Kiltimagh: Rail Bike, Festivals and Culture

Kiltimagh brings together very different experiences: a guided ride on a rail bike follows the old railway line, alongside developed walking trails, a mini-greenway, festivals and a museum in the restored former railway station area. When choosing a holiday rental, the first consideration is the mix you want: should your trip mainly include activity, Irish culture or things to do with children?

On rails, trails and in the Wetlands Park

With Mayo Velorail, you can take a guided ride on a rail bike along the old Kiltimagh railway line through the Irish countryside. Depending on the route used at the time of booking, the track runs north or south of Kiltimagh station. If this ride fits your plans, you can check which route is being used when you book.

Kiltimagh also has developed, mapped walking trails and a newly completed mini-greenway. The walking trails offer a way to build in some activity on foot; the mini-greenway adds to the local network of paths. Visitors can also take part in the Wetlands Challenge at Kiltimagh Wetlands Park. This gives you a choice of activities without limiting your stay to a single way of getting around.

Railway history, art and festivals

The restored former railway station area is home to the Town Museum, which has two old railway carriages. The museum preserves artefacts and accounts from the past. The same restored area also includes a sculpture park that grew out of a 1993 symposium. Railway history and art give this part of Kiltimagh a different character from its trails and Velorail.

The festival calendar also offers different ways to connect with local culture. Kiltimagh's Saint Patrick's Week is an annual seven-day celebration of Irish tradition and culture. The Coillte Come Home Festival takes place every year in July. The recurring events therefore differ in their stated duration and time of year; the exact programmes may change.

A specific family activity

Maghus Castle is a supervised indoor play area in Kiltimagh for children aged 1 to 13. For families with children in this age range, it can be included in your travel plans as a separate activity alongside rides, trails and culture. The mix of experiences can help you decide whether Kiltimagh suits your group’s interests as a destination when looking for a holiday rental.

More to discover in County Mayo

The wider destination of County Mayo also has its own cultural and landscape highlights. The National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park brings Ireland’s rural past to life through objects, rare archive photographs and films. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. A daily bus service, route 454 operated by Mayo Local Link, connects the museum with Castlebar and Ballina. If you plan to use this service, check the timetable before travelling.

Another way to experience County Mayo is to explore Croagh Patrick and its trails. The mountain is 764 m high and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and is 7 km long, including the return journey. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is a different route: this long-distance walking trail is 59.9 km long, takes three days to complete and combines ancient monastic heritage with County Mayo’s mountain scenery and views of Clew Bay. The stated distances and durations describe two very different options for planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Cross, Doohooma, Islandeady, Knock, Ballyglass, Ross Port, Castlebar, Ballyhaunis.

Back to the wider travel guide: County Mayo.