The Western Way - my first taste of long distance walks in Ireland

I knew I wanted to try a longer walk, but also knew I wouldn't be able to do the entire 180 miles of the Western Way, so tried the first segment - from Oughterard to Maum - 24 km. I found the long walks to be well marked with a combination of road, forestry road, and trails. This was a great difference than most of the walks suggested in AllTrails which were off trail or no trail.

What was really fun was the "board walk" which was constructed over the bog through the Lackavrea Forest. You can see the map, below, and toggle between that and the map of the route.

The trail went along a lovely stream, then by Lough Carrib, the second largest lake in Ireland which is purported to have 365 islands. During the 1500s Catholic priests hid out on the islands and now several contain ruins from these times. In Lackavrea Forest there is a lovely trout stream and waterfall with waterlillys.

The end is a bit long, but enjoyed the sheep run in front of me on the side of the road. I wish I had time to do other segments.