OSI Discovery Series – Maps 22, 23, 30, 31
Directions :
Ballycroy village is situated between Bangor Erris and Mulranny on the N59. Other than the National Park, sites listed here are mostly west of Ballycroy, out along the coastline.
Neighbouring sites :
Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park
The Visitor Centre in Ballycroy village is located at F 805 100.
Description :
Situated in the North West of Mayo, this 11,000 ha park is both an SPA and SAC and is Ireland’s sixth National Park. It has a wide variety of habitats, including Atlantic blanket bog, heath, mountains to 721m altitude, coastline, lakes and rivers.
Note that entry to the core of the Park by car is from near Newport, rather than from Ballycroy. A turn off the N59 immediately north of Newport is marked Furnace (L1402). There are also finger posts for Bangor Trail, Marine Institute and the Letterkeen Loop. Follow this road for 13km to the Letterkeen Trailhead car park (F 970 055).
The National Park Visitors Centre at Ballycroy, between Mulranny and Bangor on the N59, provides educational facilities, a viewing area, café, toilet facilities and a short looped boardwalk.
Birds to be seen or heard include:
All Year
Red Grouse, Dipper, Woodcock, Ravens and raptors including Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Osprey has ben occasionally spotted at lakes within the conifer plantations. The latter also contain Crossbills.
Winter
Greenland White-fronted Geese, Whooper Swan, Golden Plover, occasional Hen Harrier.
Further details on the National Park are available from https://www.wildnephinnationalpark.ie/
Claggan Mountain Boardwalk
F 820 025
This flat seaside boardwalk has a carpark and is suitable for introducing children to some birds, including gulls, Heron, Raven and divers. You may also spot Otters along the shoreline..
Birdwatch Mayo 