A roadless valley on the Mayo coast where a deserted famine village, potato ridges and a working sheep farm have survived almost untouched for two centuries. Access is only by guided tour of the Bourke family's land.
The Bourke family lead a fully guided cultural adventure along a well-developed 5 km looped green road, walking at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Suitable for all ages; allow around three hours and wear sensible shoes or trainers.
Uggool means Eagles Egg. You walk among the tumbled cabin walls and the multitude of potato ridges left exactly as the villagers were evicted at the end of the Great Famine in the 1800s.
The trail passes a waterfall in spate and semi-native woods of oak, ash, hazel and rowan around the ruins. The valley is a protected Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive.
Because this is an active working farm, the tour includes a working sheepdog demonstration and, on request in season, sheep shearing. Visitors can also meet and feed the pet lambs.
The valley opens onto a broad private beach, with Silver Strand on its northern edge once rated among Europe's finest. The sands are prone to quicksand and strong rip currents and are not safe for swimming.
Look out over Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, beneath Mweelrea, the highest mountain in the west of Ireland, with Clew Bay and the wild Atlantic beyond.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
