Western Greenway - Westport to Achill
The Great Western Greenway is 42 Kms in distance starting in the beautiful town of Westport, through the villages of Newport and Mulranny and on to Achill Sound. Achill Sound is the village perched just across the bridge to the island. The surface is mostly tarmac with some compressed fine gravel in other parts.
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The prevailing wind blows from West to East, it is therefore generally easier to cycle in that direction. There is a short but difficult uphill climb to access the greenway in Westport. There is a pathway just off the main road and this is described and shown on a map in the Travel section here.
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Cyclists will cycle through the village of Newport and is shared with vehicular traffic so great care should be taken especially if children are in the group. There is a narrow section through the town, see also the map in the Travel section here.
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The greenway skirts Mulranny village as the path runs at the back of the village. There is a short very steep drop 20/30 metres into the village. To get back on the greenway cycle 400m through the village and turn right at the sign for the Greenway.
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The route can be considered in three sections;
Westport to Newport 11 Kms;
Newport to Mulranny 18Kms;
Mulranny to Achill Sound 13Kms.
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The leg from Mulranny to Achill Sound is very beautiful but also quite exposed and may be more difficult if there is a headwind. There is a wealth of information on the greenway provided in the links section to other websites, see Links here.
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In addition, cyclists can cycle around Achill Island where there are three designated and signposted loops, see Achill Cycle Loops at the this website. These routes are not off road but traffic levels are very light. The routes can be quite hilly and it is likely to somewhat windswept. Achill island is very desolate especially in the winter but cycling around the island in the summertime can be invigorating with spectacular scenery.
See also this website for more details on the route from Achill Sound to Cashel on Achill island.​​
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There are various options for cyclists depending on whether you use your own bikes and where you start your journey.
For those with their own bikes, seasoned cyclists will be able to complete the round trip, starting early in the day. Others may cycle to Newport or Mulranny and return back, returning to their cars to head home or stay overnight in Westport or one of the villages on the route.
Those hiring bikes should check if the hire company allows the bikes to be returned to a different depot. At least one company based in Westport allows bikes to be returned at Achill or one of the villages on the route. Cyclists can then get a bus back to their starting location. See Bus Eireann website, the single journey will typically cost €10. The route number is Bus Eireann 450.
At least one hire company provides a bus service to Achill Sound to start your cycle from Achill. Given the prevailing wind this may be a very attractive proposition!
Those who hire bikes may wish to carry some belongings for an overnight stay. Ask for panniers/ saddle bags when hiring the bikes but check with the Bike Hire companies in advance, see Bike Hire options here.
There are plenty of accommodation options on the route but book in advance in summertime.
​Watch the brilliant Chonky Trundlers videos on You Tube as they hike the Great Western Greenway. This will give you a real sense of what to expect. ​
The route is very flat with the highest point approaching Mulranny from the Westport side. See profile of the route here.
