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Walking and Hiking
Wild Nephin National Park is a spectacular place to experience some of the most remote lands in Ireland. While the main body of the park is suitable for the more experienced hillwalkers, there are also easier walks that allow visitors of a range of abilities to enjoy the scenery and wildlife here at Wild Nephin.
Tóchar Daithí Bán Trail
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail
Bothy Loop
Bangor Trail
Wild Nephin Walking Trails
| Walking Trails | |
|---|---|
Hill Walking
The three Letterkeen Loop trails above are waymarked and possible without a map and compass. The Bangor Trail is for very experienced hikers only. Hiking boots and correct rainwear are essential as these trails can become very wet underfoot. Any walker or camper undertaking one of the advanced trails must register in advance by clicking the button below.
About Our Walking Trails
| Difficulty | Trail Grade Description |
| Easy | Flat trail with gentle slopes or shallow steps. Suitable for families. Normal outdoor footwear can be worn. |
| Moderate | Trails have some climbs and uneven surface, rough underfoot with obstacles such as protruding roots, rocks, etc. Moderate level of fitness and some walking experience required. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing is recommended. |
| Strenuous | Physically demanding trails, sections with steep climbs for long periods, can be extremely rough including many obstacles. Walkers accustomed to rough ground and with a high level of fitness. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. |
| Very Difficult | Remote upland route with steep slopes, very variable and rough underfoot, sometimes indistinct trails that may be unmarked. High level of experience required, you must be very fit, competent mountain walkers with navigational skills. Specific outdoor walking footwear and clothing required. |
The Bothy at Letterkeen
- N 53°59’21.552” W 9°34’22.152”
- bothy location link
Explore the wild and remote areas from Brogan Carroll Bothy at Letterkeen Woods. The bothy is a dry and secure shelter to overnight on the long distance Bangor Trail and Western Way and acts as a trailhead for waymarked hiking loops of 2.5km, 5km, 10km and 12km.
Access to Letterkeen Loops
- ranging from 2.5 km–12 km
- note: No toilet facilities
The road to access the Letterkeen Loop walks is situated 1km out of Newport on the Mulranny side. The turn is marked with a series of small signposts on a single pole which include signs for the Letterkeen Loop, Bangor Trail and the Marine Institute. Continue up this road for 10km until you reach a fork in the road, take the left marked with a sign for the Letterkeen Loop.
facilities:
– Car park
– Picnic benches
– Open bothy
All located at beginning of the walks.
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Consult maps of the area beforehand and plan in advance
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Hiking is only recommended for those with suitable outdoor clothing and equipment.
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Do not venture into the hills alone.
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Know your limits and those of your friends walking with you.
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Inform a competent person of your walking trip and estimated time of return.
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Take waste away with you. This is essential.
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Leave wild flowers for everyone to enjoy. Photograph or sketch them instead of picking them.
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Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
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Respect the National Park.
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To learn more about wild camping in the park, read our Camping Code.
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Be aware of ticks and their potential transmission of Lyme disease. Always check for ticks at the end of a day’s hiking.
Ticks & Biting Insects
Ireland is generally a very safe place as regards wildlife. There are no longer any large predators like bears, wolves, or large cats, but Ireland is home to smaller creatures that may prove troublesome. In Wild Nephin National Park visitors may encounter swarms of midges (small biting flies) on warm and humid days, and walkers venturing off tracks may be bitten by ticks. All walkers should be aware that ticks can, in rare cases, carry Lyme disease. Learn more about ticks and biting insects in our guide below.
Camping
No accommodation services are provided within the National Park itself but visitors are welcome to camp under the following conditions. All visitors to the National Park, including hikers and walkers, are requested to register on the online registration system. Camping is only permitted through our online registration system.
This information will be vital in locating and evacuating people in the event of a fire emergency. Any information uploaded on the website will be used solely for this purpose.
Anyone camping within the park is subject to our Camping Code. Please familiarise yourself with the camping code before planning a trip to Wild Nephin National Park.
Note: There is a registration system for camping at our shelters, this is not a booking facility and the shelters are on a first come first served basis. Therefore if planning to stay overnight at any of our shelters it is advisable to always bring a tent on the remote chance that the shelters are full.
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Camping within the Wild Nephin National Park is only permitted through our online registration system.
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Camping is strictly prohibited at Wild Nephin National Park during Condition Orange/Red Fire Risk Danger Notices.
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Camping is permitted in designated campsites only*.
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Campsites must be left as found, or better. Dispose of waste properly. Please take all litter, yours and others.
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Latrine Protocol**; catholes for disposal of human waste should be located at least 30m away from watercourses and 50m from walking routes.
