Ballycastle to Ballina

Walk Information

START BALLYCASTLE
FINISH BALLINA
DISTANCE 32 KILOMETRES
HEIGHT GAINED 370 METRES
DURATION 7 – 9 HOURS

O/S map 1:50000 numbers 23 and 24

Directions

From Ballycastle to Ballina the Western Way follows the coast, using quiet country roads. Killala is recognizable by its fine intact Round Tower, dating from early Christian times. The way then follows Bothar Na Sop the old road used by the invading French army in 1798. Ballina is a fine market town on the river Moy. Take care on all roads.

Features

Near Ballycastle is the Céide Fields a complex of Neolithic farm sites with their stone walls and tombs. This is the world’s largest archaeological site much of it hidden under the blanket bog. Here Irelands first farmers tilled their fields and raised livestock in peaceful conditions. Downpatrick head is worth a visit. There is a spectacular sea stack called Dún Briste, where the layers of sedimentary rock can be easily identified and nesting seabirds on narrow ledges occupy the wind free eastern side of the Dún.