After a short ferry trip from Roonagh Pier, the lovely Lough Coolaknick Loop starts at Inishturk Island Pier.
Taking two hours to complete, this easy trail circles Inishturk’s Cairn Hill following surfaced roadways, sandy tracks and hillsides. The aggregate ascent over the route is just 100m.
Ideally placed to embrace awe-inspiring panoramas of West Mayo and Connemara’s abundance of islands and mountains, idyllic Inishturk sits nine miles off the coast.
The loop leads walkers to the remote and tranquil Lough Coolaknick, while the lagoon of Portadoon is only a short off-trail detour accessed by a steep channel through cliffs to the sea.
This inviting island is known for the hospitality of its 60 inhabitants. Need a cup of tea after your loop? Inishturk Community Club, Restaurant & Shop is the place to drop in. Or off the island, a few minutes’ drive from Roonagh Pier you’ll find yet more welcoming spots.
Trail details
- Type:
- Walking Trail
- Location:
- Green area shortly after leaving the pier
- Grade:
- Easy
- Format:
- Loop
- Length:
- 4.90km
- Ascent:
- 100m
- Dogs allowed:
- Yes
- A small but beautiful island, just 5km x 2.5km, Inishturk sits between the two other stunning islands - Inishbofin and Clare.
- The name Lough Coolaknick comes from the Irish translation of ‘the lake at the back of the mountain’.
