Great Western Greenway

Clew Bay - Achill Sound & Ext. Bannacurry

Distance

51.4km

Elevation

82m

Time

Cycling: 3h 26m

Walking: 10h 17m

Difficulty

Active

Surface Finish

Bound asphalt

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Overview

The Great Western Greenway is Ireland’s original and best-known rail-trail, a 42km route that follows the former Midland Great Western Railway from Westport to Achill Sound. Opened in phases from 2010 and completed in 2011, it became the blueprint for greenway development across Ireland. The Greenway traverses a breathtaking Atlantic landscape, running parallel to Clew Bay and framed by the Nephin Beg Mountains and Croagh Patrick. It links the towns of Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill, each offering services, accommodation and cultural attractions.

The route is traffic-free, well surfaced and designed for walkers and cyclists of all levels. Highlights include sweeping sea views, stone viaducts, old station houses and boardwalk-like causeways across saltmarsh fringes. The Great Western Greenway has won multiple awards and has drawn international acclaim, bringing significant tourism and economic benefits to the region. Whether you ride the full distance or enjoy a short family outing, the Greenway provides an unforgettable encounter with Mayo’s dramatic coastline, its heritage towns and its living landscapes. It is a flagship for sustainable tourism and a shining example of how disused railways can be reimagined as world-class visitor experiences.

Westport – Newport

11 km

Starting in Westport, one of Ireland’s most vibrant towns, the trail quickly reveals estuary views, stone bridges and leafy banks. Newport offers cafés, a 19th-century church with Harry Clarke stained glass, and a welcoming harbour.

Newport – Mulranny

Mulranny – Achill Sound

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Amenities

Parking
Train Station
Food & Drink
Disabled Parking
Toilets
bike-repair
Viewing Point
EV Charging
picnic-area
Bike Parking
Café

The Great Western Greenway passes through and overlooks the Clew Bay Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). This designation reflects the ecological importance of its saltmarshes, lagoons, reefs and tidal flats. These habitats support migratory and wintering bird species, including curlew, redshank, oystercatcher and brent goose. The saltmarsh fringes are rich in plant life, including glasswort, thrift and sea aster, which flower in summer and attract pollinators.

The wetlands support invertebrates that in turn sustain wader populations. Inland, the hedgerows and moorland provide habitats for stonechat, meadow pipit and kestrel. The waterways near Newport also support otters, salmon and lamprey. Amphibians like the common frog breed in small ponds and drains, while dragonflies and damselflies are abundant in summer. The diverse landscape makes the Greenway both a corridor for human recreation and a living ecological system. Visitors are asked to remain on the surfaced path, particularly in saltmarsh areas, and to avoid disturbing birdlife. This ensures that the Greenway continues to provide a safe refuge for wildlife while also allowing people to enjoy the extraordinary biodiversity of Mayo’s coast.

Code of Conduct

To keep our greenways welcoming and safe for all users—walkers, cyclists, families, and wildlife alike—please review our Code of Conduct before you go.

Read Code of Conduct

Getting There

Whether you’re travelling by train, bus, or car, use these tools  to plan your route.

FAQs

Can I get to the route by rail?

Yes. The nearest train station is Westport Train Station, which offers regular services connecting to the rest of Ireland. From Westport, travelers can easily continue to the route using local bus services or taxis.

Can I access the route by bus?

Yes. Bus Éireann (Westport–Achill Route) and Local Link services operate regularly, providing convenient bus access to various points along the route. See more infomation regarding timetable on www.transportforireland.ie

Are there any EV charging points among the routes?

Yes. Electric Vehicle Charging Points are available in all towns along the route as well as at Achill Sound.

News and Updates

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Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Route Updates

26 Nov 2025

Maynooth–Leixlip Royal Canal Greenway Section Officially Opened by Minister O’Brien

Kildare County Council is delighted to announce the official opening of the Maynooth to Leixlip section of the Royal Canal Greenway. The official opening...

Rathkeale Trailhead Officially Opens as Mayor and Minister Unveil Major Greenway Upgrade

The Rathkeale trailhead facility was officially opened today, by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jerry...

Louth County Council Completes Carlingford Lough Greenway Connecting Newry and Carlingford

Louth County Council, in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region, is proud to announce the completion of the Carlingford...