Western Way, Long-distance hiking trail in Galway and Mayo, Ireland
The Western Way is a long-distance hiking trail that stretches approximately 200 kilometers from Oughterard through Galway and Mayo counties, ending near the Sligo border. The route combines mountain passes, coastal paths, open moorland, and remote valleys with a mix of paved roads and natural tracks.
The trail took shape in the early 19th century when Scottish engineer Alexander Nimmo constructed modern roads through Connemara, establishing infrastructure that later became part of the hiking route. This foundation combined existing traditional paths with newly built roads to create the trail used by walkers today.
Local communities practice traditional farming and fishing methods that shape daily life in the villages along the route. Visitors encounter these customs directly when passing through settlements where shepherds and farmers work the land much as their ancestors did.
The trail requires proper hiking gear and advance planning since it spans multiple days and alternates between paved roads and natural paths. Booking accommodation ahead is essential, and walkers should prepare for changeable weather, especially at higher elevations.
The path winds between the Twelve Bens and Maumturk Mountains through the remote Inagh Valley, where ruins of former cottage settlements dot the landscape. These abandoned homes reveal glimpses of how people once lived in this demanding terrain.
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