Shean Lodge Fishery is set in the beautiful, yet wild and in many respects untamed Ballycroy National Park and although the primary reason for most visitors to our lodge is to fish, many visitors also come to enjoy the many other benefits of the area. Whether you are visiting out of the fishing season, or you are visiting with a fishing enthusiast, but have no interest yourself, there are many other activities to re-energise a person.

Walking/Hiking:
There are a number of trails to explore that range from an hour or two to full day hikes. The 3 main trails are the “Bangor Trail”, the “Western Way” and the “Letterkeen Loop Walk”. However there are other numerous walks to be enjoyed, including walks around the local trout lake.

Wildlife:
As you would expect, the park is positively teeming with life, from insects to birds and many varieties of mammals, the park provides a wonderful opportunity for those interested in wildlife. Whether you just like to observe through binoculars, or capture wildlife on camera, the choice is spectacular.

Mammal species to be found in the Park include the fox, badger, red deer, mountain hare, otter, feral American mink, pygmy shrew and the “Pipestrelle” bat. Dolphins & whales can be sighted off Achill and Belmullet.

For bird watchers, you can find dippers, common sandpipers, woodcock, dunlin, skylarks, meadow pipits, ravens, hooded crows, whooper swans, water rail, snowy owl & red grouse, geese and many species of Duck. Birds of prey include kestrels and sparrowhawks while rare species such as merlin and peregrine falcon are also resident.

If you have an interest in Dragonflies and Damselfiles, there is an abundance of them to see, including the moorland hawker, heathland skimmer, four-spotted chaser, common darter, black darter, banded jewelwing, common bluet, common bluetip, spring redtail and common spreadwing.

Flora - many rare bog species. Orchids, Sundews, Bog Murtle, Butterwort, Water Lobelia (rare). In spring the Rhodendrons are in flower around the house, Fuchsia and Montbretia.

Sea Fishing - good slob trout and mackerel fly fishing at Innis Biggle - deep sea from Currane, Newport.

Visit The Islands:
There are many islands that can be visited in one day, the first is Achill Island which is the largest off the Irish coast and is the most highly populated of the Irish Islands with a population of approximately 3,000. It has wonderful sights to see and beautiful beaches to enjoy, while the facilities are perfect for a wonderful lunch or coffee break.

Inis Bigil on the other hand, with a population of only 39 has managed to seemingly "freeze" time to some degree, having preserved the traditional farming and fishing practices of a bygone age. Walkers are in for a treat as the island is renowned for its unspoilt nature and panoramic views. Other Islands include Clare Island and Iniskea Islands which are a short boat trip away.

Other Activities:
There are literally hundreds of activities to be enjoyed both in the immediately local area and also in the wider west of Ireland. From golf, horse riding and shooting to museums and shopping. Other activities include Fishing lessons, fly tying, painting and cycling. Local restaurants include Newport House & Mulranny Hotel. You can find more details on any of the activities on offer in the west of Ireland by visiting the websites listed below:

www.mayo.ie
www.discoverireland.ie/west
Golf at Mulranny
Golf at Carne
Westport Golf Club

or alternatively you can contact the Bord Failte West of Ireland Office in Galway on
+353 (0) 91 537700.