Wild Nephin National Park Hiking Trails: Explore Nature’s Best
Did you know that the Wild Nephin National Park is the third largest in Ireland? Yes, it’s true. Just northwest of County Mayo, the park occupies almost 15,000 hectares.
This park is home to rare birds and animals. Its trails offer hikers an exceptional wilderness experience. This article will help you wisely choose among the best trails at Wild Nephin National Park.
Best Trails in Wild Nephin National Park
The park is filled with different types of walking trails. However, there is something for every hiker. Each trail offers unrivalled views of nature and wildlife.
Below, we have listed the best trails in the park:
1-Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail
This trail is ideal for sea lovers. It extends to the sea, offering a beautiful route along the waves. The boardwalk route is gentle, making it family-friendly.
The terrain can be boggy, and wading birds and seals are occasionally sighted. Animal enthusiasts can also encounter otter and mountain hares. Scenic views from Achill Island make the trail a memorable experience.
Distance: 1km
2-Letterkeen’s Walking Loops
For experienced hikers, Letterkeen Looped Walks is an ideal trail. It is an enjoyable full-day hike through the leafy woods. Three routes, ranging in distance, offer equally beautiful, lush scenery.
The terrain consists mostly of forest floors with open mountain slopes. Rivers can also flow along, and bogland is quite common. However, make sure you are prepared for rain and keep your phone fully charged.
Distance: 6 km to 12 km
3-Bangor Trail and Wild Camping
Experience the true essence of Irish wilderness at the Bangor Trail. The 12-hour hike takes you through varying terrain. You will come across rock, dirt, and even bogs. The land can be both wet and rough.
On this 16th-century route, hop through the streams and cross the gullies. Admire the beauty of Slieve Carr and other stunning sights of the Nephin Beg mountains.
The overall distance is almost 40 km. It starts from Bangor and ends at Newport. Half of the distance is primarily on the road.
There is also another starting point at Letterkeen, offering a 26-km walk.
Remember, this is a challenging trail, suitable only for serious hikers. The best part of the trail is the option to camp overnight. However, a National Park camping permit is required to light a campfire, and it is also a necessity if a group of more than 10 people plans to camp.
Distance: 26km to 40km
4: The Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail
Interpretative exhibitions of ancient forests are a popular sight at Wild Nephin National Park. Pine stumps make these ancient forests evident. You can easily spot them on the shore and in the bog.
The Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail offers a great chance to uncover many hidden secrets. This walk is located between Mulranny and Ballycroy. The stony shoreline of the Wild Atlantic Way runs along.
You can go off the grid by parking your car in the parking area. Photograph the stunning landscapes. Watch the otters, grey herons, and even ringed plovers play around.
Distance: 1km
5-Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail
Wild Nephin National Park is a habitat for various animals and birds. The red deer and mountain hares roam around freely. You can easily spot rare birdlife sitting on the branches. Imagine coming across the golden plover or even a merlin.
The exceptional biodiversity makes this park suitable for all age groups. Wildlife lovers can plan to hike the Tóchar Daithí Bán Nature Trail. Achill Island and the Nephin Beg Mountain Range offer great panoramic views.
You can easily complete the hike in 20–30 minutes while enjoying the scenery of the Atlantic Ocean, too.
Distance: 2km
Famous Features of Wild Nephin National Park
The Nephin Beg mountain range and the Owenduff Bog make the Wild Nephin National Park popular.
However, there are many other famous features, which include:
1-Mayo’s Dark Sky Park
Wild Nephin National Park is home to the world’s first international Dark Sky Park. Ballycroy has the darkest skies in Ireland. The park offers three easily accessible Dark Sky viewing areas.
Get mesmerised by thousands of stars that light up the night sky. Spot the Milky Way and various planets. Watch the meteor shower. All is visible just by the naked eye.
Not to forget the Owenduff Bog. This is Ireland’s Largest intact Atlantic blanket bog. You can’t find anything like this all across Western Europe. North West Mayo’s changing skies display a great show. For visitors, the experience at Ballycroy National Park is unmatched.
For more information, contact the Ballycroy Visitor Centre.
2-Carnivorous Plants
There are a lot of bog pools at Wild Nephin National Park. They are home to many insects like the midges, whirligig beetles, and dragonflies. Carnivorous plants, such as bladderwort and sundew, have also contributed to this ecosystem. Their sticky tentacles trap insects, which they feed on to fulfill their nutritional requirements.
The park allows you to witness how the carnivorous plants eat insects.
3-Ginger and Wild Café
Before starting the hike, most visitors stop at the Ginger and Wild Cafe. This family-run cafe serves the best coffee and cakes. Each sip is paired with spectacular views of the wild Atlantic coastline. This cafe also offers lovely views of Achill Island.
Conclusion
Wild Nephin National Park is very popular among adventure enthusiasts. It offers a variety of hiking trails that suit all skill levels. The hike is complemented by beautiful views of remote mountains, the Wild Atlantic Way, and occasional wildlife sightings.
Hikers never miss a chance to experience the Dark Sky Park. Ireland’s largest Atlantic blanket bog and carnivorous plants are among the park’s famous features.
Plan your trip for an outdoor adventure mixed with tranquillity. Make sure you are well prepared for unexpected weather changes.
