The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Islandeady Lough
4.2
(33)
315
hikers
9
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Islandeady Lough are set within County Mayo's green landscapes, characterized by a serene freshwater lake and varied terrain. The region features a mix of fertile fields, moorland, bogs, and marshy areas, alongside woodlands and numerous waterways. This diverse environment offers a range of physical features for hikers to explore.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Islandeady Lough
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Lough Lannagh Park Walk, a 1.6 miles (2.5 km)…
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.0
(1)
18
hikers
2.50km
00:39
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.80km
01:15
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.7
(3)
16
hikers
21.2km
05:33
150m
150m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
15.3km
04:01
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
6
hikers
27.2km
07:06
190m
190m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Lough Lannagh is a scenic freshwater lake offering calm waters and open views just minutes from the town centre. A looped path circles much of the shoreline, making it popular for walking, jogging and cycling. Surrounding the lake, Lough Lannagh Park provides open green spaces, a playground and seating areas.
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Newport enjoys a scenic setting on the shores of Clew Bay. Its pretty harbour and Main Street are a delight to explore. There are a good number of places to stay and it's worth checking out the award-winning Gráinne Uaile pub. The town is connected to Westport and Achill by the Great Western Greenway.
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The Great Western Greenway is the longest greenway in Ireland. It follows the route of the old Midlands Great Western Railway and runs from Westport to Achill via Newport and Mulranny. Expect to share the route with cyclists.
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Unfortunately, it is a pilgrim highway, designed with disregard for ergonomic principles to shuttle as many poorly equipped (sneakers) people as possible to the summit. The ascent is arduous due to the stairs, the descent even more so, as there is now a tripping hazard due to the vertically standing stone slabs. Consider that on Reek Sunday (the last Sunday in July), approximately 25,000 people gather here. However, the view is truly great in good weather.
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This seven arched bridge spanning the Black Oak River at Newport is simply beautiful. The views up and down the river is also a feast for your eyes either by day or night.
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The Seven Arches Bridge spanning the Black Oak River at Newport is simply beautiful. The views up and down the river is also a feast for your eyes either by day or night.
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Newport is a small picturesque town located on the north-east corner of Clew Bay famous for its 365 islands. A beautiful feature of the town is its seven-arch viaduct, built in 1892 to carry the Westport to Achill railway line. The town also forms a stopping point for those navigating Ireland's awesome Wild Atlantic Way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Islandeady Lough?
Our guide features 7 family-friendly hiking trails around Islandeady Lough, offering a variety of experiences for different ages and abilities. These include 3 easy routes and 2 moderate routes, perfect for exploring with children.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes near Islandeady Lough?
The area around Islandeady Lough boasts diverse terrain, making for interesting family hikes. You'll find tranquil lake-side paths, fertile green fields, and even some moorland and woodlands. Many paths are relatively flat, especially around the lough, but some routes may include gentle inclines through agricultural landscapes.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children?
Yes, for families with young children, the Lough Lannagh Park Walk is an excellent choice. It's an easy route, just under 2.5 km long, offering open green spaces and a playground nearby in Castlebar, making it ideal for a relaxed family outing.
What are some longer, moderate family-friendly options?
For families looking for a slightly longer adventure, the Westport Harbour – Westport Clock Tower loop from Westport is a moderate option, spanning about 15 km. It offers a good balance of distance and manageable elevation, allowing for a more extended exploration of the local area.
Are there any circular routes for families around Islandeady Lough?
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Lough Lannagh Park Walk and the Women's Rights Mural – Holy Trinity Church, Westport loop from Westport are both convenient loop trails.
What natural features or landmarks can we see on these family hikes?
On family hikes around Islandeady Lough, you'll encounter serene lake-side views, lush green landscapes, and potentially ancient woodlands like the 500-year-old Cornagashlaun Oak Wood. The area is also rich in rivers and smaller lakes, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife. While not directly on Islandeady Lough, the nearby Lough Lannagh Park offers open green spaces and a playground.
Is Islandeady Lough suitable for beginner hikers or families new to hiking?
Absolutely! Islandeady Lough and its surroundings are very welcoming for beginner hikers and families. There are several easy, well-defined paths, such as the Lough Lannagh Park Walk, which are perfect for getting started and enjoying nature without strenuous effort.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family-friendly trails here?
The family-friendly trails around Islandeady Lough are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.15 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil lake views, the varied green landscapes, and the accessibility of many routes for all ages, making them perfect for a relaxing day out with the family.
Are there any specific trails that offer good viewpoints?
While the region is generally characterized by its green landscapes and lake views, specific trails like the Women's Rights Mural – Holy Trinity Church, Westport loop from Westport offer diverse scenery, including views of the town and surrounding countryside. The general elevation changes are gentle, providing pleasant vistas without steep climbs.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family around Islandeady Lough?
The green landscapes of County Mayo are beautiful year-round. However, for family hiking, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather with longer daylight hours, making it ideal for enjoying the lake-side scenery and woodlands. Autumn also provides stunning colors, though it can be wetter. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Are there any facilities like playgrounds or picnic spots along the trails?
While not directly on every trail, the nearby Lough Lannagh Park in Castlebar, which is connected to some routes like the Lough Lannagh Park Walk, features open green spaces, a playground, and seating areas perfect for picnics and family breaks.
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