A Guide to Wild Nephin National Park
Read our travel guide on Wild Nephin National Park - Ballycroy in Ireland. Includes tips on things to do and see, best trails, where to stay, how to get, or when to go.
With its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, unspoiled wilderness, and thousands of acres of Atlantic blanket bog, Wild Nephin National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ireland.
The kingdom of bog lands is located in County Mayo and features one of the largest expanses of peatland in Europe.
It's also known for wild plants, the Nephin Beg mountain range, a variety of hiking trails, and a modern visitor center.
Today, Wild Nephin covers a large area between Newport, Achill Island, Belmullet, and Ballina.
It was established in 1998 as Ballycroy National Park, eventually expanded and renamed Wild Nephin in 2018.
Hence, you can still often find the word Ballycroy in the park's official name. It might be a bit confusing, but it is the same place.
Like Burren or Killarney, Wild Nephin requires some extra planning in order to maximize your time in the national park.
The extra effort is worth it, as this national park gives you access to one of Ireland's most remote areas.
So here's everything you should know about Wild Nephin National Park before you go.
Things to Know Before You Go
Unlike Connemara National Park, where you will find all hikes in one place, a trip to Wild Nephin is not that straightforward.
There are technically three main entry points in the national park making the planning part a bit more complicated.
You will find the Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Claggan area on the west edge of the national park, while the Letterkeen area sits in the east.
Additionally, there is the Bangor Trail that connects Bangor Erris with Newport. It might sound complicated, but all places are within an hour's drive radius, so it's not that bad.
Obviously, having a car is a huge advantage here.
We always recommend exploring Ireland on a road trip, and Wild Nephin is just another place supporting our point of view.
Finally, the Ballycroy Visitor Centre area is a great place to start exploring Wild Nephin.
However, the trail itself is fairly short, and some travelers might find it underwhelming, especially if they don't visit any other site within the national park.
If you fit into this category, we strongly suggest including Claggan Mountain and Letterkeen areas in your itinerary to get the most out of the trip.
Best Things to Do in Wild Nephin National Park
It won't come as a surprise when we say that Wild Nephin is all about nature and hiking.
The national park offers trails for both complete novices and experienced hikers, allowing all types of visitors to enjoy this unique area.
So what is there to see and do in Wild Nephin National Park, and what are some of the best trails? Let's find out.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre
With an informative museum, modern cafe, extensive free parking area, and a nice easy trail, Ballycroy Visitor Centre is an ideal place to kick off your Wild Nephin National Park adventure.
It's located just off the N59 in Ballycroy village, about thirty kilometers northwest of Newport.
The museum has plenty of information on local geography, history, fauna, and flora, and the short trail that starts from here offers a glimpse of what the national park is about.
You will also find here more information on the trails within Wild Nephin.
Tochar Daithi Ban Trail
This easy 1.8-kilometer circular walk starts at Ballycroy Visitor Centre and serves as a great introduction to Wild Nephin National Park.
The trail was named after Daithi Ban, a mythical giant who built a fortress on Corslieve.
It is also known as Slieve Carr, and at 721 meters above sea level, it's the tallest mountain in Wild Nephin.
Tochar Daithi Ban Trail is a mix of a boardwalk and gravel path, has a mild incline, and offers panoramic views of the Nephin Beg Mountains and Achill Island.
Even though the walk was short, we really enjoyed the dramatic views of the island, and it took us more than 30 minutes to finish the loop.
Make sure to walk up to the top of the hill for even more stunning views.
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail
This flat 2-kilometer looped boardwalk route in Wild Nephin National Park is only a 10-minute drive south of Ballycroy Visitor Centre.
The parking area is not large but free and easily accessible from N59.
This is an easy hike that can be completed in less than 30 minutes.
The boardwalk is suitable for all types of hikers, even for families with kids, strollers, and wheelchair users.
In this case, however, you need to retrace your steps via the boardwalk as the second part of the loop leads along the pebbled beach with uneven terrain.
The walk starts at the main road but slowly makes it through the Atlantic blanket bog toward the ocean.
From the trail, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of Bellacragher Bay and Achill Island.
Even though this is a very easy walk, we can tell you from our own experience that it gets pretty windy there.
Letterkeen Loops
Some of the best trails in Wild Nephin are known as Letterkeen Loops and are located less than an hour's drive from Ballycroy Visitor Centre on the eastern side of the national park.
Here you will find a starting point to multiple hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulty.
The facilities at the trailhead include a free parking area, picnic benches, and a basic shelter.
The parking is shown as Letterkeen Trailhead or Brogan Carroll Bothy on Google Maps, and it's easy to get there by car.
From Newport, follow the road north for approximately 1 kilometer.
There will be an easily missed turnoff to the right, where you need to connect to L1402 (Furnace).
Stay on this very narrow road until the next junction, and enjoy some beautiful views of Lough Feeagh along the way.
After 12 kilometers, you need to turn left in order to reach the parking lot in less than 400 meters.