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Campfires (including disposable BBQs) are only permitted at fire pits in designated campsites. Use only sticks from the ground for fuel, do not cut growing vegetation.
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Be sure to keep your campfire small and under control. Burn all wood and coals to ash.
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Campfires should always be fully extinguished, including all glowing embers, on the decommissioning of the campsite.
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Bring your own fire retardant, in the event of an emergency at your campfire.
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Soap and toothpaste must be kept at least 30m away from watercourses.
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Dish and utensil washing will be conducted at least 30m from water bodies. All wastewater should be strained and scattered.
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Conduct yourself in a quiet manner, disturbing neither the local community, wildlife nor other visitors.
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Campsites must be kept visually unobtrusive.
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Bring your own first aid kit, in the event of an emergency.
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Failure to comply with this code will result in withdrawal of permission to camp. In such cases National Park Staff will demand that you break camp.
* For more information on sanitation in the outdoors read “Where to go in the outdoors” leaflet available from the National Park Visitor Centre and the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI).
Camping Sites
There is pedestrian-only access to camping sites. These locations are not serviced campsites and there is strictly no public vehicular access. The site nearest to a public car park/vehicular access is North of Bothy in Letterkeen. You will need to walk 1.5km (20 minutes approximately) from the Letterkeen Car Park (53°59’20.8″N 9°34’21.3″W).
Grid references for the locations of designated camping sites are below.
Note: This map is not to be used for navigation purposes. Details of maps that encompass the National Park lands are available on our hiking page.
Tarsaghaun Cottage
54° 4’55.58″N
9°43’49.83″W
Altnabrocky Shelter
54° 2’59.38″N
9°36’30.84″W
Lough Avoher Shelter
54° 0’15.24″N
9°37’13.05″W
North of Bothy
53°59’57.86″N
9°34’30.42″W
Art Commission
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage officially launched ‘Under Darkening Skies’ a public art commission by the visual artist Susan Mannion at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre at Wild Nephin National Park in June 2022. The artwork was commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW) under the Percent for Art Scheme, in collaboration with the NPWS and Mayo County Council Arts Service, to mark the tenth anniversary of the Ballycroy Visitor Centre.
The two-stage open competition which saw Susan Mannion’s proposal selected was coordinated by Mayo County Council’s Arts Service in partnership with the OPW. Susan is a visual artist based in Boyle specialising in copper enamel work, a technique that has been used since the 13th century BC.
The artwork was created from enamelled steel and is comprised of seven panels that when combined measures 7 metres in width and 4 metres in height. The steel panels were coated in base coats of black and then white enamel and fired to create a blank canvas onto which colour enamel powder was sifted. Twelve different colours of enamel were applied and then the panels were fired at 810 degrees in huge kilns. ‘Under Darkening Skies’ can be seen on the exterior wall on the Ballycroy Visitor Centre.
Mayo Dark Sky Park
Wild Nephin National Park is Ireland’s Big Sky Country and the acclaimed Irish poet WB Yeats illustrates the awesomeness of these west of Ireland skies in “He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven”. Yeats describes the “heavens’ embroidered cloths, enwrought with golden and silver light, the blue and the dim and the dark cloths of night and light and the half-light”.
Indeed we do not lose these big skies at night as half the National Park is after dark. Learn more about exploring the skies above the National Park in our stargazing section below.
Stargazing
Wild Nephin National Park showcases some of the darkest, most pristine night skies in the world and is officially certified as the Gold Tier International Mayo Dark Sky Park. Take a look at the resources below if you’re interested in getting started or developing your stargazing knowledge.
We have developed some tools to help you navigate your way around the night skies. As a beginner to stargazing, choose a clear night around the new moon (the darkest phase of the lunar cycle). Enjoy exploring!
Click the link below to read the stargazing check list and find out about astronomy tips.
The stargazing guide provides you with various starcharts and information on how to use them.
Follow the link below to download the helpful guide on what to look out for when stargazing at the Mayo Dark Sky Park.
We have created three signature Dark Sky viewing points at easily accessible locations around the Mayo Dark Sky Park. All of these sites have qualified as “Gold Tier” quality under the International Dark Sky Association criteria.
– Ballycroy Visitor Centre – Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail – Brogan Carroll Bothy
Follow the link below to read more about the Dark Sky viewing points.
Observatory & Planetarium
Following a successful application for funding to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2019, the NPWS in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and Mayo County Council have plans for the design of two new visitor experiences in the Mayo Dark Sky Park (Wild Nephin National Park).
