Tourist trail plan for Mayo's 'hidden gem'

A West Mayo councillor has called for a tourism trail to be developed from Aasleagh Falls, near Louisburgh, to Clare Island, and Inishturk, saying the route's potential is “unbelievable”.

Welcoming the development of the Céide Fields Coastal Path in North Mayo, Cllr Chris Maxwell told the October meeting of Mayo County Council's Enterprise and Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) that a similar project was needed in West Mayo “with immediate effect”.

“The potential for that corridor is unbelievable,” he said, referring to the link between Aasleagh Falls, Clare Island and Inishurk. “I believe Fáilte Ireland should look into this big time and see if money can be provided to start the necessary works there.” 

Cllr Maxwell said the route would include several scenic and popular tourism attractions in the west, including Aasleagh Falls, the Doolough Pass, the Delphi Adventure Centre and Hotel, Glen Keen Farm and The Lost Valley, before extending into Louisburgh and onto the islands.

“If you take it from Aasleagh, the field is an iconic spot there, it's a major international tourism attraction, and it needs to be developed onto Louisburgh and onto our islands,” he said.

“You have the Doolough Pass, the Delphi Adventure Centre, plus its hotel, an amazing hotel that has undergone great development in recent years. It's one of the best-kept secrets here in Mayo,” he said. “Moving on, you have the Doolough Pass, the Sheeffry Pass, Glen Keen Farm, The Lost Valley. It's an amazing trail that is not being highlighted enough,” he said.

Cllr Maxwell said the route was a popular trail when he was younger and deserves to be developed into a tourism amenity.

“When we were young, that was a great trail all the way into Louisburgh, but it has seemingly gone down in the focus of Fáilte Ireland and Mayo County Council, and I would like it to be resurrected."

He also referred to the possibility of an Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the area, but said there was a lack of community groups locally who would have the capacity to organise such a project.

Cllr Maxwell said the Delphi Adventure Centre had offered to facilitate a meeting with the SPC to try to kick-start the project and develop a strategy for the route.

“The potential of this trail is unbelievable, it needs to be pushed on,” he said before calling for a meeting as soon as possible.

His proposal was supported by Cllr Blackie Gavin, who agreed that the trail should be reopened and described it as a “hidden gem”.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.