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BALLYCROY NATIONAL PARK

Ballycroy Village, Westport,
Co. Mayo, F28 RX77
GPS Point: 54.024505,-9.823505
t: 00 353 98 49888
e: ballycroyvisitorcentre@chg.gov.ie
w: www.ballycroynationalpark.ie

Ballycroy National Park is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located on the Wild Atlantic Way in northwest Mayo. It comprises of 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range. To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff bog. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is an important scientific and scenic feature of the National Park.


The International Dark-Sky Association has granted Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park status to Ballycroy National Park & Wild Nephin Wilderness and is known internationally as Mayo International Dark Sky Park. The award is the first International Dark Sky Park in Ireland and is a wonderful recognition for the region’s pristine skies, enhancing its existing protected landscapes and wilderness regions.


Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre has a variety of FREE activities and exhibitions on offer. Our interactive exhibition captivates visitors of all ages and offers an overview of the Local Community, Local History and the unique Atlantic Blanket Bog System.


Take a leisurely stroll along the Tóchar Daithí Bán Nature Trail (Visitor Centre) and experience panoramic views of Achill Island, The Nephin Beg Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a 20-30 minute walk which can be easily undertaken by individuals or groups. There are FREE Guided Walks of the trail every day in July and August (2.30PM-3.30PM).


Private Guided Walks for groups may also be arranged at other times by contacting the Visitor Centre.
Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way between Mulranny and Ballycroy and is the perfect location for photographing this stunning area. You will find ample parking and a gentle 1KM boardwalk though Atlantic Blanket Bog and 1KM return along a stony sheltered shoreline.


The Ginger & Wild Café offers a wonderful light spacious seating area with a bird’s-eye view to Achill Island, the majestic Nephin Beg Mountains and the magical wild Atlantic coast. The food is all homemade using locally-sourced produce and quality ingredients.

The fare is simple and fresh – teas, coffees, soups, scones, cakes and light lunches.

Ginger & Wild Café is also home to The Stronach Gallery which houses a changing collection of Irish and International artists.


Coach parties of any size can be catered for by arrangement with Proprietor Nicola Stronach (+353 (0)87 6666633)

VISITOR CENTRE

  • INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION
  • NATURE TRAIL LOOP WALK
  • GINGER & WILD CAFÉ
  • GROUPS WELCOME (FREE Guided tours available with booking)
  • REGULAR GUIDED WALKS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (See website for more details)
  • EDUCATION CENTRE

FRIENDLY HELPFUL STAFF

OPENING HOURS
10.00 am – 5.30 pm
Admission Free
March – October OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
‘Ginger & Wild’ Tearooms are open daily

We are now taking bookings for Tour Groups, Field Studies Groups and Special Interest Groups e.g. Active Retirement Groups
Tel: 00 353 98 49888
Email: ballycroyvisitorcentre@chg.gov.ie