McMahon Park (Clare Lake) — Attraction in County Mayo

I had wanted to explore this Park on a prior trip but ran out of time, so this time I was determined. The entrance is near a kids playground and there is adequate parking. Entrance and use are free. There are informative signs near the entrance regarding the trees and wildlife of the park. The path ways are well sign posted and the lake is directly in view, behind a small pavilion. Once I entered the walking path I quickly developed a sense of detachment from the noise and traffic outside the park, an impression which deepened as I progressed further.

There are amusing miniatures of houses for the little people in the early section. This is followed by samples from the Land of the Giants further in. These figures add amusement and interest to the walk. KM markers give one a sense of progress and maps are placeed at critical junctions. There are multiple wooden bridges to help cross over streams. The sound of your own footsteps on the path surface made me think of life 100 + years ago when such walks would have been the primary method to get from one village to another. The trees and flora and fauna are more natural than in a more disciplined City Park and are all the better for it.

On my return route I noticed men fishing and a pair of swans gliding through the water. The whole experience was good for both mind and body. As I neared the exit I was mentally scheduling my next walk. The paths were not crowded and one has plenty of time...

The scenery was lush but that's about it. There is no giant chair, no giant door, no train, no maze. They ninjago statue has been mauled and is missing limbs. There are only two pencils left of the three which are in just dire condition. There are train tracks which are just some shoddy plastic pipes left to rot as the train is no longer there. The maps placed around the park have not been updated since 2007, literally and show all the attractions that have since been removed. The placed is in some serious need of restoration. At the very end of our expedition, our eyeballs were graced by a surprise fugly beast on a toothbrush, 10/10 recommended...

A great place for all ages with three loops to walk or cycle depending on how energetic you're feeling! Bring some bread for the ducks and geese and bring a picnic for yourself. Children will enjoy looking for Clare and Morris's giant toys and they wont notice how far they've walked. Afterwards there is a playground for the kids and parents can grab a coffee from the Centra across the road! We have had some great afternoons, especially when the sun comes out and you can sit by the lake...