Castlebar International 4 Days’ Walks

The Ramble is a unique feature of the Castlebar International Four Days Walks and holds a special place in the hearts of our international walkers. In the early days, when the Ramble was first introduced with only twelve walkers it was clear that this was going to become a feature of the Castlebar Walks. In the very beginning it was the 40km road walk that attracted the overseas visitors and the Ramble was the preserve of a small group of dedicated local walkers. Thanks to the perseverance of this first group of ramblers this part of the festival has evolved and now, in many ways, is the very heart of the Castlebar Four Days Walks.

Each Ramble is approximately 5 hours in duration. The routes, which include walking across bog and heather moorland, offer the walker a special opportunity to experience the landscape and wonderful views of County Mayo. On a clear day you can see forever! The combination of spectacular scenery and remote wilderness together with the variety of terrain make the Ramble a walker's dream. These are the most popular walks in the Castlebar Festival and are led by guides with a rich knowledge of the local landscape and history. All 3 Rambles take place outside of Castlebar and a bus transfer is provided to & from our HQ.

Ireland has a maritime climate so walkers should prepare for inclement weather and the terrain can be wet underfoot. The Rambles include some moderate climbing  therefore walkers must ensure they are fit and have suitable equipment - waterproofs, walking boots, spare socks and walking poles. As the Rambles are in remote areas, walkers are requested to carry adequate snacks and drinks.

Here in Castlebar, we know that the Ramble provides a perfect space and time for walkers to exchange thoughts, have endless chatter, talk with complete strangers or nobody at all while feeling the beauty of the West of Ireland landscape in all its elements. The Ramble is ideal for anyone who wants time out from their busy everyday lives.

We are delighted once again to be returning to Achill Island for a variation of the Slí Ghráinne Mhaol.

Letterkeen Loop Walk and Keenagh Walk are two other possible Rambles.

Essential Requirements for the Ramble:

•     Walking Boots.
•     A small first aid kit.
•     A packed lunch and adequate water.
•     And a rucksack to carry it all!

Each day there are two road walks of approximately10 and 20km. These walks are non-competitive and appeal to groups and individuals.

This year for the first time we will be walking sections of the Great Western Greenway www.greenway.ie on Thursday and Friday.

Route maps for Saturday and Sunday are shown here. Arrows in the colour of the day (Saturday – Green | Sunday – Orange) are painted along the routes to guide the walkers.

Although these routes are on country roads and "boreens" we have to be ever mindful of road safety. High visibility vests are provided for each walker at the starting point and these vests must be worn until the walker returns and checks back in at the Registration Desk.

Disclaimer: Walkers participate in this event entirely at their own risk. No responsibility can be accepted by landowners or the event organisers for any loss, damage or injury sustained during the Castlebar International 4 Days' Walks.

While we all love our 4-legged friends, no dogs are allowed on the 4 Days' Walks!

Thursday – 10km and 20km

Both these walks will follow the Castlebar Greenway, www.greenway.ie to the spectacular grounds of Turlough Park where the award-winning Museum of Country Life is situated, www.museum.ie . Walkers are encouraged to explore the gardens and visit the exhibits from the National Folklife Collection. There is free entry to the museum! There is also an excellent craft shop and nice cafe with a courtyard.

There will be a Shuttle Bus to bring the 10km walkers back to the Ivy Tower Hotel in Castlebar.

The 20km walkers will return to the Ivy Tower Hotel via the Greenway.

Friday – 10km and 20km

Both these walks will follow sections of the Great Western Greenway, www.greenway.ie between Newport and Mulranny. Both walks will finish at the Mulranny Park Hotel overlooking Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick mountain. The hotel serves a good cup of coffee and an excellent pint!

On a clear day, the walker is rewarded with a spectacular view of Croagh Patrick, known locally as ‘The Reek’. This is Ireland’s holy mountain where St. Patrick spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting on the summit. On the last Sunday in July thousands of people follow the Pilgrim Path to the tiny chapel at the top. The mountain is also associated with the much-waked Tochar Phadraig, another pilgrim path from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick.

Saturday – 10km and 20km

Both these routes (10km and 20km) follow the Turlough Road out of Castlebar. The 10km walk turns left after 1.8km, passing Tucker’s Lake. When the water levels fall, the remains of a crannog are clearly visible. This indicates early habitation. The crannog was an artificial island dwelling, built by early settlers. Its purpose was protective and the lake provided a natural moat.

Sunday – 10km and 20km

At the heart of these two walks (10km and 20km) is Derrynadivva (Oak wood of the cow). Today the bog is windswept and bare, but pollen analysis studies have revealed that in a warm stage during the ice age the area was heavily forested. Fir, spruce and pine all grew there with an understory of Rhododendron and various Mediterranean heather species, most of which are rare in Ireland today. Leaving the bog behind, the track follows the edge of Lough Rusheen – a mirror-like lake that reflects a private landscape. It is distinguished by its lonely setting, tall buff reeds which grow along the edge, and swans, sacred to Irish mythology.