OUTDOORS Walk of the month – Inishturk

WINDING PATH A section of the Lough Coolaknick Loop walk on Inishturk.

Walk to treasure on Inishturk


Outdoor living
Cathleen Fergus

Lough Coolaknick Loop
Distance: 5km
Estimated Time:1hr–1hr 30 mins
Grade:Easy
Minimum Gear:Trekking shoes, rain gear
Terrain: Surfaced roads, sandy tracks

As SeΡn Keane fans, we had his Inishturk concert date earmarked for some time, and we all set off from Roonagh Pier near Louisburgh on the Pirate Queen ferry on a blustery August weekend and headed across to the island. While some of us had the sense to bring raincoats, none of us had the sense to sit lower down on the ferry, so any signs of looking ready for a night out were well washed away by the time we hit dry land.
Inishturk is only 45 minutes from Roonagh, and the journey is broken up with breathtaking views of the coastline, Clare Island and Caher Island, the uninhabited island that marks the end of the ancient pilgrimage from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick. Inishturk has two FΡilte Ireland accredited loop walks, The Mountain Common Loop and The Lough Coolaknick Loop.



I choose the shorter one for two reasons, firstly, rumour had it that it would be a late night (those rumours were true) and, secondly, we were catching the 10am ferry home, so we were left with little time to get up and out. 
A-B: The trailhead for both loops is located at a gable wall 50m from pier. From the trailhead follow the green (and purple) arrows – the purple arrows are for the longer Mountain Common Loop. Continue along surfaced road for 100m to pass the church and reach the Tourist Office. Follow the road as it ascends to a three-way junction, where the loop ‘proper’ begins. Turn right here following both the green and purple arrows.
B-C: The roadway ascends again to pass first the welcoming Ocean View B&B, where we stayed, and then the shop. Continue along the road to reach a metal gate which marks your entry into Mountain Common.
C-D: Pass through the gate (closing it after you) and follow the winding sandy roadway, enjoying the sea views. After almost 1km you reach Loch Coolaknick. Near the end of the lake the longer Mountain Common Loop swings right and ascends across the commonage, a walk for another day. You continue straight, staying on the sandy roadway.
D-E: Follow the sandy roadway downhill to reach first a waterworks and then a sports field where the longer purple loop joins again from your right. Continue straight here.
E-F: Stay on the sandy roadway past Teach Abhainn B&B to reach a T-junction. The loop turns left here, but you have the option of taking the short trip to Portdoon – a peaceful cove 200m away where tradition has it that the Dun was built by pirates.
F-A: From the T-junction the loop follows surfaced road back to the trailhead.

Check www.inishturkisland.com for accommodation and ferry times and rates.

Cathleen Fergus works for South West Mayo Development Company as Rural Recreation Officer. Her job includes the design, development and promotion of walking and cycling trails. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.