Research and scientific and environmental assessments have been undertaken to identify suitable locations for a Planetarium and Multimedia Space and Observatory to be located in Mayo Dark Sky Park. Expert reports were commissioned on Astrotourism Suitability, Environmental Impact, Rural Tourism Development, Community Employment and Economic Impact with recommendations for the most suitable sites.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre has been identified as the site for the Planetarium and Multi Media Space, while the optimal site for the Observatory is in the Mayo Dark Sky Park at Letterkeen in Wild Nephin National Park. Find out more by following the link below.
Campfires are only permitted in fire pits in designated campsites. Please download and be familiar with the Wildfires Prevention Advice below. Camping is strictly prohibited at Wild Nephin National Park during Condition Orange/Red Fire Risk Danger Notices.
Weather Warnings
Weather Warning – STATUS ORANGE
This category of weather warning has the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas, and poses a real risk of injury and danger to human life. The Wild Nephin National Park is closed to all visitors until further notice. Consult the National Park website for more information.
severe Weather Warning – STATUS red
This category of weather warning has the capacity to impact severely on people in the affected areas, and poses a significant risk of injury and danger to human life. The Wild Nephin National Park is closed to all visitors until further notice. Consult the National Park website for more information.
Fire Risk Conditions
Fire Risk Danger Notice – Condition Orange
There is a high fire risk within the National Park. There is a significantly increased risk of wildfire initiation and spread. In the event of a wildfire, there is a real risk of injury and danger to human life. Camping within the National Park is strictly prohibited during this notice. Consult the National Park website for more information.
Fire Risk Danger Notice – Condition Red
There is an extreme fire risk within the National Park. Under extreme fire risk conditions any ignition source in hazardous fuels will give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread. Under these conditions, in upland situations fire can cover extensive areas and pose extreme difficulties to suppression efforts and may give rise to major emergency scenarios. In the event of a wildfire, there is an extreme risk of injury and danger to human life. Camping within the National Park is strictly prohibited during this notice. Consult the National Park website for more information.
Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is the main Information Point for Wild Nephin National Park. It opened in 2009 and has welcomed visitors from all over the world to Ballycroy and County Mayo.
Relax and enjoy the hospitality at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre which houses an interactive exhibition, experienced guides, Ginger & Wild Café and the accessible Tóchar Daithí Bán Nature Trail (2km).
We run Special Events throughout the year and regular Guided Walks and Kids Clubs during the Summer months. Keep an eye on our News & Events page for upcoming walks, talks and activities.
Café
The café at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre is called Ginger & Wild and it definitely ticks lots of boxes – whether you…
- are a hungry traveller
- just want a beautiful place to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of tea
- are an art lover
- are a large group looking for a tasty morsel
…you’ll be very well looked after.
With its beautiful scenery and wildlife, the National Park is a mecca for photographers. Visitors are welcome to take photographs for their own use.
Photography & Filming
Commercial photography and filming will require a permit. Please contact us for more details. Permits should be made at least seven working days in advance (preferably longer). Nature photographers must be aware of the sensitivity of their subjects. Animals and birds must never be stressed by a photographer approaching too closely.
Nests may only be photographed or filmed under permit and licence. Please click the link below to find out more about applying for such licences.
Submit your application by emailing ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie
Drones
The flying of drones is not permitted within the National Parks except under permit. Low-flying aircraft and other objects (drones, kites, hang gliders, etc.) are regulated within Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Helicopters are often used within the park for tasks including search and rescue operations, and drones can interfere with this important work. All drone owners should read the Irish Aviation Authority’s Drones Q & A.
Submit your application by emailing ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie
Special Activities
All special activities requiring permits include:
- Commercial Operators
- Group Tours/Camping
- Scientific Studies
- Special Events
Submit your application by emailing ballycroyvisitorcentre@npws.gov.ie
To apply for a permit, please submit applications at least one month in advance.
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome in the National Park, but only service dogs are allowed in the buildings. Dog owners must at all times be conscious of their responsibility to other visitors and wildlife. The following points will help dogs, their owners, other visitors and wildlife to have a safe and happy visit.
Our Code of Conduct for Dog Owners is detailed below.
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We welcome responsible dog owners.
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Keep your dog on a lead at all times within the National Park.
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Be aware that the National Park is primarily for the conservation of nature. Wildlife must never be stressed by your dog.
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Be aware that the National Park borders farms and it is important that farm animals on neighbouring lands are not disturbed.
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Be aware that other visitors may have a fear of dogs.
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Please carry poo bags and use them. Dog poo, once bagged, must be carried home.
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Be aware that the National Park also has hazards for dogs. Be aware of your dog’s location at all times, as cliffs can be a real danger.