The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. See the source.
The trail
A National Waymarked Way of about 60 km from Balla, an early monastic site with a broken round tower, to Murrisk at the foot of Croagh Patrick, following parts of an old pilgrim route to the holy mountain. Stone-walled side roads, forest tracks, field paths and some wet moorland pass Ballintubber Abbey, the round tower and holy wells at Aghagower and the old oakwood at Brackloon, with the Reek in sight for much of the way and most of the climbing at the end. Three days.
Stages
A suggested split into 3 days of about 20.0 km (12.4 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Balla to Ballintubber 23 km · 23 km from the start
- Day 2 Ballintubber to Aghagower 19.0 km · 42 km from the start
- Day 3 Aghagower to Murrisk 17.5 km · 60 km from the start
Start and finish
Start: near Balla, County Mayo. 53.80449, -9.13091
Finish: near Murrisk, County Mayo. 53.77436, -9.62971
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Balla, County Mayo · The start Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Ballintubber, County Mayo · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Aghagower, County Mayo · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Murrisk, County Mayo · The finish Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
