Great Western Greenway
The award winning Great Western Greenway is a 43.5km traffic free walking & cycling facility connecting two of Ireland’s most established tourism destinations - Westport and Achill Island. The Greenway facility is multifunctional; serving tourist, local recreational, school and work travel needs, and thereby draws a range of users - young and old. It is very popular with families, school children, teenagers and with sports enthusiasts.
The Greenway primarily follows the line of the disused Midlands Great Western Railway which ceased operation in 1937. The Great Western Greenway is the longest off road walking and cycling facility of its kind in Ireland and is of national importance, being the first portion of the National Cycle Network to being developed.
The Greenway traverses a number of varied and sensitive landscapes – Special Areas of Conservation, woodland, coast, rural farmlands/urban environments. It is a haven for flora and fauna.
The Greenway intersects with 15 nationally accredited walking trails and thereby offers an extensive and comprehensive network of award winning recreational trails.
National & European Awards – Great Western Greenway
The Great Western Greenway, Ireland Longest off road cycling facility has been successful in achieving both National and European Awards. Some of which include;
- EDEN - 2011 recipient of the International European Destination of Excellence award.
- Local Authority Members Association – 2012 winner for best Recreational Facility
- Local Authority Members Association – 2012 winner for best Tourist Attraction
- Local Authority Members Association – nominated for Council of the Year
- Meitheal Award Winner 2012 – Great Western Greenway Landowners
- The Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation Category Award Winner 2012.
- CIWEM – 2012 Irish Environmental Award (Chartered institution of Water and Environmental Management)
- Exemplary Initiative Award - European Greenways Association.
Further details are available www.greenway.ie
