The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Beltra Lough

Raheens Wood Trail is a 2 km (1.2 mile) loop of the wood. It's on a firm and mostly flat surface which should be suitable for most wheelchairs and buggies. The path is signed with red way markers and easy to follow.

(Heritage Town & Greenway Hub) This picturesque town, also known as Ballyveaghan, is the geographical heart of the Great Western Greenway and the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco. Newport (pop. approx. 600) sits at the northeastern corner of Clew Bay, where the Black Oak River meets the sea, and is renowned for its rich maritime history and fishing. For cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a crucial stop with essential amenities such as supermarkets (incl. Centra), cosy pubs, and a unique atmosphere where the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains and the bay's 365 islands converge.

This robust 18th-century stone arch bridge forms the heart of Newport, spanning the Black Oak River. Unlike the higher railway viaduct, this bridge connects the village's main streets, offering a beautiful low perspective on the tidal flow and the colourful facades of the quay. The bridge is named after Princess Grace of Monaco, whose ancestors hailed from the nearby Drumilra valley, and it marks the transition from the sheltered river estuary to the open waters of Clew Bay.

(Heritage Town & Greenway Hub) This picturesque town, also known as Ballyveaghan, forms the geographical heart of the Great Western Greenway and is the ancestral home of Princess Grace of Monaco. Newport (approx. 600 inhabitants) is located on the northeastern corner of Clew Bay, where the Black Oak River meets the sea, and is known for its rich maritime history and fishing. For cyclists on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is a crucial stop with essential amenities such as supermarkets (e.g. Centra), cozy pubs, and a unique atmosphere where the rugged Nephin Beg Mountains and the 365 islands of the bay converge.

Located at the foot of the Seven Arches Viaduct in Newport, this award-winning pub is named after the 16th-century pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile). The lodge serves as an essential cycling hub along the Great Western Greenway (mile marker 11 from Westport) and is renowned for its authentic Irish cuisine featuring local seafood from Clew Bay. The interior breathes maritime history and offers a strategic resting point with secure bike storage before the route embarks on the 18 km climb and descent towards Mulranny.

Seven Arches Viaduct (Historic Landmark): This impressive 1892 red sandstone railway bridge spans the Black Oak River in the heart of Newport and is one of the most photographed points on the Great Western Greenway. The viaduct consists of seven arches with a total length of approximately 70 metres and served as a crucial part of the railway link between Westport and Achill Island until 1937. From the top, you have panoramic views over the tidal river and the nearby St. Patrick's Church, which is renowned for its rare stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke. (note: this is the 2nd bridge, railway)

Newport enjoys a scenic setting on the shores of Clew Bay. Its pretty harbour and Main Street are a delight to explore. There are a good number of places to stay and it's worth checking out the award-winning Gráinne Uaile pub. The town is connected to Westport and Achill by the Great Western Greenway.

This seven arched bridge spanning the Black Oak River at Newport is simply beautiful. The views up and down the river is also a feast for your eyes either by day or night.