Distance: 2.89km

Start/End Point: Clybaun Hotel

Surface:

Footpaths, gravel trail and unpaved trail. Unpaved trail section only is not accessible except on foot and is challenging. Gravel trail is steep. Footpaths on Ballymoneen Road are also steep and not continuous.

Route:
From Clybaun Hotel where there are toilets, bike parking, car parking and a bus stop, head up Clybaun Road and turn left at entrance to Ard Fraoigh. Walk through to the end of this leafy estate and you see a trailhead with a bollard. Follow this steep narrow path up through the wildflowers and greenery and you are rewarded with a panorama of the city and the hills of Clare. You can return back the same way here or you can continue on an unpaved trail. This is an old buaile (cattle path) with stone walls and delicate bog flowers. It is marked as a potential greenway which could serve the new developments growing up around it. Veer left very soon along the trail. In summer the trail is hard to follow amongst the six foot ferns! You will come to a rock clearing, with bog heather and orchids amongst the aiteann (furze). Admire the city from here and then follow a narrow trail back through the Ard na Gaoithe estate and out onto the Ballymoneen Road. You can follow the steep road down here to the Western Distributor Road, enjoying the elevated views of Galway Bay, and then turn left to follow the Western Distributor Road back to the Clybaun Hotel. There is new hedgerow along this road as road reservation which is developing its own ecological corridor.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 3.09km

Start/End Point: Coach Station, Forster Street, Galway city.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Elevation: 55.1 feet

Terrain: Flat and mostly suitable for people of all abilities (no access to the beach forthose with disabilities).

Surface: Mainly Paved or tarmac with trail to beach rocky and rough.

Parking: Public transport is advisable to get to/from the Coach Station, but ample car parking is available at the Coach Station

Toilets: Available at the Coach Station; no toilets available along the route.

This loop of Lough Atalia is a beautiful hour-long walk that brings you into contact with many aspects of the blue and green of nature, beginning and ending in the city centre. While most of the walk has very little elevation and is ideal for those of all abilities, there is one segment of the trail, leading onto Dead Man’s Beach, which is currently gated and unsuitable for those with mobility difficulties or disabilities. The walk around the Lough itself is paved and suitable for all abilities.

The walk begins at the Coach Station on Forster Street, a short distance from Eyre Square and the main train and bus station in the city. This makes it an ideal walk for those waiting for these transport options and have the time to explore a hidden natural environment in the heart of the city. Leaving the entrance to the Coach Station, walk south-easterly and carefully cross the busy Lough Atalia Road at the traffic lights. In addition to a pathway along the edge of the Lough, many walkers find themselves on the grass verges closer to the water where a variety of seabirds can be observed all along the shoreline. Just a short distance walk along the edge of the Lough, the St Augustine’s Holy Well is celebrated by locals for its healing power, in particular for those with eye problems. As the holy well is situated in a tidal zone, at times it may be hard to locate at full tide.

Walking further along the shoreline, a feature of this end of Lough Atalia are the traditional plots that many local people used to grow their own vegetables and other produce over many years. In more recent times and in some places, this has given way to a variety of exotic trees and flowers that continue to be maintained by the community in this area. A short distance away is the first of two children’s playgrounds on this trail.

Continuing along the walkway, at the north end of the Lough an abundance of silver birch trees is evident on your left and the wild shoreline expands to the right. The local community college at Moneengisha (Móinín na gCiseach) have begun a significant rewilding project on this south-western shoreline of the Lough. Continuing down along the Lough walkway, behind the Department of Defence, under the railway line and at the edge of Dun Ui Mhaoliosa (Renmore Military Barracks), a locked gate prevents those with mobility difficulties entry to the trail to Dead Man’s Beach.