There are four Letterkeen Loop trails to choose from, ranging from 2.5 to 12 kilometers.
Bothy Loop, Lough Aroher Loop, and Letterkeen Loop offer a fairly similar experience, so pick the one that fits your fitness level best.
Plain and simple, this is one of the most incredible places you can visit in Ireland.
Vary's Loop
This easy 2.5-kilometer trail along the Altacooney River features views of the Nephin Beg Mountains, John Vary's house, and a plantation of native Scots pine.
It is ideal for beginners who are not looking for any serious hiking experience in Wild Nephin National Park.
Bothy Loop
This 5-kilometer loop is an easy to moderate hike that follows a clockwise direction, leads through a woodland area, and features the lowlands of the Nephin Beg Mountains.
This blue route is prone to waterlogging, so adequate footwear is required.
Lough Aroher Loop
If you're looking for a more challenging hike, this 10-kilometer red trail is a great choice.
It loops around a hill, leads through a forested area, and also crosses a pass. The path gets boggy in some places.
Letterkeen Loop
With the exception of Bangor Trail, this 12-kilometer loop is the hardest hike in Wild Nephin.
The highest point on the purple route reaches 311 meters, and the trail features a scenic pass, beautiful views, and a few steeper climbs.
As usual, good rain gear is required.
Bangor Trail
In case you've found all the trails above too easy, the 40-kilometer Bangor Trail is the ultimate adventure in Wild Nephin National Park.
It is considered one of the toughest day hikes in Ireland, though it can be done in two days if you want to camp or stay in the hut along the way.
Bangor Trail connects the small town of Bangor Erris with Newport through an untouched landscape via an ancient road that's only used today by hikers and trampers.
This one-way trail is well-signed but usually very wet and boggy, so you need to bring quality waterproof gear.
The hike takes up to 12 hours to complete and requires a good fitness level, mental endurance, and experience with similar terrains.
As the stretch between Newport and Letterkeen Trailhead leads along a rural road, some hikers decide to do just the scenic part and start at Brogan Carroll Bothy.
The total length will reduce to 25 kilometers, and you will save about four hours of hiking.
Don't forget that if you don't want to retrace your steps, you will need to arrange transport to get back to your car.
Camping
Without any doubt, camping is one of the best ways to experience Wild Nephin National Park.
If you luck out on a spell of good weather, seeing the pristine skies of Mayo Dark Sky Park will be an unforgettable experience.
As much as we would love the idea of camping at some point during our Ireland road trip, we simply didn't have the time to make it happen. Maybe next time.
However, if you find yourself tired of crowds at places such as Cliffs of Moher or Ring of Kerry and are in need of a little inspiration, camping at Wild Nephin National Park might be a good alternative.
Camping is allowed only at designated campsites, and it's mandatory to register via the official Wild Nephin National Park website.
It is also strictly prohibited during Condition Orange/Red Fire Risk Danger Notices in order to prevent wildfires.
The campsites are not serviced and are only accessible on foot.
Mayo Dark Sky Park
It's often said that Wild Nephin National Park is one of Ireland's most remote and isolated places, so it's no wonder it's a great place for stargazing.
In fact, the national park is part of Mayo Dark Sky Park, Ireland's first area of this kind.
As a result, Wild Nephin National Park is one of the best places for stargazing in Ireland.
Even though exploring the local trails during the day is a fantastic experience, this is a great reason to stay in the national park overnight.
There are three main viewing points in Wild Nephin.
The most accessible is the looped walk at Ballycroy Visitor Centre. However, a Ballycroy village and some farms nearby make the night sky less dark than in other places.
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail is well accessible as well, and thanks to its more remote location, it's probably a better location to marvel at the night skies.
Brogan Carroll Bothy at Leterkeen is the most remote and darkest accessible site in the national park.
Thanks to its remote location, a basic shelter that is open 24 hours a day, and lack of artificial lighting, this is arguably the best place for stargazing in Wild Nephin National Park.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate on the day of our visit, so we didn't get a chance to see the Mayo's skies in their full glory.
Even though the weather was mostly fine during the day, the dark clouds covered the sky in the evening and rained all night.
Unfortunately, the pattern repeated for the next few days, so we had no luck this time.
Opening Hours
Wild Nephin National Park is open 24/7, but the Ballycroy Visitor Centre is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM and only from mid-March to early November.
Even though the visitor center is closed troughout the winter, the trails remain open.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Wild Nephin National Park.
National parks in Ireland, such as Burren National Park or Glenveagh National Park, are free to visit, and Wild Nephin is no exception.
Therefore, it is one of the best things to do in County Mayo for avid hikers and people visiting Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time you'll need to explore Wild Nephin National Park comes down to your preferences and what places you want to see.
We would say you need about an hour or two for the Visitor Center area, then another 30 to 60 minutes for Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, and about three to six hours for Letterkeen trails.
Don't forget that you will spend another hour or two on the road by driving between these sites.
Generally, we would say you'll need at least 4-5 hours at Wild Nephin National Park.
