Walking & Cycling

The Great Western Greenway (32 km) Off Road Walking and Cycling Trail From Newport to  Mulranny and on to Achill Island – Stunning Scenery.  
Bicycle Hire – Available.

Lough Furnace Walk

This is a lovely walk which incorporates views of Lough Furnace and islands south and west over Clew Bay.

The distance is 6 miles (10kms) and it would be advisable to wear strong shoes or good trainers. There are not stiles or gates to climb over.

Start: Park by Burrishoole Bridge, just one mile from Newport town on the Mulranny Road.

Cross this lovely bridge and proceed past the cottage on your left, carry on to the junction sign posted Shanballyhue, take a left and continue along this lane for a further mile, to the 'T' junction with the yield sign, then turn left.

As you walk along you will see Lough Furnace on your left, continue a further 0.75 mile and you will come to a small bridge over the Yellow River.

Follow the road round to your left for another 0.5 mile and Lough Furnace will, again, come into view, take a left at the crossroads following the sign for the Salmon Research Centre. At this point you can see up the valley between Bengorm and Buckagh mountains at 1920 feet and 1940 feet.

Proceed to the Research Centre, this centre is well worth a visit and soft drinks can usually be purchased.

Leaving the Centre, follow the road for a further 0.5 mile and you will approach the point where Lough Feeagh flows into Lough Furnace. At this point, looking north, you can see a fine view of Lough Feeagh.

Proceed over the Bridge at The Salmon Leap (you might be lucky and see salmon making their way upstream). Turning left over the bridge the road now wind round the shore of Lough Furnace and has a fine view of this beautiful Lough. Swans can usually be seen nesting on the Lough and on other small loughs nearby.

Passing an old stone causeway on your left, follow the road for approximately 4.5 miles passing several small farmhouses until you reach the N59 once more.

Turn left and walk back to Burrishoole Bridge.

Lough Feeagh Walk

This is a very scenic walk along the east bank of the Lough using the lower road out and returning by the Old High Road.

This distance is 6.5 miles (11kms) and it would be advisable to wear boots or good trainers. Allow 2.5 or 3 hours.

Start: At the Salmon Research Centre on Lough Furnace

With the Research Centre on your left proceed to the crossroads approximately half a mile further on, follow the sign for Shramore and continue on this route passing an abandoned two storey house on your right. The road passes through a small cutting, suddenly the view opens up to a splendid view of the lough and mountains.

Proceed for another mile to the point where two small Promontories can be seen jutting out into the Lough and it is well worth the short detour to visit the second site of an ancient fort.

Continue along the road for a further two and a half miles, passing large clumps of rhododendrons, which are very colourful, when in season.

Proceed past the Youth Hostel at Treanlaur Lodge, and follow the road for a further half a mile after the youth hostel and just before the end of the Lough you will come to a small junction (not sign-posted), take a sharp right. This is the Old High Road, which is part of the Bangor Trail & Western Way.

The road climbs gently from here, and there are splendid views of the Lough.

As one approaches the southern end of the Loughs, the views are extensive over both Loughs and south and west over Clew Bay to the holy mountain on Croagh Patrick.

Continue to a 'T' junction and take a right turn. Proceed to the crossroads and follow the sign back to the Salmon Research Centre, which is well worth a visit and where you can purchase some light refreshments.

Newport House
Newport, Co. Mayo, Ireland