Wild Nephin °C
21. 11. 2024
6:47
Robert Lloyd Praeger
Listen to nature’s voice
Located on the Western seaboard in northwest Mayo, Wild Nephin National Park covers a vast 15,000 hectares of uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness, dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff Bog, one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Western Europe.
The National Park also protects other important habitats and species including alpine heath, upland grassland, heath, lakes and river catchments. Greenland white-fronted geese, golden plover, red grouse and otters are just some of the important fauna found within the National Park.
Discover our walking trails, learn more about the habitats and species we protect, or explore our education programmes.
Parking 
Lake 
River 
N59 
Mountain Peak 
Forest Land 
Visitor Center 
Park Boundary The detail on this map is generalised: it is not suitable for hill-walking. The map does not show legal title to property. Cartography ©2009 – ESRI Ireland Ltd and the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Based on Ordnance Survey Ireland data. Licence No. EN 0059208. © Ordnance Survey Ireland / Government of Ireland.
4 November 2024
29 October 2024
22 October 2024
Our very experienced team of guides at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre welcome visitors and run the Dark Sky Educational Programme. They can provide guidance to get you started with stargazing, and while the Visitor Centre closes during some winter months, the viewing sites within the Dark Sky Park are open to the public year round.
Visitor Centre
Our interactive exhibition captivates visitors of all ages and offers an overview of the biodiversity of the National Park as well as some of the cultural heritage of the region. On the site take a leisurely stroll along the Tóchar Daithí Bán Nature Trail and experience panoramic views of Achill Island, The Nephin Beg Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about this 20-30 minute walk, which can be easily undertaken by individuals or groups.
Habitats
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way between Mulranny and Ballycroy and is the perfect location for photographing this stunning area. You will find ample parking and a gentle 1km return along a stony shoreline. Evidence of our ancient forests are visible here, with ancient pine stumps on the shore and emerging from the bog. Wildlife that frequent the shore include otters (Lutra lutra), ringed plovers (Charadrius hiaticula) and grey herons (Ardea cinerea).
Mayo Dark Sky Park
The skies above Ireland’s Wild Nephin National Park are really something to be celebrated, enjoyed and cherished. The Owenduff Bog in the National Park is the largest expanse of intact Atlantic blanket bog in Ireland and Western Europe. This expanse of bog with the rolling hills of the Nephin Beg Mountain Range underpin the constantly changing big skies of this part of North West Mayo.
Our FREE National Park Shuttle Bus is back up and running between Westport and Bangor-Erris with multiple stops along the way.
Running from Tuesday to Saturday for June, July and August, this will tie in with our Wild Child Clubs on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August, and enable you to make the most of the National Park whether you’re taking a short stroll and coffee at the Visitor Centre or embarking on the ambitious Bangor Trail. Take note of bus changes at Newport for Letterkeen.
See bus timetables below:
| Bangor – Westport | Morning Service | Afternoon Service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor Erris (Beside the school) | Dep. 09:40 | Dep. 14:55 | |
| National Park Visitor Centre, Ballycroy | Arr. 10:00 Dep. 10:20 | Arr. 15:15 Dep. 15:35 | |
| Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail | Arr. 10:35 Dep. 10:45 | Arr. 15:50 Dep. 16:00 | |
| Mulranny (Mulranny Park Hotel – Station House) | Arr. 10:55 Dep. 11:05 | Arr. 16:10 Dep. 16:20 | |
| Newport (Acres Grove) ** | Arr. 16:35 Dep. 16:35 | ||
| Letterkeen (Srahrevagh) | Arr. 16:55 Dep. 17:05 | ||
| Newport (Edward Lyons Statue) | Arr. 11:25 Dep. 11.35 | Arr. 17:30 Dep. 17:40 | |
| Letterkeen (Srahrevagh) | Arr. 12:00 Dep. 12:10 | ||
| Newport (Edward Lyons Statue) | Arr. 12:35 Dep. 12:35 | ||
| Westport (Opposite Permanent TSB) | Arr. 12:55 | Arr. 18:00 | |
| ** Request Stop | |||
| Dep. = Depart | Arr. = Arrive | ||
| Westport – Bangor | Morning Service | Afternoon Service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westport (Opposite Permanent TSB) | Dep. 11:00 | Dep. 15:00 | |
| Newport (Edward Lyons Statue) | Arr. 11:20* Dep. 11:30 | Arr. 15:20 Dep. 15:30 | |
| Letterkeen (Srahrevagh) | Arr. 16:00 Dep. 16:10 | ||
| Newport (Acres Grove)** | Arr. 16:30 Dep. 16:30 | ||
| Mulranny (Mulranny Park Hotel – Station House) | Arr. 11:50 Dep. 12:00 | Arr. 16:45 Dep. 16:55 | |
| Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail | Arr. 12:10 Dep. 12:20 | Arr. 17:05 Dep. 17:15 | |
| National Park Visitor Centre, Ballycroy | Arr. 12:35 Dep. 12:55 | Arr. 17:30 Dep. 17:40 | |
| Bangor Erris (Beside the school) | Arr. 13:20 | Arr. 18:00 | |
| * Change for Bus 1 to go to Letterkeen (Srahrevagh) ** Request Stop | |||
| Dep. = Depart | Arr. = Arrive | ||
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.
