Description
Brackloon Wood is an ancient natural wonder that offers a wonderful outdoor adventure for active families. Located just 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) south of Westport along the N59 Leenane Road, this beautiful forest stands as one of the largest surviving remnants of the native wooded landscape that covered Ireland in ancient times. It is one of the premier open-air recreation spots in the area, making it one of the best things to do with kids in County Mayo for an immersive and educational day out in nature.
There are absolutely no entry fees or ticket charges to access the forest trails, providing a completely free day out for families looking to explore the wild outdoors. You only need to plan your budget for your own travel, a family picnic, or local refreshments in the nearby town of Westport. This makes it an incredibly low-cost, flexible choice for parents looking to plan a peaceful woodland walk.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that pairs fresh woodland air with a journey through history, this semi-natural Atlantic oak forest is an excellent choice. The gentle trails allow children to explore a pristine ecosystem safely at their own pace. It serves as a perfect weekend trip where kids can learn about native wildlife, look for old ruins, and reconnect with the natural world.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Features
- Ancient Atlantic Oakwood: Explore a rare, protected Special Area of Conservation (SAC) featuring native oak trees that are up to 200 years old.
- The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail: Walk along sections of the trail that overlap with an iconic cross-country pilgrim route.
- The Owenwee River Boundary: Wander down to the peaceful riverbank that borders the northern and eastern edges of the woodland.
- Rare Protected Flora: Spot unique woodland plants, including the threatened white white orchid known as the narrow-leaved helleborine.
Detailed Highlights
- The 4km Walking Loop: The main trail follows a gentle 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) circular path that is entirely off-road. Marked clearly with purple arrows, it offers a safe and flat terrain for children to practice hiking.
- The Owenwee River Paths: Following the paths down to the northern loop brings families close to the Owenwee River. It provides a lovely, therapeutic spot where children can watch the flowing water or look for river stones.
- The Ancient Stone Cashel: Hidden deep within the middle of the forest sits an ancient stone ringfort measuring 25 metres in diameter. It provides a real-life history lesson for kids about early Christian settlements in Ireland.
- Prehistoric Cooking Pits: The woodland area contains primitive cooking sites known as fulachta fiadh. Parents can explain how ancient hunters used hot stones to boil water in these ingenious earth pits.
- Native Wildlife Spotting: The dense canopy is a thriving habitat for rare mammals. Kids can keep quiet to increase their chances of spotting native badgers, foxes, and elusive pine martens.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Westport House and Estate: Located just 6km north, this historic Georgian mansion features magnificent parklands, giant playgrounds, and family amusements.
- The Boheh Stone: Situated close to the forest, this famous, 6,000-year-old rock artifact features intricate prehistoric carvings and is famous for the "rolling sun" phenomenon.
- Croagh Patrick Mountain: Looming just 4km west, Ireland’s holy mountain offers a spectacular backdrop and an advanced hiking challenge for families with older teenagers.
- Murrisk Abbey & Famine Memorial: Visit the coast near the base of the mountain to see the historic abbey ruins and the National Famine Memorial sculpture.
- The Great Western Greenway: Head into Westport town to rent bicycles and cycle along the award-winning, off-road trail built on a disused railway line.
6.00 miles