Dead Man’s Beach is one of Galway’s hidden gems with great views of Galway Bay and is the site of a training school for sailing for young people. Continuing along the beach and shoreline, the walker enters the docks area with views of Nimos Pier and the Claddagh, and Galway Bay and the Burren in Co Clare. This is also a great site to spot seabirds amongst the activities of a busy docks area. Walking through the docks and back to Eyre Square and the Coach Station, watch out for Forthill Cemetery and other signs of a heritage that goes back to the 15th century.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Note: The author of this trail is Mike Hynes. He has called the route after his beloved dog who died the month (July 2021) it was posted on our website. This was Belle’s regular walk.

Distance: 5.4km (alternative routes possible to make as long or short as desired)

Start/End Point: Entrance points at NUIG Orbsen Building (mapped), Dangan sports grounds, NUIG Park & Ride, and various points on campus.

Surface: Primarily cinder, some places dirt or short grass, but these areas can be avoided.

Starting on the university campus, the biodiversity trail lives up to its name. Entire ecosystems sit side by side, including wildflower meadow, river bed, deciduous and alluvial woodland, and reed bed. Numerous birds, plants, bugs, and animals can be seen on the walk, a favourite trek for students, dog walkers, families, and Galway residents, especially on sunny days.

The trail has bike racks at nearly all major entrance points, and has a car park at either farthest end (Orbsen Building and Dangan Sports grounds). The trail could be walked, run, and cycled (however cycling may not be advisable during peak pedestrian hours). The trail is approximately 1.5m in width along along its length, and while facilitating many people, never feels crowded. A great way to escape into nature while staying within the city boundaries!

Parking: Car (fee) and bike parking

Toilets: Available in university buildings when they are open.

Click here  to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1.36km

Start/End Point: In front of the Knocknacarra Community Centre

Surface: Tarmac and bonded gravel

Parking: Car and bike parking available

Toilets: None

The second of two recommended walks in Cappagh Park.

Both of these walks can be adjusted in myriad ways using the paths available to create many other looped walks for health and exercise.
Along the way there is an abundance of different types of plant and birdlife to see, and an occasional mammal or two if you are lucky in the early hours or near dusk. These paths are perfect for availing of the tremendous peace and tranquility combined with the surrounding woodland and wildlife that Cappagh Park provides as you get your lungs full of fresh air on a day out right here in our city.
There are several benches along the way upon which to sit and take a rest or to enjoy a chat while the birds sing away all around you.
Bins are provided at Cappagh Park, as is ample car and bicycle parking. These routes are largely available to wheelchair users, (bar one small part where the slope is perhaps too steep for some but there are alternate ways to go around that part via the map).
*There are no public restrooms available in the immediate area

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1.31km

Start/End Point: In front of the Knocknacarra Community Centre

Surface: Tarmac

Parking: Car and bike parking available

Toilets: None

The first of two suggested walks in Cappagh Park. Both of these walks can be adjusted in myriad ways using the paths available to created many other looped walks for health and exercise.
Along the way there is an abundance of plant and birdlife to see, and an occasional mammal or two if you are lucky in the early hours or near dusk. These paths are perfect for availing of the tremendous peace and tranquility combined with the surrounding woodland and wildlife that Cappagh Park provides as you get your lungs full of fresh air on a day out right here in our city.
There are several benches along the way upon which to sit and take a rest or to enjoy a chat while the birds sing away all around you.
Bins are provided at Cappagh Park, as is ample car and bicycle parking. These routes are largely available to wheelchair users, (bar one small part where the slope is perhaps too steep for some but there are alternate ways to go around that part via the map).
*There are no public toilets available in the immediate area. 

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1km

Start/End Point: Hunter’s bike and car park

Surface: Tarmac but earth and grass pathways in wooded areas.

Parking: There is ample vehicle parking for both cars and bicycles at Hunter’s Park where you can leave your chosen mode of transport on arrival and enjoy the walk.

