Wild Nephin National Park

Wild Nephin National Park covers 15,000 hectares of mountains, blanket bogs, grasslands, and rivers in northwest County Mayo, extending to the Atlantic Ocean.

The park originated as Ballycroy National Park in 1998 following the European Union Habitats Directive, which mandated protection of specific natural environments in Ireland.

The Bangor Trail within the park preserves an ancient route through the Nephin Beg mountains where generations of herders moved their livestock across the landscape.

The visitor center in Ballycroy village operates from March to November, providing exhibitions, educational programs, and a café with views of the Atlantic Ocean.

As Ireland's first International Dark Sky Park, the area allows visitors to observe over 4,500 stars, planets, and meteor showers without light pollution interference.

Location: County Mayo

Inception: 1998

GPS coordinates: 54.01667,-9.70000

Latest update: March 7, 2025 22:16