Overview
Bellacragher Bay is a long sea inlet in Erris, its mouth narrowing to the point where the Claggan Ferry can shuttle you across to Achill in about fifteen minutes and save up to ten miles of driving. The mountains close around it in a near semi-circle of stone and heather, and the water touches three shores at once: Achill Island, the Ballycroy peninsula, and Burrishoole. Most people come for one of two reasons – to get out on the water with the local boat club, or to make the ferry crossing while cycling the Great Western Greenway. If you have time for only one, the ferry is the one to plan around.
History & Heritage
The Irish name, Béal a’ Creachaire (Bay of the Plunderer), points to a past of piracy and smuggling, when the sheltered waters gave good cover to coastal traders. In 1832 the author W.H. Maxwell travelled by way of Bellacragher to Croy Lodge and drew on the wild country here for The Wild Sports of the West.
The boat club that runs sailing on the bay today was founded in 2003 by Séamus Butler, and has since trained more than 140 local people for qualifications such as Bay Skipper, Navigation, VHF Radio and Powerboat Level 2. Its summer sailing school runs through June, July and August, with winter sessions arranged on demand.
What to See & Do
Sailing & Boat Hire
The sailing school runs structured courses that take novices from a first sail to handling a boat in open water, covering navigation, radio and boat handling. Fees are kept modest and go back into equipment and training.
If you’d rather skip the lessons, the club hires out Hobie T2 catamarans (with or without an instructor) and runs daily boat-and-crew hire of up to five hours for up to five people, tailored to the weather and tides. Overnight camping trips can also be arranged. To book, contact Séamus Butler on +353 87 237 0102 or butlersea@gmail.com.
The Claggan Ferry
The Claggan Ferry crosses the narrow mouth of the fjord between Tonragee on Achill and Claggan in Ballycroy, a fifteen-minute run that follows a centuries-old tradition of small paid boats ferrying people back and forth. It cuts as much as ten miles off the road, which is why it’s a favourite with cyclists and walkers linking up the Great Western Greenway. It’s a paid service, and worth checking ahead for as sailings depend on weather; contact the boat club to confirm before you rely on it. From the Ballycroy side you’re also well placed for Ballycroy National Park.
Walking & Cycling
The northern shoreline of Bellacragher Bay is threaded by the Great Western Greenway, a 42 km traffic-free trail built along the old Westport-to-Achill railway line. The path runs with open views across the inlet, the Nephin Beg range as a backdrop and the Atlantic beyond. The route is well-surfaced and suitable for cyclists, runners, and families, though some sections near the water’s edge are best enjoyed on foot. For those seeking a more rugged experience, the Bangor Trail begins in the wider Erris region and traverses some of North Mayo’s wildest mountain terrain.
Wildlife & Nature
The head of the bay holds the Bellacragher Saltmarsh, a designated Special Area of Conservation (EU code IE0002005, about 17 hectares) and part of the Natura 2000 network. It’s a subtle habitat rather than a showy one: saltmarsh, intertidal flats and the tidal pools along the shoreline reward slow, quiet observation more than a quick look. Above the waterline, heather moorland and old bogland run up into the mountains and give the area its Atlantic character.
Practical Information
- Getting there: The boat club is 1.5 miles east of Ballyveeney Bridge on the N59 in Ballycroy. Free car parking is available near the club and ferry landing.
- Public transport: Regional bus services connect Westport to Achill Island, with stops within walking distance of the bay and ferry terminal. Check current timetables online before travelling.
- Accessibility: The main car park and approach roads are accessible, but the shoreline and ferry steps involve uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility requirements are advised to contact the boat club in advance to arrange assistance.
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on all walking routes and can join boat hire trips if arranged ahead of time. Please keep them on a lead near nesting bird cliffs.
- Opening hours: The bay and walking paths are open year-round. The sailing school runs intensive summer courses from June to August, with additional winter sessions scheduled based on demand.
- Fees: Entry to the bay and walking trails is free. The Claggan Ferry, sailing courses, and boat hire operate on a modest fee basis to support equipment maintenance and volunteer instructors.
- Contact & booking: For course dates, boat hire availability, and ferry schedules, visit the official Mayo tourism page or the boat club’s information site.
Note on tides and weather: Atlantic conditions change quickly in this part of Mayo. Always check local tide tables before visiting the shoreline or booking a boat trip, and dress in layers even on bright days. The bay’s exposed western aspect means wind can build rapidly in the afternoon, making early mornings the most reliable time for calm water activities.