Mayo’s Great Western Greenway has been awarded a 2011 EDEN award for ‘exemplary regeneration and promotion of a declining physical site’, essentially confirming it as one of the great cycle trails of Europe.

Twenty-two other destinations across Europe recieved an award this year.  This years award focused on the theme of ‘Tourism and Regeneration of Physical Sites’.  So it was no wonder the Greenway was right up there with the best of them.  The awards have been given to all sorts of developments – from abandoned mines and disused factories to derelict railways and overgrown farmsteads.  These neglected sites once played a key role in European history and now, through well-considered sustainable regeneration, people can rediscover the past and learn about traditional ways of life.

42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The World Class Great Western Greenway is a traffic free cycling and walking trail which follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937.  The longest off road walking and cyclin track in Ireland, The Great Western Greenway runs through 42kms stunning Co Mayo coastline and follows the route of the renowned Westport to Achill railway which closed in 1937.