Overview
Bellacragher Bay lies in the heart of County Mayo, cradled by the mountains of Erris and opening onto the Atlantic. The semi‑circular inlet touches the shores of Achill Island, Ballycroy and Burrishoole, offering dramatic vistas of stone, heather and turquoise water. The bay is a hub for sailing, boat hire and the historic Claggan Ferry that links the mainland to Achill.
History
The name – Béal a’ Creachaire (Bay of the Plunderer) hints at a colourful past of piracy and smuggling. In 1832 author W.H. Maxwell arrived via Mulranny and took a galley from Bellacragher to Croy Lodge, later chronicling the wild west of Mayo.
After a period of decline, the bay’s sailing tradition was revived in 2015 when local sailor Seamus Butler – a lifelong sailor from Ballyglass – founded Bellacragher Boat Club. With the help of volunteers, the club launched a community‑run sailing school in 2019. Since then more than 140 participants have earned qualifications such as Bay Skipper, Navigation, VHF Radio and Power Boat Level 2. Winter courses now run in Ballycroy, Tonragee, Currane and Achill, keeping the skill set alive year‑round.
What to See & Do
Sailing School
The four‑day intensive programme runs each summer (June‑August) and teaches complete beginners to navigate from Ballycroy to Innishbiggle. Courses are free of profit – all fees are reinvested in equipment and training. Senior Instructor Ruth Dwyer and a team of volunteers run the school, which also offers winter sessions on request.
Boat Hire & Guided Cruises
Bellacragher Boat Club provides daily hire of a Colvic 30‑ft boat with crew for up to five people. A five‑hour adventure can include wildlife spotting, island visits, snorkelling, fishing, a BBQ on a secluded island and even overnight camping (the club arranges pick‑up at any hour).
Catamaran Sailing
For a shorter taste of the water, 16 ft Hobie T2 catamarans are available with a qualified instructor. Sessions last about three hours for a minimum of two people; competent sailors may take the craft out solo after a brief familiarisation.
Claggan Ferry
The restored Claggan Ferry crosses the narrow mouth of the fjord that separates Tonragee (Achill) from Claggan (Ballycroy). The 15‑minute crossing saves up to ten miles of road travel and provides a convenient link to the Great Western Greenway, Ballycroy National Park and the Solar System Walk. The service operates year‑round for a modest fee and is popular with cyclists and walkers.
Scenic Walks
The Great Western Greenway, a 42 km traffic‑free trail that follows the old Westport‑to‑Achill railway, skirts the northern edge of Bellacragher Bay. Walkers enjoy panoramic views of the inlet, the surrounding mountains and the distant Atlantic. The route passes through three European‑designated Natura 2000 sites and offers glimpses of rare Mediterranean‑type heather.
Wildlife & Nature
Bellacragher Bay sits within a protected Natura 2000 area, supporting a range of marine and coastal wildlife. Seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes nest on the cliffs, while otters are frequently seen along the shoreline. Dolphins and occasional porpoises can be spotted on the open water, especially in the summer months. The clear, sheltered waters also make the bay a good spot for snorkelling and tide‑pooling.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballycroy National Park – just a short drive north, offering rugged bogland walks and the famous Solar System Walk.
- Achill Sound – the narrow strait at the eastern tip of Achill Island, ideal for kayaking and coastal walks.
- Bangor Trail – a challenging 29 km trek across the mountains of North Mayo, starting near the bay.
- Mulranny Beach – a sandy beach only 3.3 km away, popular for surfing and swimming.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Summer Sailing School (June‑August) – intensive four‑day courses for beginners; spaces fill quickly, so book early.
- Winter Sailing Courses – run on request in Ballycroy, Tonragee, Currane and Achill.
- Claggan Ferry Festival – an informal gathering held each July to celebrate the historic ferry service (dates vary, check the club’s website).
- Wild Atlantic Way Waypoint – Bellacragher Bay is a designated discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, marked by the official WAW logo.
Practical Information
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Bellacragher Boat Club car park (off the R319).
- Public transport: Bus Éireann route 440 (Westport – Achill) stops a short walk from the bay.
- Accessibility: The main road is wheelchair‑accessible; the cove itself has uneven ground, but assistance can be arranged with the club in advance.
- Contact: +353 876 579 348 (Bellacragher Boat Club).
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on the walking routes and can join boat hire trips if pre‑arranged with the club.
- Fees: Boat hire, catamaran sessions and the Claggan Ferry each have modest charges; all sailing school fees go back into club equipment and training.
- Opening hours: The bay is open year‑round; the sailing school runs June‑August (summer) and offers winter courses on request.
Website: Mayo County Tourism – Bellacragher Bay Sailing Boat Club site: Discover Ireland – Bellacragher Boat Club