Keenagh Loop

Beautiful scenery, spectacular views.
An accessible gem.
Unfortunately the trail upkeep is abyssal.

#Note from Trail Management (Jan 23) - We will be erecting new signage, posts and waymarkers on the Keenagh Loop Walk shortly.

This loop hike offers panoramic views of Mayo mountains, including Nephin and Croagh Patrick (in the distance). We hiked on a fine clear day following a rainy spell. The terrain was mostly on open ground - wet, boggy and uneven, but manageable with sturdy boots & walking poles. The uphill section includes a stream crossing. The stage signposting throughout the hike is good, however, in poor weather the posts might not always be visible (so OSI map & compass recommended).
Overall, a beautiful route, with impressive public access through Mayo's farming uplands.

Finally got around to this trail into the wilds of Mayo's blanket bog and the Nephin Begs.

This walk features in Barry Stone's" 50 Greatest Walks in the World", which is some recommendation!

The length, scenery and variety make this a great days outing and if the weather is on your side the mountainous landscape you explore on this trail is truly magnificent.

There are wet and boggy sections so gaiters would be handy but a fair bit is on tarmac boreen or old green road.

Slight rises and falls on the way out and a climb to a pass on the way back but nothing strenuous.

We didn't have any problems with signage..except--we were disappointed to set off with our dogs on leads as the sign at the trailhead asked, only to come to NO DOGS signs a km in. Especially as its the farmers dogs near the end of the route that cause problems.

For more details on this and other Irish Trails see :stevebarhamramblingman.wordpress

09/09/2017. Very good walk - very wet underfoot because of all the rain. The scenery even on this showery day was beautiful. Allow extra time to enjoy the peace and quiet of this remote area. Had picnic stop at the waterfalls. Would suggest better markings as you come off the mountain on to farm land at the end of the walk. The only draw back of this trail is the road walk at the start.

Did this walk in April 2017. Very enjoyable and not too difficult. However the dogs at the end of the walk are viscous. One bit my partner's rucksack and if it hadn't been for or walking poles could have bitten one of us. The National Looped Trails people should either speak to the owners or put a warning on their description of the trail. Don't let this put you off what is a very nice hike, just be ready at the end to defend yourself!!

Did with my son on a soft day near end of July. Midges were bad if you stopped; apply the bug spray. You won't get lost on the turn if you keep your eye out for a beautiful lonely tree at point where streams join and then there is a line of white stakes to take you back. Can be very wet and was, so wear proper boots. Watch the bogholes too -- saw one about a 10 foot drop into an underground stream. You would be down there a long while if hiking alone. And yes, those dogs are still there at the end. Hiking poles are of multiple uses in this hike!

I also almost missed the turn back up the hill on the return. I thought the trail was fantastic, although did not see another person the entire day.

Will be back to do the walk anticlockwise, however I think if you were doing it for the first time, it is better to go clockwise and watch out for the marker

We got seriously lost on this trail. Our last marker said follow the stream so we did but we should have turned before the stream ended. What should have been a 4 hr walk ended up being a 5 1/2 hr hike up a mountain range and through bog land!! I think if you start the trail by going right at the start instead of left this would not happen. Also the downloadable map is not very accurate. I'd like to do it again as the stream and views are lovely but we really got a fright when we realised we had gone wrong and didn't know how to get back.

This is a great walk spoilt only by the 2 dogs in the first house you pass on the return road that fly out onto the road growling and barking.