Mallaranny: Trails, Coast and Culture

Walking and cycling

The Mulranny Loop gives a stay in Mallaranny a clearly defined hiking focus. The moderately difficult loop is 5.5 kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours. This estimated duration helps you plan the route within a clear time frame. The Loop leads to Ireland’s only stand of Mediterranean heather and runs along Mulranny’s unique causeway through Trawoughter Bay. The starting point is at the Mulranny Park Hotel. Check the route details locally before setting out.

The Mulranny–Achill section of the Great Western Greenway is 13 kilometres long. An official access point to the Greenway is at Mulranny’s old railway station behind the Mulranny Park Hotel; check local signs before travelling. For a different loop, the Mulranny–Lookout Hill Loop starts and ends at Mulranny Pier. When comparing the routes, different reference points come to the fore: the length of the Greenway section and the Loop’s start and finish at the pier.

Coastal scenery nearby

Nearby, a four-kilometre loop leads from Mulranny Village towards Mulranny Saltmarsh; trail conditions may vary. The saltmarsh lies behind Mulranny Beach and is one of the largest salt marshes along Clew Bay. The sandy beach is southwest of the village. From there, views extend across the sheltered waters of Clew Bay to the mountains beyond. A route towards the saltmarsh and the coastal view from the beach therefore suit different outing plans.

Culture and living heritage

Mulranny Arts complements the walking and nature themes with courses and workshops. Day, weekend and week-long courses are offered. As the programme may change, check the current dates before making plans. Mulranny Arts is housed in a former monastery building in Mulranny, built around 1904. Its former use and approximate construction date connect today’s cultural programme with a specific historic building; the different course lengths also offer a range of time frames.

The Old Irish Goat Visitor Centre offers another focus. Mulranny’s goats have been identified as some of the last surviving representatives of the old Irish goat type. The centre offers the chance to see the old Irish goat, art, history and science exhibitions, a documentary film about the conservation project, and a craft shop. Individual offerings may change; check the latest information before visiting.

More destinations in County Mayo

County Mayo also offers cultural and hiking destinations with distinct themes. The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park presents Ireland’s rural past through objects, rare archival photographs and films. Its gardens are home to diverse birdlife, flora and fauna, and are designated a Green Heritage site. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. Mayo Local Link’s daily Route 454 bus service connects the National Museum at Turlough Park with Castlebar and Ballina. Check the timetable for your travel date.

For hiking plans in County Mayo, Croagh Patrick offers another option: the mountain is 764 metres high and has been a place of pilgrimage since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and covers seven kilometres for the return journey. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, by contrast, is a 59.9-kilometre long-distance trail that takes three days and links ancient monastic heritage with the mountain scenery of County Mayo and views over Clew Bay. This makes it possible to distinguish a summit route with a return journey from a three-day long-distance hike by their respective time frames.

Discover more destinations: Crossmolina, Knock, Belmullet, Keel, Valley, Killala, Claremorris, The Quay

For the main travel overview: County Mayo.