The new extension of the Great Western Greenway from Achill Sound to Cashel was shortlisted at the 2025 All-Ireland Community and Council Awards. The awards event, which is held annually in conjunction with the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) and Irish Public Bodies Insurances, took place in Cork on 22nd February. The Achill Greenway extension was listed in the category ‘Best Trail/Waterway in Ireland 2025’. Although it was not selected as winner, a place in the shortlist is a great honour for this 5km extension to the original Great Western Greenway.
The Achill Greenway extension was officially opened in September 2023 and as part of the works there is also a new car park in Achill Sound with facilities including toilets, spaces for campervans, electric power charging point for EVs, bicycle maintenance hub, and sheltered benches. The distinctive white benches, and their shelters, are constructed from decommissioned blades from wind turbines.
The Achill Greenway car park is the start and end location of the weekly Achill Greenway parkrun, a free 5km run, jog or walk that takes place on the Greenway. Participants run or walk 2.5km in the direction of Cashel and return on the same route. Part of the global parkrun initiative, the Achill Greenway parkrun is known as one of the most scenic in the country and takes place at 9.30 every Saturday morning.
There was even better news for County Mayo at the awards as the annual Mayo Day celebrations won ‘Best Irish Festival’ award. Now in its 11th year, Mayo Day takes place this year on Saturday 3rd May. It is a celebration of all things Mayo, incuding music, arts, culture food and creativity. Speaking after accepting the award, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John O’Hara, said: “It was a great honour as cathaoirleach to pick up the trophy on behalf of Mayo County Council. Mayo Day has become a highlight on the calendar both at home and abroad, where we as Mayo people come together to mark what makes the people and the county unique across the globe.”
He continued, “We are thrilled to see Mayo Day recognised at these awards. It is a testament to the enthusiasm of Mayo people both here at home and wherever they are around the world to celebrate their county that has made Mayo Day the success it has become over the past decade.”