Lough Inagh & The Walk to Maum Ean Oratory
Nestled between the Maumturk and the Twelve Bens mountains in the heart of Connemara, the waters of Lough Inagh lie cupped in a spectacularly beautiful valley, where mountain slopes rise precipitously from the valley floor and small streams cascade into the lake in a series of sparkling waterfalls. The Western Way, a walking route that traverses the high country of Galway and Mayo, follows a quiet country road above the R344 through the Lough Inagh Valley.
To reach the beginning of the walk, drive north on the R344, turning right on a side road—look for the sign for Maum Ean—about 200m (656 ft.) before the Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel. Continue on this side road for about 6km (3 3/4 miles) to a large gravel parking lot on the left. Park here, and follow the well-worn trail 2km (1 1/4 miles) to the top of the pass, through glorious mountain scenery.
At the top of the pass, which has long been associated with St. Patrick, a small oratory has been built. There’s a hollow in the rock known as Patrick’s Bed, a life-size statue of the saint, and a series of cairns marking the Stations of the Cross. Together, these monuments make a striking ensemble, strangely eerie when the mists descend and conceal the far slopes in their shifting haze. A clear day offers great views, with the Atlantic Ocean and Bertraghboy Bay to the southwest and more mountains to the northeast. The round-trip walking time is about 1 hour.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