Public Toilets: none

This is a true two-in-one walk that will have something for everyone. It is an easy walk with a wonderful mix of open parkland on Galway Bay combined with a small section of old Galway woodland.  The waterline walk in Hunter’s Park offers wonderful views of the tidal Rusheen Bay and the chance to look across the water and maybe see some herons at their nests, nests that are now over 100 years old. The woodland loop part of the walk offers a small footpath meandering through a lovely bit of old woodland and on out to the launch site for the Rusheen Bay Windsurfing school to watch both beginners and experts sail across the water. Benches to sit and enjoy the view are available in Hunter’s Park. The surface of the paths in Hunter’s Park are paved and approximately 2 meters wide. The woodland section consists of a natural footpath through the woodland. There is no public toilet but customers of the petrol station on Barna Road can avail of the one there in a pinch.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1km

Start/End Point: T-junction at entrance to Menlo village

Surface: Tarmac and some unpaved pathway

This route through the village is suitable for those looking for a short walk, and can also be done in conjunction with the longer Menlo Village walk. As before, turn left at the T-junction and then take a right turn alongside An Lochán (a turlough), ignoring the stone waymarker for An Poll and An Pháirc.

At the stone waymarker for Lochán and An Chaológ Mhór take a left turn through the village. Most of the homes along this stretch are occupied by families who have lived in the village for many generations.

At the end of this road is a small, thatched cottage which for decades was occupied by Dermot, one of the village characters, who is now enjoying life in a care home.

Turn left and continue until you reach the Lawless thatched cottage on the right. At this point there is a pathway between two long-abandoned houses, Follow this path but be careful when it is damp underfoot. You are now on the Lisín, which suggests that it led to a burial ground for unbaptised children.

At the end of the pathway turn left and you are in An Pháirc, a name which, as Menlo Park, was brought to the United States by D.J. Oliver and D.C. McGlynn. Their ranch of that name gave birth to what is now the City of Menlo Park in the heart of Silicon Valley.

After passing another thatched cottage and Scoil Bhríde, you return to the start of the walk.

Please note that this route is on a road catering for motorised vehicles. So walkers must be fully aware of this and walk with caution.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: 1.5km

Start/End Point: T-junction at entrance to Menlo village

Surface: Tarmac

This is a very pleasant stroll around the village where many of the local families have lived for generations. Turn left at the T-junction and then take a right turn alongside An Lochán (a turlough).
You will have passed on your left the stone waymarker for An Baile Thuas and An Pháirc.

At the next stone waymarker follow the arrow for An Chaológ Mhór, named after the long, narrow strips of land along this road. Turn left when you reach the next T-junction, An Baile Thíos, and at the top of a gentle slope you will get a glimpse of the River Corrib with a better view found at the bottom of the slope.
Keep left at the fork in the road, taking the right fork would take you even closer to the river and the old village well Tobar Bhidí. At this point you will see the first of five thatched cottages still left in
the village. After passing it ignore the next left turn, with a very small thatched cottage near the corner. A short distance later you will pass close to yet another thatched cottage, barely visible down a bóthrín on the right. By now you are in An Baile Thuas and you will actually be looking at the back of a fourth very well-maintained thatched house. Until recent years this was the home of Paddy and John Lawless.
As you pass the Lawless cottage, on your left you will see the remains of two abandoned houses (McGrath’s and Bell’s) which give an idea of just how densely populated Menlo was in times past.  In front of the Lawless cottage there is a “fairy garden” which all are welcome to enjoy.

At the next junction keep left. The first right turn would take you to An Poll, Cé Mhionlaigh (Pier) and
An Reilig and the second leads to Teach an Gheata and An Teach Mór, but we will leave those for a separate walk.

At the top of yet another gentle slope you will see a traditional Galway barn, beside the village’s fifth
thatched cottage. After that you pass Scoil Bhríde (primary school) and you are almost back to where you started.

If you are ready for more, you can add a further kilometre by following the Menlo village (Middle
village and Lisín) route.

Please note that this route is on a road catering for motorised vehicles. So walkers must be fully aware of this and walk with caution.

Click here to access the MapMyWalk trail map.

