Location: Great Western Greenway, Westport to Achill Sound, County Mayo, Ireland
Stretching through some of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery, the Great Western Greenway offers an outstanding accessible outdoor experience for walkers, wheelchair users, mobility scooter users, cyclists, and families. Following the route of the former Midland Great Western Railway, the Greenway provides long sections of smooth, traffic-free pathways with breathtaking views across Clew Bay, rolling countryside, and the Nephin Mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful seafront stroll or a longer countryside adventure, the Greenway offers flexible route options suitable for visitors of varying abilities and fitness levels.
Trail Overview
The Great Western Greenway extends approximately 42 kilometres (26 miles) between Westport and Achill Sound.
Visitors can enjoy shorter accessible sections, including:
- Westport Quay to Newport – approximately 11 km
- Newport Harbour Loop – shorter accessible walks
- Mulranny Village section with panoramic bay views
- Achill Sound promenade connections
The wide surfaced trail allows visitors to choose distances that suit their needs while enjoying uninterrupted scenery.
Accessibility
Many sections feature:
- Smooth tarmac or compacted asphalt surface
- Wide pathways exceeding 2 metres in most locations
- Gentle railway gradients with very few steep climbs
- Step-free access along the majority of the route
- Clear wayfinding signage
- Numerous access points with parking available nearby
The former railway alignment creates naturally gentle inclines, making much of the Greenway suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters, adaptive cycles, and families with pushchairs.
Some rural crossing points and access ramps may require assistance depending on individual mobility requirements.
Visitor Facilities
Several towns along the route provide excellent visitor amenities.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available in Westport, Newport, Mulranny, and Achill Sound, allowing visitors to enjoy shorter sections without completing the full trail.
Accessible Toilets
Public accessible toilet facilities are available within the main towns and visitor areas along the Greenway.
Seating
Benches and picnic areas are located throughout many sections, providing regular opportunities to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Refreshments
Numerous cafés, restaurants, shops, and accommodation providers are available in Westport, Newport, Mulranny, and Achill, making it easy to plan a full day out.
Scenic Highlights
The Great Western Greenway passes through some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Spectacular views across Clew Bay
- Coastal marshes and estuaries
- Historic railway bridges
- Quiet woodland sections
- Rolling farmland and mountain scenery
- Views towards Croagh Patrick
- Birdlife, including herons, swans, and seabirds
The combination of open coastal vistas and peaceful countryside creates an immersive experience that changes with every season.
Visitor Amenities
Nearby facilities include:
- Cafés and restaurants
- Visitor information centres
- Cycle hire businesses
- Accessible accommodation options
- Picnic areas
- Public parking
- Local shops
The towns along the Greenway provide plenty of opportunities to stop and explore while supporting local businesses.
Overall Experience
The Great Western Greenway is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest accessible outdoor recreation routes.
Its combination of smooth surfaces, gentle gradients, exceptional scenery, and excellent visitor infrastructure allows people of all ages and abilities to experience Ireland’s stunning west coast together.
Whether visiting for a short accessible walk or spending several days exploring the entire Greenway, the route offers a memorable and inclusive outdoor experience.
Tips Before You Visit
- Westport provides the best starting point with extensive facilities and parking.
- Weather conditions can change quickly on the West Coast, so waterproof clothing is recommended.
- Peak summer months can be busy, while spring and autumn offer quieter walking conditions.
- Many visitors choose to complete shorter sections rather than the full 42 km route.
- Mobility scooter users should ensure battery capacity matches their planned distance.
