Great Western Greenway
How would you rate Great Western Greenway?
Tap a star to share your experience and help other hikers.
Great Western Greenway: Westport to Achill on Clew Bay
HikeList Score
Great Western Greenway scored 72/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 63
- Balanced challenge 50
- Scenery & wildness 71
- Varied terrain 76
- Accommodation 91
- Food & support 88
- Path quality 71
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
The Great Western Greenway is a 42 km point-to-point walking and cycling route in County Mayo, west Ireland, following the Wild Atlantic Way from Westport to Achill Sound. It is easy: mostly flat, surfaced, off-road and traffic-free, using a former railway line along the northern shore of Clew Bay. Cyclists often ride it in a day; walkers should plan around 2 days for the full route, or choose shorter sections between Westport, Newport, Mulranny and Achill.
Route Overview
The route starts in Westport, with the main access at Westport Quay, and heads west via Newport and Mulranny before reaching Achill Sound on Achill Island by land bridge. It is a point-to-point greenway, not a wilderness trail: towns and villages break up the route, with food, accommodation and road access along the way. The classic section split is Westport–Newport, Newport–Mulranny and Mulranny–Achill. For a rougher coastal walking contrast, see the Achill Island Trails at the western end, or longer Irish coastal routes such as the Dingle Way and Beara Way.
Railway line turned greenway
The Great Western Greenway follows the former Achill extension of the Midland Great Western Railway’s Westport line. The railway was built in the 1890s and closed in 1937, which explains the trail’s gentle gradients and direct line through farmland, bog and coast. The Newport–Mulranny greenway section opened in April 2010; the Mulranny–Achill and Westport–Newport sections completed the route, officially opened on 29 July 2011 by Taoiseach Enda Kenny. It later became the 2011 Irish winner of the European Destinations of Excellence award.
Notable highlights
Clew Bay views: The path follows the northern shore of Clew Bay, known for its scatter of small drumlin islands. Croagh Patrick rises across the water and is a constant landmark on clear stretches.
Former railway heritage: The route reuses the 1890s Achill railway trackbed, giving it a steady, walker-friendly grade. Old railway features include places such as the restored Mulranny Railway Station House.
Mulranny (Mallaranny): This coastal village sits on an isthmus between Clew Bay and Bellacragher Bay. The Victorian causeway and Mulranny Park Hotel lie beside the greenway.
Burrishoole Abbey: Near Newport, this 15th-century friary ruin is a short detour from the route. Its tidal-channel setting makes it a worthwhile stop if you have time.
Achill Island: The western end reaches Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, via a land bridge at Achill Sound. Continue with the Achill Island Trails for mountains, beaches and Atlantic cliff scenery nearby.
Challenges to expect
The walking is technically easy, with sealed tarmac and fine gravel rather than rough trail. The main challenge is exposure to Atlantic weather: expect wind and rain even outside winter. Distances between towns are manageable, but the Westport–Mulranny day is long if walked in one push. Navigation is straightforward on the greenway; carry layers, waterproofs and snacks rather than mountain gear.
HikeList Score
Great Western Greenway scored 72/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 63
- Balanced challenge 50
- Scenery & wildness 71
- Varied terrain 76
- Accommodation 91
- Food & support 88
- Path quality 71
- Season flexibility 89
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
IrelandShow more data Show less
- Coastal
- Farmland
- Bog
- Paved
- Gravel
- Guesthouses
- B&Bs
- Hotels
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Stroller Accessible
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Picnic Areas
- Campsites
In these collections
Photos from hikers
Taken on the trail by people who've reviewed Great Western Greenway.
Start in Westport, commonly from Westport Quay, and follow the greenway west towards Newport. This section includes the few sharper inclines noted on the otherwise gentle route.
Continue through farmland, bog and coastal terrain towards Mulranny. This was the first section of the greenway to open and gives broad views towards Clew Bay.
The final classic section runs from Mulranny to Achill Sound, reaching Achill Island by land bridge. It is a practical half-day walk or an easy continuation for cyclists.
Reviews
How would you rate Great Western Greenway?
Tap a star to start your review — you could be the first.