Distance: Distance: 5km

Start/End Point: T-junction at entrance to Menlo village
Surface: Tarmac

Parking: Limited carparking near the T-junction at entrance to Menlo village. No bike parking facilities

Narrative:
Menlo village and surrounds offer the opportunity for a number of attractive rural walks, mostly
within the Galway City boundary. If you are driving from another part of the city you will hopefully find
parking at the T-junction near the entrance to the village.
Starting at the T-junction there is a 5km loop which passes close to Lough Corrib and, from higher
ground, provides spectacular views of the Corrib and the mountains of Galway and Mayo. A left turn
from the T-junction requires that you now take all right turns offered to you, to return to the start.
The first item of note is An Lochán (a turlough) on the right. Depending on the amount of rain in the
preceding days this can fill up and cause flooding on the road (very occasionally) or it can be
completely dry. Don’t be confused by an engraved waymarker with An Lochán pointing to the left.
That is also the name given to a road running through the village which is on a separate walk.
You now go along a straight stretch of road known locally as An Chaológ Mhór, a reference to the
long narrow fields on the right. At the end of this road you turn right onto Bóthar an Choiréil (Quarry
Road). You are now leaving the village of Menlo and heading towards Angliham. For a few hundred
metres you pass well-spaced houses on either side, interspersed with the occasional field which
might contain cattle or donkeys. You are soon in the countryside, walking past fields where cattle,
horses and sheep are regularly grazing. It is not unusual to see pheasants and hares in this area.
You will eventually reach the disused Angliham quarry on your right. Tradition has it that the quarry
was opened by the Franciscan Order to obtain building stone for churches. It is also believed that the
‘Friars Cut’, linking Lough Corrib with the River Corrib, was the work of the Franciscans who needed a
convenient way to transport the stone from the quarry to the city and Galway port. Stone from the
quarry is said to have been shipped as far as South America to create imposing fireplaces in big
houses. It was also used as altar stones. The quarry was reopened in the 1970s and ‘80s, with output
being used primarily for chippings and concrete blocks.
There is a solid white line on the road at the quarry and when it ends there is a gap in the stones on
the left. You can enter here and follow a short path to the lake shore. Back on the road you will
quickly be forced to turn right for a climb of just over a kilometre. Whenever you stop to rest, be
sure to turn round to take in the views of Lough Corrib and the distant mountains. The white tower
of Moycullen Church is usually visible, to give you your bearings. Ignore the left turn which goes to
Kilroughter – that is for those seeking a longer looped walk.
At the junction shortly after the top of the hill, you turn right onto Bothar an Leachta (Monument
Road). From here it is mostly a gentle downhill slope for 1.5km to the starting point. At the top of
the final short hill you will see the Leacht (monument) on your left. Engravings on the Leacht show
that it is dedicated to a Connel family (a common name in the village still) and is dated 1693. The
road beside the Leacht is An Sean Bhothar. This is the original road from Menlo to Galway and is a
safer option if you are walking back to the city.

Please note that this route is on a road catering for motorised vehicles. So walkers must be fully aware of this and walk with caution.

Click here for the walking trail map from MapMyWalk.

Distance: 1.78km

Start/End: At the base of the Irish Republican­­­ Monument dedicated to the memory of local men who had fought for the cause of Irish freedom during the Revolutionary Period of 1916-1923.

Surface: Primarily earth and grass along the Mass Path and the Parkmore Boreen whilst mainly tarmac along the road sections of the route

Please note that a considerable section of this route is not suitable for wheelchair users or for cycling. In fact bicycles could damage the soft earth surfaces.

Parking: No official car parking or bike parking facilities.

Narrative:

Much of the route was the traditional way for members of local farming families in the period up until the late1960s to walk to Sunday mass in St. Columba’s Catholic Church from the surrounding districts of Parkmore, Ballygar, Monivea Road and as far as Cúil Each-Cahir.

