Sitting at the gateway to the Currane Peninsula, Mulranny is a quaint town surrounded by some of Mayo’s most beautiful landscapes.
And, although many use the town as a base to explore this corner of Mayo, there are plenty of things to do in Mulranny itself.
From the Causeway and the beaches to the walks and the Old Irish Goat Centre, you’ll find attractions in the town along with heaps of things to do near Mulranny below!
The best things to do in Mulranny
Although neighbouring Newport, Westport and Achill Island tend to get much of the attention from visitors to Mayo, there’s a lot to like about Mulranny.
Booking into some of the accommodation in Mulranny and then, if weather permits, tackle the attractions below!
1. The Mulranny Greenway
The Mulranny to Achill Greenway is a 14km section of the larger Great Western Greenway (A.K.A the Mayo Greenway).
The Greenway is a traffic-free route waymarked by white arrows and National Cycle network symbols, following the old Westport to Achill railway that closed in 1937.
It’s a moderate trail with spectacular views of the coast, islands, and rugged cliffs, taking most people between two and 2.5 hours on foot and one to 1.5 hours on a bike.
The majority of the route is exposed, so make sure to bring a hat if you’re walking and plenty of water, particularly in the summer.
2. The Atlantic Drive
Photos via Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Mulranny is to head off on The Atlantic Drive – the name given to two scenic driving loops, one on the Currane Peninsula, and one on Achill Island.
In Mulranny, you’ll be directly on the 20km Currane Peninsula loop, which loops around the peninsula’s rugged coastline offering lovely views of Clew Bay, the Curraun Hills, and Croagh Patrick.
There are plenty of stops and highlights along the way, like the Spanish Armada Viewpoint, a small lay-by and lookout with a plaque commemorating a ship that sank in 1588.
When you reach Achill, you’ll have the likes of the Ashleam Cliffs, Keel Beach and plenty more to enjoy!
3. Beaches galore
Mulranny has miles of spectacular coastline to discover, from unnamed golden sand coves to well-known beaches.
One thing all of the beaches have in common is incredible views over Clew Bay out towards Clare Island.
The most popular beach by far is Mulranny Beach, a Blue Flag beach backed by soft sand dunes and large pebbles in some areas.
This beach has a small car park, but we love reaching it via a scenic stroll along the Mulranny Causeway.
A more challenging beach to reach, Pollyranny Bay Beach, to the east of Mulranny, requires a short walk along the edge of the Mulranny Golf Course.
4. Mulranny – Lookout Hill loop
Map via Sport Ireland
The Lookout Hill loop is a moderate 6km, taking roughly 2.3 hours to complete.
Starting at Mulranny Pier, follow the red arrows through a variety of landscapes, like salt marsh, beaches, and beautiful woodland.
Make sure to bring suitable footwear as the terrain varies, following the Mulranny Causeway, minor roads, tarmacked roads, and forest trails.
The loop’s highest point is at around 80 metres, roughly two-thirds of the way through the hike.
From here, you’ll be rewarded with lovely views of Clew Bay and Bellacragher Bay, and of Croagh Patrick.
5. Mulranny Causeway
Photo courtesy Christian McLeod via Fáilte Ireland
A ramble along the Mulranny Causeway is one of the more popular things to do in Mulranny amongst visitors and locals alike!
The causeway dates back to 1889 and was built right across Troughter Bay.
The elevated walkway links Mulranny Village to Mulranny Pier and Mulranny Beach, passing through the Mulranny Salt Marsh, an important marine habitat.
The causeway is particularly beautiful in May, when the salt marshes’ flowers (orchids, sea, thrift, and sea lavender) burst into bloom, transforming the area into a sea of pink.
Birdwatchers will love the causeway any time of the year with a range of migrating birds visiting the salt marsh.
6. Old Irish Goat Centre
Visitors to Mulranny’s Old Irish Goat Centre will gain an insight into the history and heritage of Ireland’s goats!
You’ll learn about their 5,000-year-long journey, their key roles in farming and what they symbolised in Irish pagan culture.
You’ll also discover the tale behind the community that saved them from extinction!
Although this may seem like a random attraction, the reviews online speak for themselves (it’s also handy if you’re looking for things to do in Mulranny when it’s raining!).
The best things to do near Mulranny
Photos via Shutterstock
One of the beauties of Mulranny is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Mayo.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Mulranny!
1. Achill Island
Photos via Shutterstock
Just a short drive from Mulranny, Achill Island is a beautiful spot with plenty to see and do.
Visit Kildavnet Tower, known for being the home of the infamous pirate queen Grace O’Malley, or head to one of the many beaches on Achill for a stroll.
Keem Bay is Achill’s most famous stretch of sand, but Golden Strand is without a doubt the most overlooked!
Hikers will love conquering Croaghaun Cliffs (Ireland’ highest sea cliffs) while Minaun Heights is the islands finest viewpoint.
2. Wild Nephin National Park
Photos via Shutterstock
The Wild Nephin National Park is Ireland’s third largest national park, with a unique habitat of Atlantic blanket bog, natural grasslands, and mountains.
Start your visit at the Ballycroy Visitor Centre, where there’s a lovely 2km loop walk with fantastic views of Achill Island and the Nephin Beg mountains.
At the centre, be sure to check out their interactive exhibit to learn all about the park and the wildlife it supports.
If you’re hungry after your walk, grab a homemade cake and a coffee at the on-site Ginger & Wild Cafe.
3. Westport
Photos via Shutterstock
Westport is a picturesque town packed with plenty to see and do regardless of the weather!
On rainy days, head to Westport House & Grounds to wander the 300o-year-old home’s 30 rooms and six exhibitions.
For adrenaline-filled fun, make your way to Westport Adventure Park where you can tackle assault courses, challenge your friends to a paintball match, and have a go on a thrilling ropes course.
We also love the Pirate Adventure Park, especially for families.
4. Croagh Patrick hike
Photos via Shutterstock
Climbing Croagh Patrick is a fine way to spend an afternoon.
Also known as “The Reek”, Croagh Patrick is 764 metres tall offering glorious views and a rich history.
St. Patrick is said to have climbed the mountain and fasted for 40 days on the summit.
The 7km climb has become a popular pilgrimage undertaken for 1,500 years with an estimated 100,000 people joining in every year!
The strenuous climb officially begins in Murrisk (you can always just start in the Croagh Patrick car park) and takes most walkers between three and four hours to complete.
5. The Doolough Valley
Photos via Shutterstock
The Doolough Valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of County Mayo.
Tucked away high up between idyllic mountains, the narrow drive has fantastic views of Doo Lough (one of the country’s deepest lakes) and Fin Lough.
On the drive make sure to stop off at the famine memorial, a spot that recognizes the valley’s tragic history when a large group of starving villagers walked from Louisburgh to Doolough for help from the authorities.
Several lost their lives on the walk back through the valley from hunger and fatigue.
And that is a wrap for this guide on the best things to do in Mulranny! Find endless places to visit around Mayo in our Mayo hub!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.