Remote stone cottage at Keem Bay on Achill Island, County Mayo, with green hills, rocky stream, and Atlantic waves in the background.

County Mayo – Mountains, Bogs, and Atlantic Coast

Upland ranges, peatland, and exposed shoreline along Ireland’s western seaboard.

County Mayo is a coastal county of mountains, blanket bog, lakes, and Atlantic headlands in western Ireland. Walking routes cross Wild Nephin National Park and follow the Western Way and the Bangor Trail, linking places such as Westport, Newport, Bangor Erris, Belmullet, and Louisburgh across upland passes, open moorland, and coastal ground between Clew Bay, Blacksod Bay, and the Nephin Beg range.

Much of the terrain is mixed and often soft underfoot. Hill paths, bog tracks, minor roads, beaches, and rough moorland routes allow steady progress, with regular short climbs and descents across low passes and ridges rather than sustained ascent. Peat and wet ground are common away from surfaced tracks.

The landscape shifts between areas. The Nephin Beg range and Ballycroy area form broad upland wilderness with extensive blanket bog, while Croagh Patrick and the Sheeffry Hills create steeper slopes around Clew Bay. North Mayo opens into flatter coastal peninsulas and sandy bays, and inland areas around Castlebar and Ballina become lower and more agricultural.

Towns and villages are spaced along coasts and valley corridors, creating practical access points for day walks and longer point-to-point routes, with longer remote sections across upland and boggy interiors.

Trails and Routes Through County Mayo

Western Way

Long-distance walking route running through Mayo between Leenane, Westport, Newport, and Bangor Erris using hill tracks, minor roads, and valley paths.

Bangor Trail

Remote upland route crossing the Nephin Beg range between Bangor Erris and Newport through open moorland and rough ground.

Croagh Patrick Paths

Steep hill routes climbing from Murrisk to the summit of Croagh Patrick on stony and stepped ground.

Great Western Greenway

Level off-road path on a former railway line linking Westport, Newport, and Achill Sound across coastal and lowland terrain.

Walking Character

Rounded mountains and upland passes
Blanket bog and peatland
Atlantic headlands and beaches
Rough tracks and minor roads
Regular climbs and uneven ground
Scattered settlements with long gaps between
Remote and exposed inland sections

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Mayo located?

County Mayo is in western Ireland on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Galway to the south and Sligo to the north-east.

What defines walking here?

Upland bog and mountain terrain inland, combined with long coastal stretches, bays, and peninsulas along the Atlantic.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Western Way and Bangor Trail cross the county, and the Great Western Greenway provides a continuous low-level route.

Is the terrain steep?

Some sections include steep climbs and rough ground, particularly on hills and upland routes. Coastal and greenway paths are generally easier and more level.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring through early autumn offers longer daylight and firmer ground. Upland and bog areas can be wet year-round, and coastal sections are exposed to wind.