What to do on the Mullet Peninsula | Walks, islands and beaches
When you are sick of travelling along the beaten highway in Ireland, we have a secret place for you to visit. It’s the Mullet Peninsula. This is a fantastic and wild finger of land that sticks out in the far northwest of County Mayo.
And to be honest, it is one of the best secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, the scenery seems almost prehistoric. You have these dramatic sea cliffs meeting huge sand dunes, and the air smells of pure, clean sea salt.
What makes this place so special is not that wild scenery, it is the cultural aspect of the Gaeltacht (a place of Irish speaking). The pace of life slows down as soon as you arrive. We are going to take you through all you should know.
We’ll cover the absolute must-see attractions on this gorgeous Mayo peninsula. You’ll also learn how to absorb its unique heritage and scenery.
Why You Absolutely Need to Go to the Erris Coastline
When you are already done with the big tourist trails, the question that may be in your head is, Where next? The answer is here. This breathtaking island provides a completely new, remarkably quiet and intimate experience. There is no rushing to the next photo op as in some of the other, more commercial spots in Mayo.
In case you are interested in the untamed beauty, the Mullet Peninsula is a rocky, isolated coastline jewel in northwest County Mayo. It is a place of dramatic cliffs, peaceful sandy beaches, old-fashioned lighthouses, Gaelic-speaking villages and near to offshore islands. It offers the ideal vacation spot for nature lovers and slow-travel seekers.
It is the pure, natural wildness and the quiet spots that make Mayo peninsula stand out, and you get an opportunity to see the authentic, unpolluted heart of the West of Ireland.
The Best Things to Do and See on the Belmullet Peninsula
Okay, let’s get down to the itinerary. The coastal region is full of intriguing places, and you should have your boots, as we have seven places to see that must not be missed.
Hiking the Erris Head Loop
You must take this walk when you come here. Erris Head is the extreme tip of the peninsula, and the Atlantic views there are magnificent. It is a well-kept loop walk, approximately 5 km, which takes one right along the edges of the cliffs.
Watch out for a huge Eire sign on the ground. This was in the course of World War II to show planes flying over that Ireland was a neutral state. The entire peninsula is conserved due to its exclusive geology and wildlife, and thus it is a spotlessly clean venture.
Relaxing at Elly Bay & Mullaghroe Beach
Ready to have some decent sand and surf? The area has unbelievable beaches, which border the western side. Ellie Bay is an excellent beginner-friendly beach. It is sheltered, and as a result the water is calm and is therefore popular among swimmers.
Close by to the north, there is Mullaghroe Beach, a scenic expanse of white sand, a Blue Flag beach (the water is as clean as possible). If you are a watersporting fan or simply want to take a very lengthy, soul-in-hiding stroll, the two are easily among the best beaches in Ireland.
Blacksod Lighthouse and Pier History
It is not just a pretty lighthouse. It is a place having a huge history behind it. It is precisely at Blacksod Pier where, in June 1944, the now famous weather report was dispatched, which led to the delay in the landing on D-Day.
The accurate timekeeping by the local postmaster’s family showed that a storm was about to occur. You are allowed to come as far as the granite lighthouse, which towers at the extreme south of the peninsula called Mullet. Blacksod Bay is also naturally gorgeous and worth taking photos.
Taking a Tour to the Inishkea Islands
Going to the Islands of Inishkea is a trip back to the past. North and South Inishkea are these two deserted islands, which are only a couple of miles offshore.
They can be seen on a boat tour out of Blacksod Pier. They contain ancient monastic ruins (6th century) and ancient stone cottages abandoned when the small community moved in the 1930s.
The speedboat adventure itself is an exciting gift to the animal lovers, as the finned waters surrounding the islands are regularly filled with huge seal groups. It is a must-have nature and history tour package.
Reflecting at St Dairbhile’s Church and Well
When you feel like taking a break and being surrounded by local folklore, visit St Dairbhile’s. Within easy reach of Fallmore is one of the most beautiful ruins of a mediaeval church and of a holy well.
According to folklore, a local holy woman called St Dairbhile shed tears that created the well, and people used to dip their eyes in the water to get cured. It is an easy, quiet and rocky spot, with one of the most evocative locations in the region. Also, it is connected deeply to the history and spiritual heritage of the region.
Finding Art at Glosh Tower and the Tír Sáile Sculptures
The Belmullet peninsula doubles as an outside gallery courtesy of the marvellous Tír Saile Sculpture Trail. On the way, you will bump into breathtaking modern art pieces that are based on the scenery and the local stories.
The Glosh Tower is one of the most ideal places, which was constructed in the 19th century as a signal tower to keep an eye on any of the French fleets that could be coming their way.
Although the tower is itself a fine historical sight in military history, it offers a really amazing panoramic view. It also offers a view of the coastline, Blacksod Bay, as well as the rugged interior. The hill itself is a sight worth seeing.
Seeking Out Rare Wildlife (The Corncrake)
The whole coast, especially the dunes and machair grasslands, is a Special Protection Area (SPA). Why? Since it is one of the few remaining places of the severely endangered corncrake. The Corncrake Mayo population visits in summer.
