Ceathrú Thaidhg Guided Walks

“The finest sustained coastal walk in western Ireland, with a profusion of precipitous cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands along the remote North Mayo coast” Lonely Planet Walking Guide 1999

The Ceathrú Thaidhg Looped Walks begin with their trailhead at the Seanscoil (Old Schoolhouse) in Ceathrú Thaidhg, a place where stunning coastal backdrops are visible at every turn. A day spent in the region will leave you yearning to return, to catch glimpses of glistening or tumultuous seas (depending on when you visit), magnificent sea stacks, Iron age promontory forts on rising headlands and hidden inlets and where many ships faltered along the craggy coastline in years past. The area is rich in history and the geology of the region references the coastline of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland with the spectacular sea stacks (Stags of Broadhaven) 1.6 billion years old.

The series of planned and way-marked walking routes enables you to take in this splendour whether a seasoned walker or a novice. With distances between 5kms and 13 kms on the routes ranging from moderate to difficult you can choose a walk to suit you.  Treasa in the Seanscoil will provide you with walking guides to the area and her passion and knowledge will enlighten your visit and set you off with a spring in your step.

If you choose to be guided along the walks you may be lucky enough to meet Uinsíonn, whose knowledge of every nook and cranny in the area is phenomenal. He brings to life  times in history where this region housed look out posts during the Second World War, the existence of fine china clay, international exports from the tiny village of Portacloy and the lives of people who lived on the coast, all told in true Irish storytelling style and building memories which will live with you long after your visit.

These stunning walking trails include : The Children Of Lir Loop, The Black Ditch Loop  , The Binn Bhuí Head Loop. From time to time you will encounter impressive contemporary sculptures which reference the folklore of the region including the internationally renowned Travis Price – Children of Lir Sculpture and its association with the nearby Inis Gluaire Island where the Children are fabled to be buried.

Another unique element of the Ceathrú Thaidhg story is how the community of Dún Chaocháin identifies with their environment with each place name giving meaning to features on the landscape and a sense of place in the lives of the people.  Every inlet, cave, reef, rock, hill, headland, field, stream etc. is imbued with its own special name and various customs and activities are also recorded.  Place name maps, CDs and other local publications are available in the Seanscoil information Office in Ceathrú Thaidhg.

Be captivated by what this remote corner of north mayo can offer and see if you can remain away for long. Full and half day guided walks are available and lunches can be arranged. Speak to Treasa who is happy to develop an itinerary to suit your groups’ needs. Hot and cold lunches are also available at Seirbhísí Curaim 3kms outside Ceathrú Thaidhg at Greannaí.

For Further Information:

Contact:                Treasa Ní Ghearraigh

Address:                Seanscoil, Ceathrú Thaidhg

Email:                   dunchaochain1@eircom.net

Phone:                   097 88082 / 087 1251642

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Travel Distance to Ceathrú Thaidhg:

Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) to Ceathrú Thaidhg – 33.5 kms

Bangor to Ceathrú Thaidhg – 28 kms

Céide Fields to Ceathrú Thaidhg – 32 kms