
History & Landscape
The Western Way follows routes that have shaped Irish history for centuries. The pass at Mám Éan has drawn pilgrims since early Christian times, while the melancholy glens of the Inagh Valley bear the marks of the Great Famine and subsequent emigration. The trail’s ecology is equally layered: Connemara’s peat bogs support meadow brown butterflies, rare mosses, and otters along riverbanks, while the higher slopes are home to red deer, pine martens, and golden eagles. Coastal sections host gulls, razorbills, and seasonal puffins.
Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 179 km (111 mi) – 55 km in Galway, 124 km in Mayo |
| Typical Duration | 7 days for the full route; 2–3 days for the Galway section |
| Grade | Moderate (uneven surfaces, boggy sections, some steep climbs) |
| Waymarking | Yellow arrow on black background |
| Terrain | ~40% minor roads, ~60% off-road (tracks, boardwalks, open moorland) |
| Dogs | Not permitted anywhere on the trail |
| Admission | Free |
| Current Closures (2026) | 2 km boardwalk near Lackavrea closed; Ashleagh River section closed due to heavy rainfall; Bellacorick to Bunnyconnellan closed until further notice; temporary diversions on the Westport Greenway due to roadworks. Check thewesternway.ie before setting out. |
Getting There & Logistics
Transport: Bus Éireann Route 419 and Citylink services run from Galway City to Oughterard and Clifden. If driving, the N59 provides direct access to Oughterard, with free parking available in the town centre and at the Maam Community Centre. Accommodation: Lodging is sparse between Oughterard and Leenane. Small B&Bs, guesthouses, and hostels are scattered in Oughterard, Maam Bridge, Leenane, and Westport. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly during July and August. Weather & Safety: Irish weather shifts quickly. Waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, and a warm mid-layer are mandatory. Carry a fully charged mobile phone, inform someone of your daily route, and stick to the waymarked path to respect private land. Timber bridges and bog tracks become slippery after rain. Navigation: The trail is well-marked, but the HiiKER app is widely used for GPS tracking and offline waypoint access. Official PDF maps are also available for download.
Events & Seasonal Notes
The Connemara Western Way Annual Walking Marathon and Half Marathon takes place each August, starting at Maam Community Centre. The event covers the scenic stretch between Killary Harbour and the Maam Valley, mostly on flat green roads and forest tracks. Spring brings wildflowers to the bogs and skylarks to the moorland, while autumn turns the valley foliage golden against the quartzite peaks. Winter walking is possible but requires experience, as boardwalks may be closed and conditions can be severe.
Maps & Guidebooks
- Ordnance Survey Discovery Series: Sheets 37, 38, 44, 45 (1:50,000 scale)
- Folding Landscapes: Western Way (Galway) Map Guide and Mountains of Connemara by Joss Lynam
- EastWest Mapping: The Western Way guidebook
- Michael Fewer: The Waymarked Trails of Ireland
Always verify trail status and accommodation availability before your trip, as remote sections can be affected by weather and land management closures. Pack a detailed map, download offline navigation, and allow extra time for boggy ground to make the most of Ireland’s western wilderness.