Great Western Greenway

Great Western Greenway, Attireesh, County Mayo, Ireland
1-90 Years

Description

The Great Western Greenway is a spectacular, traffic-free trail stretching along the scenic coast of Clew Bay, establishing itself as one of the best things to do with kids in Mayo for families looking to enjoy an active cycling trail and outdoor nature escape category attraction. Following the historic route of the old mid-19th century railway line, this mostly flat pathway links bustling towns with wild island terrain. It provides a exceptionally safe, off-road environment where children can pedal, walk, and explore traditional countryside away from heavy town traffic.

Access to the entire public trail network, official entry trailheads, and municipal parking bays is completely free, making it a highly budget-friendly destination for family groups. There are no mandatory entry tickets, gate fees, or toll stops required to step onto the path. If your family needs to hire equipment, local independent bike rentals across the route offer full-day packages starting from approximately £13 to £30 (€15 to €35) depending on the size and style of the bicycle.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines physical exercise with breathtaking coastal views, this greenway is an unmatched choice. Children can spot local farm animals, cross historic multi-arch stone bridges, and complete manageable, short distance trail legs tailored exactly to their energy levels. It provides an inspiring, active day out that introduces the whole family to the dramatic mountain backdrops and beautiful sea air of Western Ireland.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

  • Sensory Play & Wild Elements: Children can listen to the crashing waves of Clew Bay, breathe in the crisp Atlantic sea air, and watch out for grazing farm animals.
  • Interactive Exhibits & Nature Spotting: The open-air route functions as a live classroom for tracking local wildlife, spotting native birds, and identifying unique bog plants.
  • Educational Day Out: Families can ride directly underneath hand-cut 19th-century stone railway bridges and explore historic abbey ruins positioned just off the path.

Detailed Highlights

  • The Westport to Newport Section: This initial 12.5km section features a highly family-friendly off-road trail built over a rolling green landscape, perfect for a comfortable 1-hour morning cycle.
  • Seven-Arch Railway Viaduct: Located in Newport, this massive hand-crafted stone structure arches over the Black Oak River and serves as one of the best viewpoints for family photos.
  • The Newport to Mulranny Section: Spanning 18km, this route offers views of the Nephin Beg mountain range and Clew Bay toward the holy mountain peak of Croagh Patrick.
  • Mulranny Blue Flag Beach: This pristine, sandy beach provides a perfect stopping point for parents to let children play in the coastal waters and explore the adjacent salt marsh trail.
  • Achill Sound to Cashel Section: Featuring a flat 5km path, this extension includes a 400-metre custom wooden boardwalk that provides a safe, traffic-free space for toddlers to walk.

Detailed Trail Inventory

  • Westport to Newport Trail: A scenic 12.5km section boasting an easy to moderate grade for young cyclists.
  • Newport to Mulranny Trail: An 18km route traversing stunning hand-cut stone bridges and ancient bogs.
  • Mulranny to Achill Sound Trail: A 13km route passing dramatic coastal landscapes leading to the gateway of Achill Island.
  • Achill Sound to Cashel Extension: A flat 5km path including an immersive 400m coastal boardwalk.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Changing Areas: Public restrooms and family changing facilities are available in the main towns of Westport, Newport, Mulranny, and Achill.
  • Buggy & Pram Accessibility: The path surface consists of smoothly rolled tarmac or fine gravel, making it accessible for double pushchairs, prams, and children's trailers.
  • Food & Drink Options: Local bakeries, family-friendly pubs, and ice cream shops line the trail hubs in each major village.
  • Bicycle Rental Hubs: Independent providers like Westport Bike Hire and Clew Bay Bike Hire operate bases along the route, allowing for one-way rentals.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • Parents appreciate the safety of the path being completely separated from main road traffic.
  • The gentle, smooth inclines ensure that young children do not get overly exhausted during long stretches.
  • Families highly praise the ability to rent bikes at one trailhead and take a shuttle bus back.
  • Reviewers frequently mention the stunning mountain backdrops and beautiful coastal views.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Cycling from east to west can occasionally mean pedalling against stiff coastal headwinds, which can tire smaller children.
  • The Westport trailheads can get exceptionally busy on sunny weekend afternoons during July and August.

Targeted FAQ

  • Is the Great Western Greenway worth it for toddlers?: Yes, because while toddlers cannot cycle long distances independently, local hire shops provide excellent towed trailers and secure child seats, while the flat 400-metre coastal wooden boardwalk at Achill Sound offers a safe, traffic-free space for toddlers to walk.
  • How long does a family visit to the trail take?: A standard family visit generally lasts between 2 to 4 hours for a single out-and-back section, though families stopping for picnics and longer stretches often turn it into a full 6-hour day.
  • Where is the best place to park a car for the trail?: The best place to park is at the official N59 trailhead car park 500m outside Westport town centre, or behind the Mulranny Park Hotel for those starting further north.

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The Greenway Trail: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Address: Great Western Greenway, Attireesh, County Mayo, Ireland

Post Code: F28 AI61

Council: Mayo County Council

County: County Mayo

  • By Car & Parking: Accessible via the N59 road with large, dedicated free public car parks at trailheads in Westport, Newport, and behind the Mulranny Park Hotel.
  • By Train: Irish Rail operates direct passenger services into Westport Train Station.
  • By Bus: Regular regional bus routes drop passengers into the town squares of Newport, Mulranny, and Achill Sound.

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