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Best trails in Wild Nephin National Park

Best trails in Wild Nephin National Park

4.3(487 reviews)

·

Ireland
: 
#6 of 6 national parks

All photos
Want to find the best trails in Wild Nephin National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 12 great trails for hiking and walking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next adventure? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Wild Nephin National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for elevation? Trails in this park range from 75 to 3,425 feet of elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Wild Nephin National Park.

Top sights

Green Bridge River
Green Bridge River
River
Lough Aroher Hut
Lough Aroher Hut
Weather shelter
Brogan Carroll Bothy
Brogan Carroll Bothy
Hut
Altacooney River
Altacooney River
River
Dipping Pool
Dipping Pool
Pond
Nephin Beg
Nephin Beg
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Letterkeen Loop

    4.7(119)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.4 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This looped trail is beautiful and provides views of pristine landscapes. This trail is wild and remote but the scenery is truly breathtaking. The trail is marked by purple arrows. It may not be well signposted so downloading the offline map before setting out is advised. It is also boggy in parts all year round so appropriate footwear is advised.

  2. #2 - Lough Aroher Loop

    4.7(101)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.8 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This is a well-marked, looped hike beginning at the Brogan Carroll Bothy off of Nephin Drive. The trail begins by crossing the Altacooney River and heading towards the boundary of Ballycray National Park. After following the park's borders, the path turns left and leads back to the car park where you began. There is a nice mix of woodlands and open terrain to explore.

  3. #3 - Brogan Carroll and Ballycroy Woods Loop

    4.5(59)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.1 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This is a lovely trail through the woodland on the edge of the Wild Nephin National Park. The path takes you along the Maumaratta, tracing the woodland edge and gradually ascending before continuing along the foot of the hill and following Green Bridge River back to the starting point. Enjoy the stunning scenery throughout this route and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Come prepared with suitable footwear, as some paths may be muddy after rain.

  4. #4 - Tóchar Daithí Bán

    4.5(70)
    ·Easy
    ·1.3 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    A mix of gravel and boardwalk, this gentle trail offers an introduction to Wild Nephin National Park, plus spectacular views of Achill and the countryside. It is a great option for those with families or looking for a more approachable route than some of the more rugged and isolated trails in the park. Make sure to carve out time for a visit to the visitor centre at the start, as well as a bite to eat at the cafe.

  5. #5 - Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail

    4.3(39)
    ·Easy
    ·1.2 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This an easy-going boardwalk trail that takes you through the blanket bog and along the coast of Wild Nephin National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including ringed plover, curlews, seals, and otters and enjoy the scenic landscape and views over the water and of the mountain peaks. Parking is available at the trailhead.

  6. #6 - Nephin Beg

    4.3(29)
    ·Hard
    ·9.7 mi
    This is an extremely remote mountain and requires a high level of experience and navigation expertise. The terrain is rugged with lots of sinkholes and streams. The climb is steep but well worth it as the views are exceptional. This route is not be well signposted so downloading the offline map before setting out is advised. It's a difficult route that should only be attempted with significant prior planning, proper footwear, gear and plenty of water.

  7. #7 - The Bangor Trail

    4.4(21)
    ·Hard
    ·24.3 mi
    The Bangor Trail is one of the toughest hikes in Ireland. This trail follows an old drover path from Bangor Erris to Newport and has a history going back to the Iron Age with the route allowing access through the hills for travellers, traders, and livestock. Not for the fainthearted, this trail takes you through one of the most remote locations in Ireland, over very difficult and rough terrain. The trail is not easy to follow in stretches where the path is indistinct through heather and...

  8. #8 - Slieve Carr

    4.2(12)
    ·Hard
    ·17.6 mi
    Slieve Carr is one of Ireland's most remote mountains. This is a difficult route that should only be attempted with significant prior planning. There is a significant amount of elevation gain so make sure to come prepared with proper gear and plenty of water. This route may not be well signposted so downloading the offline map before setting out is advised.

  9. #9 - Slieve Carr (Western Approach)

    3.8(13)
    ·Hard
    ·11.8 mi
    ·Est. 6.5–7 hr
    This is a long hike to one of Ireland's most remote peaks. There is a significant amount of elevation gain so make sure to come prepared with proper gear and plenty of water. This route may not be well signposted so downloading the offline map before setting out is advised. You will be provided with breathtaking views from the summit.

  10. #10 - Slieve Carr (from the East)

    3.7(12)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.2 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This route is rugged and not signposted, so careful attention and experience is required. The descent down is very steep with some cliff edges that can be easily mistaken as the path down. For those who do attempt this hike, it offers incredible views of North Mayo, Slieve league, Benbulben, Nephin Mor and Beag, Belmullet, and Achill.
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Wild Nephin National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Wild Nephin National Park is Letterkeen Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 119 reviews. This trail is 6.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,302 ft.

What is the longest trail in Wild Nephin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Wild Nephin National Park is The Bangor Trail. This trail is estimated to be 24.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Wild Nephin National Park?

There are 12 trails in Wild Nephin National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom 487 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Wild Nephin National Park?

Slieve Carr has the most elevation gain with 3,425 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is The Bangor Trail, which has 3,418 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Wild Nephin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Wild Nephin National Park and the most popular is The Bangor Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 21 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Wild Nephin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 running trails in Wild Nephin National Park and the most popular is Letterkeen Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 119 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Wild Nephin National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Wild Nephin National Park and the most popular is Lough Aroher Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 101 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Wild Nephin National Park, including Nephin Beg, Slieve Carr, Slieve Carr (Western Approach), and Slieve Carr (from the East).

Are there any trails with ponds in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a pond in Wild Nephin National Park: Tóchar Daithí Bán.

Are there any trails with huts in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with huts in Wild Nephin National Park, including Letterkeen Loop, Lough Aroher Loop, Brogan Carroll and Ballycroy Woods Loop, Nephin Beg, and The Bangor Trail.

Are there any trails with lakes in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with lakes in Wild Nephin National Park, including The Bangor Trail and Derra and Tubridge Beg Loop.

Are there any trails with rivers in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with rivers in Wild Nephin National Park, including Letterkeen Loop, Lough Aroher Loop, Brogan Carroll and Ballycroy Woods Loop, Nephin Beg, and The Bangor Trail.

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Wild Nephin National Park?

Yes, there are 5 trails with weather shelters in Wild Nephin National Park, including Letterkeen Loop, Nephin Beg, The Bangor Trail, Slieve Carr, and Slieve Carr (from the East).