If you are lucky enough, you may hear the strange ‘crex-crex’ cry of the bird resounding in the evening fields. It is an amazing place to watch birds in Mayo, and you can look out for seabirds, shearwaters and the pretty seals.
Outdoor Adventures and Getting Active
You cannot arrive at this beautiful coast and just sit in the car; you have to explore the windswept and wild nature. Mayo peninsula travels mean you should get outside. You must try new water activities without any second thoughts.
Finding Solitude: Walking and Hiking
Although the Erris Head Loop Walk is an unbelievable must-see along the coastline, you are not short of hiking opportunities. To make it a worthy challenge, you may walk on the famous Bangor Trail. This old track goes inland through the wilderness of the Nephin Beg Mountains.
Here, you get a completely new rough experience of the boglands. Whenever you come to the walking Mayo routes, pack for all four seasons. The weather changes fast here.
Water Fun: Fishing and Boat Trips
The Belmullet area is the best place to visit in case you love fishing. You may fish off the pier or make a sea charter at a deep-sea fishing ground in the fertile Atlantic. Cross Lake (Lough Cross), located nearby, is well known in the neighbourhood as a great trout fishing lake.
Cruises are also a must, in addition to fishing. The excursions that make their way out to the Inishkea Islands would be best in watching the seals and admiring the majesty of the shoreline.
Thrills: Watersports
Activities in this part of Ireland are heavily water-based, as it has both sheltered bays and the mighty ocean waves. The areas surrounding the Elly Bay are ideal in terms of kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing.
There are also local organisations, such as the Uisce Adventure Centre, that can get you the equipment or lessons in case you want to learn it. The water adventures here are seriously memorable, no matter if you are in a canoe calmly paddling along or on a sailboard catching some wind.
Understanding the Local Life: Heritage and Culture
Belmullet is not just magic, it is a deep magic based on a powerful, intriguing living culture. Going here, you are not visiting a landscape, but you are engaging with the very heart of the traditional Irish identity.
Diving into History: Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre
You need to get to the Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre to gain proper insight into what you are looking at. It is located in a wonderfully restored former schoolhouse, and it is your key to the local life.
The displays are splendid, touching upon the struggles of emigration, the critical role of the Blacksod Lighthouse, and the local arts and music culture.
It actually assists in linking the beautiful scenery that exists in the outside world and the strong people who have inhabited this rocky land for centuries.
Speaking the Language: Gaeltacht and Irish Language
This region belongs to the Gaeltacht Mayo region. It implies that the Irish language (Gaelic) is still used as the first language in the community in daily life.
This provides the area with a unique and fantastic atmosphere. You will find road signs in the Irish language as well as the language being spoken in the local pubs and shops. It is a great opportunity to have a taste of the authentic Irish heritage.
There is no need to be shy. The locals are always glad to hear you say a few words, such as “Dia dhuit” (Hello).
Local Lore: Folklore and Legends
Within a wild, isolated location, great tales are bred, and the heritage centre of the area is full of them. On top of St Dairbhile and her well, you will find stories of ancient sea kings, sea ghosts and the interesting mythology surrounding the shoreline.
These stories have been so well preserved given that the area is remote. You can almost hear the echoes of the people and the myths of ancient times when you walk among the ruins or look out over a stormy bay.
Wildlife and Nature Conservation
Seriously, one of the biggest attractions here is the quality of nature, which is so clean. Large portions of the coastline are legally designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA). We must all be careful and conscious of the delicate environment, particularly of the beautiful dune systems.
Top of the list is the need to save the threatened corncrake. The Corncrake Mayo populace employs the former hay meadows and thick coastal plants here to nest in the late spring and summer. If you love birdwatching, you are in luck. The place is fantastic for sighting seabirds, such as gannets and shearwaters, and migrating waders.
The geology is also quite distinctive. There are machair grasslands of globally rare low-lying machair. There are also dramatic quartzite cliffs. It makes the special protection area a very valuable pure jewel.
Getting There and My Top Travel Tips
Honestly, it is distant, and it is necessary to be aware of the logistics. The nearest large town is Ballina, with the nearest airport being Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC).
Now, when you are asking how to get to Erris, then the easiest way to see everything is by driving. The roads are good, though narrow and winding here and there. So drive slowly, and take your time to absorb the scenery.
The Bus Éireann route 446 provides services in and out of Ballina. The months of May to September are the best months. It is a long day, the weather is the mildest, and you have the best chance of getting that corncrake.
Our number one travel tip? Even in August, the weather may shift in 5 minutes, which means that you should take anything for layering. A good waterproof jacket and a pair of boots will do the task.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. It is one of the wild, far-flung ends of County Mayo and really epitomises the wild and untamed land of the Atlantic coast. It is this rare combination of Gaeltacht culture, unspoilt nature and interesting history that makes the Mayo peninsula so special. It’s an excellent destination for those who want to feel like they are a part of the land.
It is where the contemporary concerns simply fade away, and the sea and wind sounds take their place. When you want peace and quiet, history, and the wilderness, you must go to the west of Ireland. Make plans for an adventure to the Mullet Peninsula. You will find an experience that will stay with you forever.
