The Tourmakeady Loop Walk is a distance of 5km, through beautiful countryside including woodland paths, forestry roadway and some minor roads.

Trailhead: Community Centre, Tourmakeady

Distance: 5km

Grade: Easy

Estimated Time: 30mins - 2 hours

Ascent: 80m/30m

Requirements: Trekking shoes/boots, raingear, drinks, mobile phone

The trail is waymarked using black posts, about 1 metre high, with a direction of travel arrow (purple).

Directions to start of Tourmakeady Loop Walk

From Westport take the R330 towards Ballinrobe. After 18km you will reach a junction (look out for signpost for Tourmakeady) where you will turn right in the direction of Tourmakeady. Travel 8km along this road until you reach the village and the Community Centre is located on the left in the village.

From Ballinrobe take the N84 in the direction of Castlebar. After 10km you reach the village of Partry, where you turn left on to the R330, following the signs for Westport.

After 4km turn left on to the R300, signposted Tourmakeady. The village is a further 8km along this road, passing by the shores of Lough Mask. The Community Centre is located on the left in the village.

Access

Tourmakeady Wood is situated between Lough Mask and the Partry Mountains. You may drive into the wood from Tourmakeady village or you can walk from the car park in the village following the signposted access road.

Tourmakeady Wood was formerly owned by the Moore Family of Moorehall and by Lord Plunkett, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Tuam. It is now owned by Coillte, the state forestry board. Tourmakeady Lodge is in private ownership. Among the features of interest in this circular walk are a wildfowl pond and a beautiful waterfall.

The Route

Enter into the wood via a noticeably well painted gateway in the village. Drive along the access road along the Glensaul river as far as the car park. Continue to walk upstream using the track close to the river. There is a small shelter near the waterfall.

There is a beautiful waterfall which enters a broad plunge pool, where an inflowing river enters the Glensaul river. Don't cross the river but try to follow it upstream. There is a well trodden path above the river which narrows as you go along.

As you reach the edge of the wood you cross a few low fences before reaching a minor road. Turn right following the road. You will get glimpses of the Partry Mountains along this route. After some time you reach a section of the road flanked by forest. Turn right to enter the forest when you come to a road intersection.

This track leads to Tourmakeady Lodge, but instead of going to the house, turn right once more before reaching the house and continue along this track passing a pond on your right. This track takes a sharp turn left and you are now on the final leg of your walk. This track leads you back to the starting point of the chosen route.

The total distance covered is about 3 miles (5km).

The route is covered in the Ordinance Survey Discovery Series Map Sheet 38.