However, it's easy to spend a whole day here, especially if you decide to hike in all three areas.
Furthermore, if you want to camp overnight, you'll need to add additional time to your itinerary.
When to Go
The best time to visit Wild Nephin National Park is from spring to fall, with summer being a prime time to get outdoors.
Summer is the busiest season when to visit Ireland, so it's pretty clear that it's the most popular time to explore Wild Nephin as well.
We visited Wild Nephin in May, and while the weather was quite changeable, the whole area felt still fairly quiet.
The national park remains open in winter, but the days are short and wet, so you need to come prepared.
The main upside of visiting Emerald Isle in the off-season is fewer crowds and cheaper hotels.
What to Pack
Similar to other national parks in Ireland, the weather in Wild Nephin is unpredictable.
Therefore, you should come prepared for all weather.
Every good Ireland packing list should include a quality rain jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and a comfortable daypack.
We also usually keep a pair of rain pants in our backpacks just in case the weather turns bad.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water will come in handy in summer.
Bring an extra layer or two to stay nice and warm in the off-season.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Wild Nephin National Park is by car, although you can also use a free shuttle bus in the peak season.
Having a vehicle in Wild Nephin is very convenient, as you can easily access all places within an hour of driving.
N59 is a regular road with two lanes, but the road to Letterkeen Loops is quite narrow, so drive carefully there.
You will find more tips on driving in Ireland and renting a car in Ireland here.
Car
The most direct route takes less than two hours to get to Wild Nephin National Park from Galway.
If you're in no rush, we strongly suggest visiting places such as Sky Road, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, or Dooulough Valley.
This longer journey via N59 easily adds a day or two to your itinerary, but it's really worth it.
It takes about four hours to reach Wild Nephin from Dublin, though there are tons of amazing stops along the way as well.
Sligo is located east of the national park, and the trip will require about two hours of your time.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Shuttle Bus
As mentioned above, taking a free shuttle bus is the easiest way to get to Wild Nephin without a car.
This shuttle service is free of charge and connects Westport with Bangor and stops at places such as Visitor Centre, Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail, Letterkeen, and Newport.
The only downside is that it usually runs from June to August, from Tuesday to Saturday.
Where to Stay
Even though there are no accommodation options available within Wild Nephin, there are plenty of options within driving distance from the national park.
For those who want to keep their budget at bay, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts dotting the countryside, especially around Achill Island and Belmullet.
However, the Westport - Newport - Castlebar triangle is arguably the best area to spend a night before or after exploring the Wild Nephin National Park.
From budget guesthouses to luxurious hotels, there's something for every kind of traveler here.
A few more towns in the north, such as Ballina and Crossmolina, also have some nice hotels. Plus, they are very close to Letterkeen trails.
Newport | Hotel Newport - Set in Newport's town center, about thirty minutes from the visitor center, this lovely hotel has comfortable and spacious rooms, stylish decor, a buffet breakfast, and a great location.
Geesala | Erris Coast Hotel - Located in a peaceful location about thirty minutes from the national park, this hotel features modern rooms, great breakfast options, an on-site restaurant, welcoming staff, and free private parking.
Crossmolina | The Dolphin Hotel - Situated about 20 minutes from Letterkeen in the small village of Crossmolina, this affordable hotel has cozy rooms, friendly staff, a full Irish breakfast, and free parking.
Castlebar | The Ellison - Situated in Castlebar, this beautiful hotel offers modern and spacious rooms, comfortable beds, good food, and a central location. Free parking is available.
Staying Safe
Wild Nephin National Park is generally a safe place to visit.
The path along the coast is often windy, trails at Letterkeen can be quite muddy, and the area around the visitor center, like the rest of the national park, sees a lot of rain.
The point is that regardless of whichever trail you pick, always make sure to wear appropriate clothing and quality footwear.
Furthermore, don't forget to check the forecast before you go, but don't rely on it too much as the weather is very changeable in this area.
Another essential thing you should keep in mind is that hikes have varying difficulty, and you should choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Lastly, always stay on the designated trails to help protect the ecosystem and stay safe.
Here you will find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Wild Nephin National Park Worth Visiting?
Wild Nephin National Park is a unique place in Ireland that is definitely worth visiting.
It's among the best things to do in County Mayo and a great addition to every Wild Atlantic Way road trip.
Firstly, it's one of six of Ireland's national parks, which is often enough reason to visit it.
The heart of the national park is often described as the loneliest place in Ireland, making some of the more challenging trails a great way to reconnect with nature and escape crowds.
On the other hand, we really enjoyed even the easier and shorter trails as they offer stunning views as well.
In case you're a seasoned hiker, make sure to include the Letterkeen area. Otherwise, you might leave a bit disappointed.
Finally, keep in mind that the landscape comprising of Atlantic blanket bog might not be as spectacular as Killary Fjord or the Wicklow Mountains, at least at first sight.
Sometimes, we need to look closer to appreciate how important this one of Europe's last intact active blanket bog systems really is.
And don't worry. The views are still pretty spectacular here.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
