BEST OF THE WEST
BEST FOR HISTORY BUFFS
WHERE The Marconi Loop, Connemara. WHAT The northwest corner of Roundstone Bog has loomed large in the history of the early 20th century as the finishing point of the first transatlantic flight and the site of the world’s first permanent transatlantic radio station. Now a discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, it has been developed to give visitors an insight into its past. The Marconi Loop is a gentle circuit following gravel paths and wooden boardwalk past extensive bog cuttings and tiny lakes. En route there are good views across the bog to Errisbeg mountain as well as a number of installations which shed some light on the history of this barren stretch of bog.
START/FINISH Derrigimlagh Discovery Point. GETTING THERE Head south from Clifden on the R341 towards Ballyconnelly, after 4km look out for the car park on your right. LEVEL Suitable for the entire family. LENGTH/TIME TO WALK 5km/1hr 45min. PACK This walk is very exposed to the elements, so pack plenty of warm layers. And download a map from irishtrails.ie or OSI Discovery Series Sheet 44. REFUEL There no shortage of great places to eat and drink in nearby Clifden. If you’ve a sweet tooth, Walsh’s Bakery (walshsbakery. ie) is a great place for tea and a sticky bun.
BEST FOR WILDERNESS
WHERE The Bothy Loop, Co Mayo. WHAT Thanks to a collaboration between Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service over 11,000 hectares of bog and forest in the Nephin Beg Mountain have been designated as Ireland’s first official wilderness area. The plan is to allow nature to take over while also providing basic facilities so that walkers can explore this vast area. Currently, three signposted trails start from the stone cottage known as the Brogan Carroll Bothy. The Bothy Loop is marked with the blue arrows and follows the course of the Altaconey River upstream before cutting across the hillside to meet a forestry road which leads back to the bothy.
START/FINISH The Brogan Carroll Bothy in Letterkeen Woods.
GETTING THERE From Newport head north on the N59 towards Achill Island. After 1km turn right (signposted ‘Bangor Trail’). Continue for another 12km, passing Lough Feeagh, turn left on to a gravel track and follow it for a few hundred metres and park beside the small stone cottage.
LEVEL This route crosses rough, remote ground and a has fair bit of height gain so is better suited to more experienced walkers.
LENGTH 6km. PACK Good boots are essential as there are muddy sections along the river. The Wild Nephin Map by EastWest Mapping covers the area in impressive detail or download a map of the route from irishTrails.ie.
REFUEL Thanks to the Greenway, nearby Newport is thriving - try the Blue Bicycle Tearooms (bluebicycletearooms.com).
BEST FOR NATURE FANS
WHERE The Union Rock Trail, Sligo. WHAT A short distance south of Sligo Town is the idyllic Union Wood. Home to one of the largest native oak woodlands in the area where you may spot pine marten, red squirrel, badger, fox, bats and fallow deer lurking among the trees. Union Rock Trail heads south from the car park passing the shore of Ballygawley Lough before looping around the summit of Union Rock. It’s well worth diverting from the route to climb the wood boardwalk on this Coillte property to the top of the rock. From the summit there are extensive views over Ballysadare Bay, the Ox Mountains and Knocknarea — the burial place of Queen Maeve of Connacht.
START/FINISH A circular walk, starting and ending at the Coillte-run Union Wood.
GETTING THERE From Sligo Town follow the N4 south to Carraroe. Take the first exit off the roundabout and turn left at the church on to the R287. Immediately turn right on to the R284, (signposted Keadue). Continue for about 4km and look out for Union Wood which is signposted on the right.
LEVEL This walk is suitable for all levels, with just some gentle height gain.
LENGTH 4km. PACK Download a map of the trail from Coillte on coillte.ie/site/union-wood
REFUEL A short drive from Union Wood in the village of Collooney is the wonderful Nook Cafe & Restaurant (facebook.com/ NookCafeRestaurant). Be warned, it can get busy, so it might be an idea to book a table.
BEST PEACEFUL STROLL
WHERE The Shannon Blueway, Leitrim. WHAT The Battlebridge Lock-Drumhauver Bridge Walking Trail is part of Waterways Ireland’s Shannon Blueway, following the Lough Allen canal through tranquil Leitrim countryside. From Battlebridge Lock, the purple arrows lead you north along the tow path to Drumhauver Bridge, you then cross the canal and return along the other side. It’s also possible to do a shorter version by crossing earlier at Drumleague Lock, this variation is marked with red arrows.
START/FINISH Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village.
GETTING THERE From Carrick-on-Shannon take the R280 north to Leitrim Village where you turn left on to the R284. Just before the river turn left (signposted ‘Battlebridge Lock’) and park at the car park at the end of the road.
LEVEL The walk is very flat and very well surfaced — but due to the proximity of deep water, it isn’t suitable for very young children.
LENGTH 10km. PACK Download a route map from bluewaysireland.org.
REFUEL Beirnes of Battlebridge is just a stone’s throw from the start of the walk (battlebridgecaravanandcamping.ie). The award-winning pub serves excellent bar food between Thursdays and Sundays.
BEST FOR KIDS
WHERE Lough Key Forest Park, Co Roscommon.
WHAT Lough Key Forest Park is home to over 350 hectares of mixed woodland in a beautiful lake-side setting. Formerly the Rockingham Estate, it has since been reimagined as one of Coillte’s flagship forest parks. The 4km Bog Garden Trail winds its way gently through the woods and parkland taking in the bog garden, a magnificent grove of red cedars and the curious stonework of the fairy bridge. If the kids still have energy to burn, there are plenty of options, including an outdoor playground, a 300m-long tree canopy walk and Boda Borg, an indoor team challenge. START/FINISH Lough Key Forest Park.
GETTING THERE Heading west from Carrick on Shannon on the N4, Lough Key Forest park is on the right before the turn for Boyle. Follow the long driveway to the car park (€4 per vehicle) at the lake shore. LEVEL The trail is flat and suitable for all.
LENGTH 4km. PACK Download a map of the park from loughkey.ie.
REFUEL The Lakeside Cafe in the Visitor Centre has great views over the water with a good selection of freshly baked cakes, buns and pizzas.
If cotton trousers or jeans get wet, you will freeze. Instead, wear quick-drying Gore-Tex trousers