THORNHILL WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Wolfhounds on the Wild Atlantic: A Private Family Walk at Bertra Beach
A 90-minute private walk from Westport Wolfhounds that pairs gentle Irish Wolfhounds with storytelling and panoramic views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick—this guide tells you what to expect and how to prepare.
Wolfhounds on the Wild Atlantic: A Private Family Walk at Bertra Beach.
Set on the sweep of Bertra Beach at the foot of Croagh Patrick, the Emerald Private Family Walk is a tailored, intimate outing that combines shoreline walking with close encounters with pure-bred Irish Wolfhounds and storytelling drawn from Ireland’s legends and local history.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Meet Máirtín, Grace and Morrigan
The walk begins with a meet-and-greet with the three gentle Wolfhounds—an opportunity to greet, cuddle and learn how each dog prefers to be petted, scratched and handled.
A Story-Laced Beach Walk
Walk along Bertra Beach beneath views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick while the guides weave tales of Celtic mythology and figures such as Grace O’Malley, connecting the landscape to Ireland’s past.
Q&A and Photo Time
At the close of the experience there’s time for questions about the Wolfhounds’ personalities, care and diet, and guests can take photos with the dogs or have the guide photograph them holding the hounds.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
This is an easy-paced, family-focused outing: after introductions to Máirtín, Grace and Morrigan, you stroll the sands of Bertra Beach for about an hour and a half as the guides share stories of Celtic heroes and local history. The tour is private and can be shaped around your interests—storytelling, bonding time with the dogs, or simple immersion in Mayo’s rugged coastline.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Meet at the entrance to the carpark at Bertra Beach, Bertra Road, Thornhill, Westport, County Mayo (F23NT98).
Bring a rain coat, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on the beach, and clothing to stay warm and dry (hats, scarves, jackets). A sun hat may be appropriate depending on conditions—dress for wild weather along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The beach terrain is challenging for buggies and wheelchairs; consider the 'Meet and Greet' option or contact Aidan if you have difficulty reaching the meeting point.
Full refund up to one week before the experience; 50% refund within one week and before 48 hours of the walk; no refund within 48 hours of the experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the walk?
The Emerald Private Family Walk lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the entrance to the carpark at Bertra Beach, Bertra Road, Thornhill, Westport, County Mayo (F23NT98).
Can I take photos with the Wolfhounds?
Yes—at the end of the experience you can take photos and videos with the Wolfhounds, or the guide can take photos while you hold the dogs.
What should we wear and bring?
Bring a rain coat, sturdy footwear for beach walking, and warm, waterproof clothing; a sun hat may be useful depending on weather.
Is the beach accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
The beach is difficult to manoeuvre with buggies and wheelchairs; the 'Meet and Greet' option may be more suitable and you should contact Aidan if you have problems getting to the destination.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund up to one week before the walk; 50% refund within one week and before 48 hours of the walk; no refund within 48 hours of the experience.