Family walks are one of the easiest ways to get everyone outdoors together, whether you’re after a short stroll with a toddler or a proper adventure with older kids. Mayo has such a variety of beautiful walking spots — wooded trails, lakeside loops, mountain paths and long sandy beaches — that there’s something here for every family. Here are 9 great places for stunning family walks in Mayo. Just remember the snacks, drinks, camera and weather gear before you head out!
While you’re out and about, have fun spotting wildlife, feeding ducks, collecting leaves, acorns or shells, or bringing along a picnic. You could try our nature scavenger hunt to keep younger walkers entertained, or simply enjoy the scenery.
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Jump to a walk:
1. Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail
2. Cong Woods
3. Belleek Woods
4. Croagh Patrick
5. Clare Lake Loop Walk
6. Lough Lannagh
7. The Great Western Greenway
8. Brabazon Woods
9. Beach Walks in Mayo
Family Walks in Mayo
#1. Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail
Image: Gareth McCormack/garethmccormack.com © Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland
A great family walk is the Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail in Ballycroy National Park, a lovely nature walk about 2km long. Start close to the front door of the Visitor Centre and finish at the tearoom, which enjoys beautiful views of Achill Island.
The trail is named after the mythical giant Daithí Bán, who is said to have built a fortress on the park’s tallest mountain, Corslieve, and regularly walked down to the sea using three islands between Ballycroy and Doohooma Head as stepping stones.
Along the way you’ll pass the Dipping Pond, a great spot for spotting dragonflies and damselflies, and a viewing point with breathtaking views across the Nephin Beg mountain range and over to Achill Island.
#2. Cong Woods
In the picturesque village of Cong, this lovely 2km walk has an entrance beside the ruins of Cong Abbey, plenty of benches for resting tired little legs, and lots of spots to feed the ducks.
#3. Belleek Woods
Belleek Woods, near Ballina, is a family-friendly walk along the banks of the River Moy. It’s one of the largest urban forests in Europe, with 200 acres of woodland and trees up to 300 years old. The tree-canopied paths are perfect for little adventures with the kids.
Keep a look out for woodland animals such as squirrels, badgers, foxes and rabbits, and take in the historical features along the trail, including a hermitage and an ice house. There’s a lovely picnic area where you can relax and watch the boats on the river — and don’t forget to hunt for fairies on the fairy trail!
#4. Croagh Patrick
Image: Croagh Patrick © Artur Ilkow
The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick in Westport is an ancient site of pilgrimage with breathtaking views over Clew Bay, and one of the most famous walks in Mayo. It’s a great hike for older children, and worth a trip even if you only get as far as the base with toddlers.
#5. Clare Lake Loop Walk
The Clare Lake Loop Walk in Claremorris is a fantastic spot for kids. Less than 3km long, it has a tree-canopied path with berries to pick, a lovely picnic area, benches to rest tired feet, two bridges to cross and plenty of ducks to feed. Keep an eye out for the various wild bird species that call the lake home, and pop into the playground at the entrance.
The park is also home to Land of Giants, a series of fun giant art installations dotted along the way.
#6. Lough Lannagh
The walk around Lough Lannagh in Castlebar is perfect for families. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake, feeding the ducks — and a rather impressive family of swans!
Take a detour up through Lannagh Holiday Village to the playground and astroturf pitch, or continue your walk across the bridge and right around the lake.
#7. The Great Western Greenway
Image: Courtesy Christian McLeod © Fáilte Ireland
The Great Western Greenway between Newport and Mulranny is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. Following the old Newport-Mulranny railway line, this 18km traffic-free route is well mapped and signed, with no steep hills, making it ideal for a family day out.
#8. Brabazon Woods
Brabazon Woods in Swinford is a great spot for fresh air and a family day out, located on the Kilkelly Road just a two-minute walk from Swinford town centre. A children’s playground sits at the base of the walk, which starts with a path leading gently uphill through the trees.
With forks in the path to choose your own route, you’ll arrive at the top with lovely views over the town land below. Benches along the way make it a great spot for a picnic.
#9. Beach Walks in Mayo
Image: Courtesy Fearghus Foyle © Fáilte Ireland
There are many Mayo beaches to choose from for a family walk along the coast, several of which hold Blue Flag status.
Bertra Beach has a sandy front beach used for swimming and angling, and a quieter back beach separated by protected sand dunes — ideal for a round-trip walk.
The pretty Old Head Beach, about 10 miles from Westport, is a curving sandy beach with a picturesque stone pier and, in summer, cruising and fishing boats at anchor.
Carrowmore Beach is a sandy beach in a special protection and conservation area, while Keel Beach on Achill Island is popular for water sports such as diving, surfing, windsurfing and swimming — as well as a stroll along its long golden sands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these walks are best for toddlers or young children?
Cong Woods, the Clare Lake Loop Walk and the base of Croagh Patrick are all gentle, short options with places to rest along the way, making them good choices for younger legs.
Are any of these walks suitable for buggies?
Several of the routes — including Lough Lannagh, Clare Lake Loop and parts of the Great Western Greenway — follow established paths that tend to suit buggies. Surfaces and conditions can vary with the weather and season, so it’s worth checking on the day if you’re bringing a buggy.
What should we bring on a family walk in Mayo?
Pack snacks, drinks, a camera and weather-appropriate gear, as Mayo’s weather can change quickly. A picnic is a lovely addition for spots like Belleek Woods or the Clare Lake Loop.
Which walk is best for older kids or a bigger adventure?
Croagh Patrick offers the most challenging hike on this list, with stunning views over Clew Bay as a reward. The Great Western Greenway is also great for older kids on bikes.
Are there beach walks included?
Yes — Mayo’s coastline offers several lovely beach walks, including Bertra Beach, Old Head Beach, Carrowmore Beach and Keel Beach on Achill Island.
Related Articles
- How to Have a Free Family Day Out in Mayo
- Best Outdoor Places in Mayo for Families to Enjoy
- Mayo Beaches for Families
- Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids
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