Great Western Greenway

Starting in the vibrant town of Westport, an official access point is located to the right just off the N59 travelling in the direction of Westport. You can also start from the centre of the town with greenway signage directing you via quiet residential streets to the route or alternatively from the east side of the town with the greenway looping to the west side. 

As you leave Westport behind, you will travel adjacent to the N59 with a verge and a barrier providing separation from passing vehicles. You will encounter the first of the distinctive red gates which are a feature of the entire greenway – these are copies of the original gates used on the railway line.  

The route merges with the main road into Newport. Cyclists can opt to dismount to travel through the village or may feel comfortable travelling on the hard shoulder for a short distance. This is a scenic village with features includes the distinctive Newport Viaduct (a reminder of the railway heritage of this greenway route) and a 19th-century church with Harry Clarke-stained glass. There is plenty of seating at the picturesque harbour with cafes in the village.

Shortly after leaving Newport, the route will diverge from running adjacent to the N59 bringing you across the distinctive Burrishoole Bridge, which dates from the 18th century. You can opt to take a short detour from the Greenway to visit the Burrishoole Abbey (approximately 800 meters along a local road). There is a gradual ascent from the tidal Burrishoole channel towards Mulranny – the reward is the stunning views out over Clew Bay and the hundreds of little islands which decorate it known as sunken drumlins.  

The route arrives into Mulranny on an elevated course above the village. You can opt to visit the village (there is a short and steep slope) with refreshments available from the shop, hotel and other eateries. There are well-placed cycle parking stands and picnic benches that look out onto the bay. If you are feeling adventurous, you can travel across the Mulranny Causeway, which traverses Trawoughter Bay to connect the village to the blue flag beach.  

Returning up the hill to the greenway route will lead you to the old railway station – this has been refurbished and offers visitors plenty of amenities including toilets, showers, refreshments and bike hire options.  

This section provides magnificent views of Mayo’s rugged coastline with the route travelling along the coastline of the Corraun peninsula. After initially passing through some tranquil woodland, you will reach a viewing point complete with a steel bike perfect for a photo opportunity. The views open up to include the peaks of the Nephin Beg Mountains to the north with the landscape becoming wilder as you travel west across open moorland. Be mindful of other users when crossing the humpback bridge over the Cartron River and passing through the distinctive red gates that are dotted along the route. The greenway merges with the main road just before the Michael Davitt Bridge, a swing bridge that joins the mainland to Achill Island. Exercise caution on this on-road section at Achill Sound – cyclists may wish to dismount when crossing the bridge at Achill Sound and use the footpath. 

This is the newest section of the Greenway and is fully situated on Ireland’s largest island – Achill. Having crossed the Achill Sound, there is an opportunity to enjoy some refreshments in this small but bustling settlement with a trailhead with ample facilities located at the other end of the village opposite the church. Continuing your journey, you will shortly leave the main road (with a protected cycle lane and footpath) to join an offroad section. The landscape is characterised by expansive blanket bog with an open, treeless expanse. Your route will rely on quiet roads with extremely low levels of traffic before you cross onto a 400-meter boardwalk that allows visitors to traverse the wetland safely while experiencing the peatland environment up close. The route ends at Ted’s Bar in Cashel – refreshments are on the cards having successfully completed this worldclass greenway route.  

You can continue your adventure in Achill – one of Ireland’s great wild landscapes—rugged, windswept, and shaped by bog, mountain, and Atlantic weather. It offers a wide variety of outdoor experiences, including coastal walks, surfing and hikes as well as sites of historical interest such as the Famine village.