Location : Blacksod Pier (An Fód Dubh), The Mullet peninsula, northwest Mayo.
Level : Easy
Duration : approx. 7 hours (pier to pier).
Description : This beautiful little island lies 4 km west of The Mullet peninsula, beyond Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead). Abandoned since the 1930s, this tranquil spot is now home to seabirds and grey seals, ruined houses, wildflowers and the remains of its once thriving whaling station.

The 30 minute boat ride out is a pleasure in itself, as we look out for dolphins and more. Walking on the island is taking a step back in time, as we recount how the islanders once lived and what caused them to abandon their homes. A trip to Iniskea is a truly fascinating, peaceful and memorable day out, filled with stories of the past.

Please allow around 90 minutes to get to Blacksod pier (signposted An Fód Dubh) from Castlebar, Westport or Ballina. You will drive through Bangor Erris and then Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead). The boat, which has a capacity of 12 passengers, leaves at 10.00 and typically returns to the pier around 17.00.

Iniskea Prices, Reservation & Special Conditions (please read carefully) :

Please note : This day trip to Iniskea can be booked by pre-payment only, either by using the PayPal system below, or by sending a cheque to Tourism Pure Walking Holidays, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Payment is not accepted on the day of travel. Cancellations subsequent to payment having been made will not be entertained and will forfeit 100% of the payment. In the case of the trip being cancelled by Tourism Pure Walking Holidays however, either due to the boat captain’s decision regarding weather conditions or due to insufficient bookings, you will of course be refunded 100% of the charge incurred.

This walk is not suitable for under 13 year olds!

The cliff top walk at Carrowtigue (An Ceathrú Thaidhg) is the finest on the mainland in Mayo and all of Connacht. This is a 3 to 4 hour stroll above the wonderful Atlantic ocean. 

The Stags of Broadhaven

Location : Carrowtigue village (An Ceathrú Thaidhg), north Mayo.

Level : Easy to moderate, with just one short steep section.

Duration : 3 to 4 hours.

Cliff Top Walk Description : Leaving Carrowtigue, we walk along the machair grass that skirts by the wonderful sand dunes at Rinroe Point, before reaching the low cliffs. Higher and more spectacular cliffs await us beyond, with magnificent views of the North Atlantic and The Mullet Peninsula. There is great birdlife to be seen along this cliff top walk route, culminating in beautiful views of the Stags of Broadhaven – sea stacks some 3 km off shore to the north. See promontory forts and the impressive sea cliffs of Benwee Head. An excellent loop walk.

Cliff Top Walk Prices & Reservation :

This walk is not suitable for under 13 year olds!

Nephin under Snow

Nephin is Connacht’s second highest mountain, offering superb views in all directions from its central location in Mayo. A great day’s hillwalk.

Location : Lahardane village, County Mayo.

Level : Difficult, as the entire ascent is pretty tough going.

Duration : 5 hours.

Nephin Mór Hillwalk Description :  Just outside the small village of Lahardane and towering above Lough Conn to 806m, Nephin is more a large mound than a pointed peak. Nevertheless, it offers lovely hillwalking, of around 4.5 to 5.5 hours duration. We will begin by traversing a plantation forest, before climbing the western edge of the great northern corrie. Our descent is by the eastern edge of the corrie, finishing by traversing the same plantation as before. In between, there is bog that can be quite wet, so be sure to have good waterproof hiking boots.

Given its central location in the county, Nephin is far better known than its bigger brother, Mweelrea – Connacht’s highest mountain. Nephin commands a special place in the consciousness of all Mayo people.

Come along and enjoy a great day’s hillwalk up the mountain. Reaching the top is a great feeling and the views, when it’s clear, are wonderful. Look out across Lough Conn, the Nephin Beg mountain range to the west, Croagh Patrick beyond and, if you’re lucky, as far as Slieve League in county Donegal.

Do please let me know by e-mail, contact form or phone, on 086_ – 8318748, if you’d like to join, as numbers are limited for this mountain hike.

Nephin Hillwalk Prices & Reservation :

This hillwalk is not suitable for under 16 year olds!