Achill’s top attractions - The Great Western Greenway

The Great Western Greenway – Achill Sound to Mulranny


Those visiting Achill for the marathon will be able to test their fitness and take in some breathtaking views by either cycling or walking along the newly-opened Great Western Greenway. The route is phase two of the already-opened route between Mulranny and Newport and this new phase will completes one of the most scenic trails in Ireland. 
The route itself lends itself to a unique look at the folklore and mystery surrounding Achill. In 1894, the Westport-Newport railway line was extended to Achill Sound. The train station is now a hostel. The train provided a great service to Achill, but it also fulfilled an ancient prophecy. Brian Rua Ó CearbhΡin had prophesied that ‘carts on iron wheels’ would carry bodies into Achill on their first and last journey. In 1894, the first train on the Achill railway carried the bodies of victims of the Clew Bay Drowning. The Kirkintilloch Burning Disaster in 1937 fulfilled the second part of the prophecy, when the bodies of ten victims were carried by rail to Achill. These people had died in a fire in a ‘bothy’. This term referred to the temporary accommodation provided for those who went to Scotland to pick potatoes.
The route offers stunning views as you wind your way close to the sea with mountain views and the stunning Achill Island looming in the distance.  A refreshing beer or pot of tea is a welcome reward at the end of the line.