Splitting the Way into three quite different parts:
From Oughterard to Westport the Western Way is as good as the best long distance walks. It reminded me of the West Highland Way but with less people (and facilities). By lakes, mountains and a fjord this was an adventure in the outdoors. Oughterard, Leenane and Westport have good shops, cafes and accommodation. Divert to Keane's food shop at Maum for a coffee and sandwich.
After the cycle path from Westport to Newport the second part of the walk went up to Ballycastle. Possibly because of the rain, construction works and the busy N59 road section I liked this part least. However as it runs through forests remote from villages or facilities, it is an "experience".
The final third from Ballycastle is mainly on quiet roads. In compensation it does give access to facilities at Killala, Ballina and Ballycastle for food and accommodation. An easy walk visiting a few sights: a beach, a tower, a stately home on the immediate route.
In general the Western Way is well waymarked with black posts with an image of a yellow person with a backpack and walking stick bent forward (like me). However in places these are missing for quite long sections so a map, paper or digital, is needed, ideally with a GPS and/or a smartphone to tell you where you are. The trail appears to be well maintained with for example sections of rotted boardwalk being replaced.
I found it difficult to avoid wild camping as accommodation is absent on some long sections. Although of questionable legality it seems generally accepted. I walked the route in April, when it could be cold at night, however I did not have the issues with midges that others report later in the year.
Update 21 March 20223: A new guide has been written on the Western Way in German, "Wanderführer Irland: Western Way – Fernwanderweg" by Sebastian Steude. Available from this link.
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