In Crossmolina, local history and riverside scenery can be combined with walks. The River Deel flows through the town to the shore of Lough Conn; the four named Crossmolina walking trails also differ considerably in length, ranging from three to eleven kilometres. You can therefore plan according to whether you want to focus on shorter routes or one of the longer trails. Nearby, the North Mayo Heritage Centre and Enniscoe House add history and nature to the mix.
The River Deel and Getting Your Bearings
Crossmolina lies on the River Deel near the northern shore of Lough Conn. Rare freshwater crayfish and freshwater pearl mussels are found in the river. For road access, Crossmolina is on the N59, about nine kilometres west of Ballina.
Castle Ruins, Church and Enniscoe
The ruins of Crossmolina Castle are at the end of Church Street, opposite St Mary's Church. In 1526, Crossmolina Castle was destroyed along with Castlehill Castle by O’Donnell, Chief of Tirconnell, at the request of the Bourkes. St Mary's Church was built in 1809 with financial support from the Board of First Fruits and is part of Crossmolina's ecclesiastical heritage from the early 19th century.
The North Mayo Heritage Centre is near Crossmolina, on the grounds of the Enniscoe Estate, in a wooded setting on the shore of Lough Conn. It is a family history research centre, a bio-garden and an event venue. People from North Mayo can find resources and expertise there for genealogical research. Tours of the bio-garden are available and can be booked through the website; check current availability before making plans.
Enniscoe House is also nearby. The house is one of Ireland's protected historic houses and has been passed down by inheritance through twelve generations since the 1660s to its current owner. Woodland with a network of paths surrounds the house, and the estate includes restored ornamental and kitchen gardens. Alongside local history, visitors can explore family research, gardens and the story of a house passed down through generations.
Walking Trails by Distance
Four Crossmolina walking trails pass through farmland, along country roads and through woodland. Their lengths and trail markers set them apart: the Gortnor Abbey Walk is four kilometres long and marked with white arrows. The Grange Walk is eight kilometres and marked in blue; the Deel Castle Walk is eleven kilometres long and marked in red. At three kilometres, the Enniscoe House Loop is the shortest of the four routes and is marked with purple arrows.
The National Loop Walks – Enniscoe start at the Heritage Centre car park; the circular routes are open all day, every day. The trails can be wet and muddy, especially in winter. As distances and markers may change, check the latest information before setting out.
Nearby, the Nephin Beg Range offers hikers further routes of varying difficulty. Nephin MĂłr can be climbed; from Crossmolina, the drive is via Lahardane on the R315, then onwards to the car parks.
Local Beer and Festival
Visitors can try locally brewed craft beers from Reel Deel Brewing Company in various pubs in Crossmolina. The Crossmolina Community Festival takes place every year in late July. If you are travelling at this time, you can include the festival in your plans; check the exact festival dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hollymount, Keel, Mayo, Newport, Kilsallagh, Louisburgh, Bunnacurry, Glencorrib
For the wider travel overview: County Mayo.
