Know Before You Go: These trails lie on the estate of Ballynahinch Castle, which offers a hotel, restaurant, pub, and variety of activities such as fishing, shooting, and guided walks. It’s open to the public. Length: There are 10 miles of trails at Ballynahinch Castle. I ran the River Walk, Lake Walk and Railway Loop for a 3.4-mile run. Time: 2 hours for a hike, 40 minutes for a run. Terrain: Mostly crushed aggregate. Difficulty: Easy. Dog-friendly: Yes. Dogs must be on a leash. Kid-friendly: Yes.
Situated in County Galway near Letterfrack, the walking trails at Ballynahinch Castle explore the grounds of a castle built in the 1750s. It takes you along the Owenmore River and Ballynahinch Lake through a beautiful, lush wooded area.
You’ll walk (or run) past the remains of an old keep, past an old turbine which was used to power the castle, past the estate’s pig enclosures, through the beautiful walled gardens, and - of course - past the castle Ballynahinch.
The trails are crushed aggregate and dirt, and can get muddy when it rains, so waterproof shoes are recommended.
After your excursion, stop by the Fisherman’s Pub for a bite to eat.