The starting point of this walk is the Republican monument dedicated to those local men who fought for Irish freedom from the Easter Rising in 1916 to the end of the Civil War in 1923. It consists of a limestone Celtic Cross on top of a granite plinth. The structure looks a bit odd as the cross actually is too small in proportion to the size of the plinth. In fact the latter was originally made as a base for a much larger structure. It originally was erected in 1873 at Eyre Square where it held an imposing statute of Lord Dunkellin, a Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army during the Crimean War where he was taken prisoner by the Russians. He later became MP in the British Parliament for Galway city. However for the ordinary Irish people, he was a symbol of the oppressive regime of the Anglo-Irish landlords and his Clanricarde family were infamous for the brutal evictions of tenants during the Land Wars of the nineteenth century. It is said that Clanricarde tenants were forced to contribute to the costs of the statue. On May 27th 1922, the day that the British Army withdrew from Renmore Barracks and left Galway for ever, the statute was pulled down from its plinth and as thousands of people gathered and cheered it was thrown into the River Corrib, never to be seen again.

Years later the plinth was purchased by the people of Castlegar, inscribed with the names of Castlegar republican volunteers and unveiled in 1951 holding the Celtic Cross that we see today. The inscriptions were in Irish as that was the everyday language of the local people at the time.

Leaving behind the monument, one walks up to the St. Columba’s Church. The  building was constructed at this site in the townland of Lachtavarna in1828 and became the first Catholic church for the new parish of Castlegar in 1829. It was reconstructed during the late 1960s with the modernising of the sacristy and the addition of a meeting hall for local groups. To the right of the church is Our Lady’s Grotto erected on the site of a disused quarry. It opened in 1930 and was inspired by a visit to Marian shrine in Lourdes the previous year by the local curate Father Roland.

The entrance to the Mass Path is between the church and the grotto marked by a very narrow stone stile unsuitable to anyone but those walking. The path is bordered on the left side by traditional stone walls and lots of lovely trees and bushes reminiscent of the landscape of decades ago when the whole hinterland was rural. Sadly the right side comprises very high building walls of premises in the Ballybane Business Park that are ugly and intruding covered largely in foam-material sheets, which too often fall off onto the pathway.  The only opening is for a road that backs onto the path that sadly is too often used by unscrupulous people to dump large amounts of rubbish onto the trail. In fact the path was unpassable for decades due to it being blocked with discarded beds, tyres, furniture and other debris until it was cleared in 2010 by volunteers from Castlegar Connect and Terryland Forest Park Alliance supported by local councillor Frank Fahy.

Today it is used by walkers even though some dumping still takes place (though volunteers regularly organise cleanups). At the end of this section of the path lies another stone stile. After stepping over this, one arrives on the nice little tarmac road of Parkmore (Irish = Big Park). The area has a number of residential properties interspaced with fields where rabbits can be seen during the spring and summer months.

The road is a cul-de-sac with a foot and cycle pathway into the busy Ballybrit Business Park.

Turning left and passing by a few houses, one arrives at a picturesque narrow grass-covered country boreen bordered by traditional stone walls and hedgerows that for most of its duration is surrounded by pasture lands on either side. Near the end of the boreen one can see behind a line of non-native conifersI(which look totally out of place), the Parkmore Business Park. The trail ends suddenly with a blocked stile in front and barbwire blocking an opening to the field on the right. In the near distance one can clearly see Ballybrit Castle and the Ballybrit Race Course. Not too many years in the past, the trail continued to the edge of the race course and linked into a boreen used by inhabitants coming over the hill from townlands further north along the Tuam Road. From this hilly area they all enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Galway Races, Ireland’s most famous equine racing festival. In fact many of the locals use to cross into the racecourse (free of charge!). Hopefully some day soon, this boreen can be connected to a pathway at the side of the racecourse that would bring on towards Briarhill.

Go back along the route. But if one wishes, rather than return to the Republican Monument by way of the Mass Path behind St. Columba’s Church, one can walk along the Parkmore residential road until it connects to the Tuam Road and then take the small grassy track to the starting point.

Click here to access the MayMyTrail map.