The village is located on the northern edge of the bay, between Newport and Achill Island along the Great Western Greenway, which runs unobtrusively behind the village’s central feature, the Mulranny Park Hotel. Considered one of the most scenic railway journeys in Ireland, Between 1895 and 1937 the Midland Great Western Railway Line linked Westport with Achill--taking in Newport and Mulranny along the way. Its closure in 1937 was a sad day on Achill Island. In recent years the formerly disused railway line was transformed into The Great Western Greenway, a 42 km walking and cycle route for all ages with gentle slopes and curves which reflect the surrounding landscape.
Mulranny is a haven for golfers. With a golf course which traverses naturally through the sand dunes of the beach, it would be difficult to find a more tranquil and beautiful spot to play. The biggest challenge is to not be distracted by the panoramic views of the bay, Clare Island, the Nephin Beg mountain range or the alluring beauty of Achill Island.
The small village is carved out of the forefront of the Nephin Beg mountain range and houses the impressively restored Mulranny Park Hotel which dates back to 1897. The only hotel located along the Greenway, it is perched above the beach. Its restaurants and bar offer some of the finest vistas in Ireland. Sunsets are particularly special in this part of the world The expansive skies with blues, orange, yellow and purple and pink hues in stark contrast to the mountains and sea recall artist Paul Henry’s renowned paintings of this area from his decade spent on Achill Island.
A cycle or a ramble by foot along the Greenway reveals so much more than can be seen by car. Colourful giant fuchsias and exotic plants, native to Mulranny, bring the village to life in summer. Book lovers will enjoy a browse through the treasure trove of The Old Thatch, a bookshop housed in a traditional thatched cottage, which houses curiosities and antiques as well as a large collection of used and rare books.
Although part of the larger 2500 km coastal route, the Wild Atlantic Way, Mulranny is a destination in itself. Ballycroy National Park with its blanket bog and wide range of flora and fauna, is nearby. A plethora of water-based activities, including sea kayaking, surfing and swimming on blue flag beaches will appeal to the adventurous. For the walkers, numerous trails and loops keep active nature lovers busy. Fishing enthusiasts can try their lines at shore or sea angling or arrange a boating expedition. Other activities to appeal to a range of sensibilities include horse riding, dancing at Derrada Ceili, painting at the Danlann Yawl Art Gallery, arts and crafts workshops at Essence of Mulranny or just eating and drinking award-winning local produce while watching the sun finally set on a perfect day.