Toormakeady: Nature Trails, Waterfall and Geodiversity

Toormakeady is an ideal destination for a trip focused on woodland trails, a waterfall and geological themes. In Tourmakeady, you’ll find the Nature Trail, Lake Walk and the Geosite with its Geodiversity Trail. The options range from a short walk to a route of about an hour; there is also a woodland trail to the waterfall and a historic church. You can plan your time according to trail length, scenery and your interest in geology or local history.

Woodland Trails and Waterfall

The Tourmakeady Loop is a woodland trail leading to an impressive waterfall with good viewpoints. The waterfall flows into a broad plunge pool. The Tourmakeady Loop also passes a wildfowl pond and offers views of the Partry Mountains. This trail brings together the waterfall, pond and mountain views as distinct landscape highlights.

The Tourmakeady Loop Walk follows woodland paths, forest roads and some minor roads. Black posts about one metre high and purple directional arrows mark the route. Information about its course gives you a clear idea of the trail type as you plan your time in Tourmakeady.

Choose a Walk by Duration

For a shorter walk, try the Lake Walk: it is 1.5 kilometres long, takes about half an hour and is rated easy. The Nature Trail is longer at 2.5 kilometres, takes around an hour and is also rated easy. You can choose between two routes of different lengths and clearly specified durations, both with the same difficulty rating.

Explore Geology at the Geosite

The Tourmakeady Geodiversity Trail leads through Tourmakeady Woods to a waterfall and includes ten different erratic boulders. They illustrate the geodiversity of the Geopark. Signs at each of the ten boulders explain the characteristics of the rock and how it formed. The audio guide to the Tourmakeady Geosite accompanies you around the trail and provides background information. The Geosite is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Joyce Country and Western Lakes. The trail lets you explore rock formations, how they formed and their geological context within the Geopark.

Getting There and Local History

You can reach Tourmakeady Woods from the village by car. A signposted access road also leads from the village car park into the woods on foot. As road and parking conditions may change, it is advisable to check the route before your visit.

The Church of Ireland in Tourmakeady also offers a specific historical point of reference: it was built in the 1850s and opened in September 1853. If you’re planning your trip around more than walks and scenery and are also interested in history, this building adds another dimension to the area’s natural and geological themes.

Culture in County Mayo

For an additional cultural experience in County Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rural past. Objects, rare archive photographs and films explore this theme. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. A daily bus service connects the National Museum at Turlough Park with Castlebar and Ballina: it operates as route 454, run by Mayo Local Link. If you plan to use this service, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Cross, Doohooma, Westport, Keel, Valley, Coogue, Crossmolina, Finny.

For the main travel guide: County Mayo.