Walk along the Gort River

The Gort River Walk is an easy 3.6-kilometre loop that takes about 45 minutes to walk. It starts near the centre of Gort on Bridge Street and follows the east bank of the Gort River. Along the way, the route passes the recently rediscovered Holy Well of St Manchan. This puts the riverbank and a named landmark on the same walking route.

Return routes follow Pound Road, the path along the riverbank or an old field path to Lavally. The Cannahowna River is called the Gort River once it reaches the town of Gort. This means you’ll encounter the river under two names on your walk. The approximate walking time lets you include the loop in your itinerary as a standalone walk.

Getting here and local life

Gort railway station is served by the Galway–Limerick line; connections to Cork and Tralee are also available. Bus route 51 is listed as a public transport option for the Gort River Walk. If you’re planning to travel by train or bus, check current services and timetables before setting off, as transport information can change.

Two buildings with different functions stand out in local life. The Weigh House dates from around 1760, is now owned by An Taisce and serves as the town’s tourist information office. Check current visitor services before your visit if needed. The town council uses the Town Hall for, among other things, performances by the local drama group Wild Swans. If you’d like to attend a performance, check the specific dates. The Weigh House combines a historical date with tourist information, while the Town Hall offers a glimpse of local performance traditions.

Cycling routes and nearby destinations

The front railings of Gort Town Hall are the starting point for two local cycling routes. Among other places, they lead to the monastic site at Kilmacduagh and to Thoor Ballylee. Check the route map on site before setting off. If you’d rather focus on destinations than the riverbank, these places offer a different starting point for planning your route.

Near Gort is Thoor Ballylee, a restored Norman tower with adjoining cottages associated with W. B. Yeats. The roof is accessible via a winding staircase. The Gort Golf Club is also nearby. Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Junior designed the club, which officially opened in August 1996. Golf societies are welcome there throughout the year.

More walks in the wider Galway destination

In the wider Galway destination, Coole Park Visitor Centre & Gardens is a nature reserve on 1,000 acres of land. The Family Trail is an easy 1.75-kilometre walk from the site of the former house through the walled garden to the Autograph Tree. The 4.5-kilometre Seven Woods Trail passes a viewpoint overlooking Coole Lake and extensive wetlands. The longer Seven Woods Trail and the shorter Family Trail therefore differ both in length and in the landscape features described. These routes are part of the Galway area and offer a separate focus alongside the options in Gort.

Discover more destinations: Athenry, Ballydavid, Farmerstown, Kylemore, Drumkeary, Galway, Letterfrack, Barna

Return to the wider travel overview: Galway.