Protecting nature is the main aim of a National Park. Conservation work goes hand in hand with responsible outdoor recreation and visitors can help play their part by following these useful tips.
Plan Ahead
Think about the best time to visit and how you’ll travel here, to minimise your environmental impact. Check the weather and make sure you have everything you need to bring.
Be Considerate
Be aware of how your activities and behaviour can impact nature, the experience of other visitors and those working here. Be mindful of any noise you make and how you interact with others along the way.
Respect Wildlife
Dogs are very welcome but must stay on the lead. If you can, avoid sensitive times for wildlife nesting and breeding.
Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
The marked trails let you take in all the best parts of the Wild Nephin wilderness. Only experienced hikers should venture into the hills. Only Wilderness Camping is permitted: review the guidelines here.
Leave What You Find
Do take photographs of the landscape and plants, but please leave even the smallest details untouched, so others can enjoy the Wild Nephin wilderness just as you did.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Litter is a huge threat to nature. By bringing your waste home, you help protect the park and its wildlife, and keep Wild Nephin healthy.
Minimise the effect of fire
We can’t allow fires of any kind in our national parks. Fires can cause lasting impacts and devastate plants and animals. Talk to our rangers or Education staff if you need advice, and check our Wilderness Camping guide for details.
Let the wide open vistas of this big sky country inspire you, with the setting sun on Wild Nephin revealing thousands of stars as the National Park transforms to the Mayo Dark Sky Park. Let the team of dedicated Guides share with you the biodiversity, history and the myths of this unique landscape that is Wild Nephin, our heavenly place and sanctuary for our wildlife.
OPEN:
10:00am–17:30pm
Mid-March – Early November
ADMISSION:
Free
The Visitor Centre is the main information point for Wild Nephin National Park.
Relax and enjoy the hospitality at the Visitor Centre, which houses an interactive exhibition, experienced National Park Guides, the 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 social media channels for upcoming walks, talks and activities.
-Stunning panoramic views of Wild Nephin National Park and Achill Island
-Interactive exhibition
-Nature trail with pond and viewing point
-Education Centre
-Information desk
-Ginger & Wild Café
-Guided walks and special events
-Mayo Dark Sky Park Viewing Point
OPEN:
10.00-17.00
Mid-March – September
10.00-16.00
October – 5th November (inclusive)
Café closed from 6th November
OFFERING:
-Indoor dining
-Outdoor dining
-Takeaway
Phone:
+353 (0)87 6666 633
WEB:
www.gingerandwild.com
The cafe’s light, airy seating area offers a bird’s-eye view to Achill Island, the majestic Nephin Beg Mountains and the magical wild Atlantic coast. An exceedingly warm welcome awaits you at this family run café.
The food is all homemade using locally-sourced produce and quality ingredients — teas, coffees, fruit juices, vegetable soups, paninis, quiches, salads, scones, cakes etc, with all delicious tasty goodies made by Jean-Pierre.
Contemporary art adorns the café walls – exhibitions change continually and all work is for sale.
If you are a coach party and planning a lunch stop, please let us know in advance. Call Nicola on the number listed here or visit our website.
