Wild Nephin National Park, National park with dark skies in County Mayo, Ireland
Wild Nephin National Park is a large protected area in northwest County Mayo covering mountains, blanket bogs, grasslands, and river systems that reach toward the Atlantic. The terrain supports connected wild habitats and is managed for conservation purposes.
The park was established in 1998 as Ballycroy National Park following a European Union directive requiring protection of specific natural environments across Ireland. This international requirement resulted in creating one of the country's first national parks in this remote region.
The Bangor Trail follows an ancient route through the Nephin Beg mountains where livestock herders moved their animals for centuries. Walking this path today, visitors trace the same route that shaped the landscape and local life for generations.
A visitor center in Ballycroy village offers exhibitions, educational programs, and a cafe with views toward the ocean, though it operates seasonally. Plan your visit according to the center's schedule and bring warm, waterproof clothing since weather can change quickly in this exposed landscape.
The park holds designation as an International Dark Sky Park, allowing visitors to observe thousands of stars in the night sky without interference from light pollution. This certification is rare and reflects the area's commitment to preserving darkness and preventing artificial light.
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