The Valley Walk brings coastal scenery and local history together on one route: the 8 km trail is an out-and-back walk across coastal terrain, leading to viewpoints and past historic traces. This lets you plan a specific outing with a clear theme during your stay in Valley. If you are interested in the landscape, you will find varied coastal features and views of the bay, islands and Atlantic along the route.
Coastal landscape around Valley
The coastal site of The Valley is located close to the village and consists largely of machair. This coastal grassland grows on sandy ground and extends to the shoreline. The site includes a shingle beach, sandy beach, pebble beach, exposed bedrock and mobile dunes. These varied features show that the coast here encompasses more than a single type of beach.
The Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC nature conservation area borders Valley. The Valley Walk also passes through an SAC/SPA area. If you are planning activities that may affect nature conservation, check the latest official guidance in advance.
Valley Walk: Route and views
The trail starts at the Golden Strand Car Park in Dugort, close to Valley. It has no hills or significant climbs, but does cross coastal terrain. As trail conditions can change, check the current route conditions before setting out. Parking arrangements may also change.
The Valley Walk continues to Ridge Point. From there, you can enjoy open views across Blacksod Bay and the islands off the Mullet Peninsula. The trail also offers views of Slievemore above the Atlantic. Along the route, views across the bay and offshore islands are complemented by views of the mountain and open ocean.
Traces of the old village
The trail passes the site of the former village of The Valley, TĂłin an tSeanbhaile, where the remains of stone houses can be seen. According to local tradition, the name TĂłin an tSeanbhaile is connected to the sea eroding the land, which meant the houses were built farther from the sea. There is also a CillĂn at Caraun Point, a historic children’s burial ground. The stone house remains and the CillĂn offer two different historical perspectives; visitors should treat this place with respect.
Wildlife watching and staying locally
Hares, jackdaws and whooper swans are among the wildlife found on the machair and sandbank areas along the Valley Walk. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Wildlife can therefore add to the views of grassland and coast, but it is not a fixed stop that you can count on during every visit.
The historic Valley House is in The Valley near Dugort in the northeast of Achill Island. It is a hostel, bar and restaurant. Language courses are also offered there, and the property has a woodland fairy trail. Before travelling, confirm whether the accommodation, bar and restaurant are available for your dates. Also check current course availability and whether the trail is open.
Discover more destinations: Louisburgh, Mayo, Gweesalia, Crossmolina, Doohooma, Cross, Swinford, Killala
For the full travel overview: County Mayo.
