The Finny and Kilbride area brings together the Silurian geology and palaeontology of South Mayo with lakes, shoreline landscapes and mountain summits. Relatively accessible sections along roads, shores and slopes offer opportunities to observe these geological features. In the western part of the area are excellent exposures of pillow lavas and andesitic volcanic breccias. It also includes an important site for graptolite fossils. Here, exposed rock formations and fossils meet a variety of landscape features.
Geology between Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask
The area extends 7 km from east to west along the Kilbride Peninsula, between Lough Nafooey and Lough Mask. The Finny Road Section is a named stretch of road within this area: it runs for 1 km along the R300 between Finny Church and the former Finny School, which is no longer in use. The two measurements describe different things: 7 km is the extent of the area, while 1 km is the length of the road section. This distinction helps separate the geological area from the specific stretch of road.
Shoreline landscapes, summits and walks
The area includes flat, marshy and hummocky shorelines around the lakes, as well as mountain summits reaching up to 370 m. Low-lying shores and higher summits therefore form distinct landscape features within the same area. Loch Nafooey, a rectangular glacial lake in County Galway, lies near Finny. The waters of Lough Nafooey are home to wild brown trout and pike.
There are several walks around Lough Nafooey, suitable both for experienced hillwalkers and other walkers. Geological observations along roads, shores and slopes, and walks in the surrounding lake area, are separate interests to consider when planning a trip. Their respective landscape settings can be understood without conflating the walks with the 1 km-long Finny Road Section.
An event starting in Finny
The Joyce Country Challenge is an annual event that starts at the Finny Community Centre in County Mayo. It adds a specific event date to the geological and landscape highlights as another possible point of reference when planning a trip.
County Mayo as a wider travel destination
In the wider destination of County Mayo, the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park offers a distinct cultural focus. Objects, rare archival photographs and films provide an insight into Ireland’s rural past. Workshops, talks and guided tours are available year-round. The gardens at Turlough Park are home to a variety of birdlife, flora and fauna, and are designated as a Green Heritage site.
The museum’s connection with Castlebar and Ballina can also help with getting around County Mayo: daily bus service 454 is operated by Mayo Local Link. The museum, gardens and bus service offer a different thematic experience from the geological outcrops and landscape features near Finny. They form part of the wider County Mayo travel destination and can be included in trip planning as separate additions.
Discover more destinations: Bunnacurry, Knock, Ballytoohy, Crossmolina, Dooagh, Cross, Ballina, Newport
For the wider travel overview: County Mayo.
