Other Trails on the Wild Atlantic Way

Letterkeen Loop

Trail Head Directions

Start from the town of Newport – on the N59 between Westport and Achill. Follow the N59 in the direction of Achill for just 1km before turning right at a signpost indicating Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Lough Furnace. After 1km go straight at a signpost for Lough Furnace, and continue along this road past Lough Feeagh (on your left). Pass Treenlaur Youth Hostel and Shramore Lodge, and then cross a small bridge over the Srahrevagh River . Almost immediately after the bridge turn left onto a forestry roadway (following the signposts for the Bangor Trail and the Western Way). Follow the forestry roadway for approx 1km – the trailhead is located at the stone bothy. 

Description

The walk starts at Letterkeen Woods, which is one of the largest forest blocks in the country and is situated northwest of Clew bay in the Nephin Beg Mountain Range. This area was devoid of woodland until 1951 when the Government introduced a forestry development programme. The main species are lodge pole pine and Japanese larch on the mountain slopes, with sitka spruce being planted in the more fertile valleys. The Government has recently acquired several thousand acres in this remote part of the county, which is to be developed into a National Park. There will be an Interpretive Centre at Ballycroy.