Overview
Belmullet sits on a neck of land so narrow that a canal cuts clean across it, linking Blacksod Bay on one side to Broadhaven Bay on the other. Carter’s Canal, dug in the 1820s, still splits the town, and it takes about five minutes to walk from one salt-water bay to the other. This is the capital of Erris, the Gaeltacht barony that The Irish Times voted the best place in Ireland to go wild – and the town itself (Béal an Mhuirthead, population just over 1,000) is where you stock up, sleep and eat before heading out onto the Mullet Peninsula proper. About half the residents can hold a conversation in Irish.
If you have one afternoon, spend it on the peninsula – Erris Head or the beaches at Elly Bay – rather than in the town, which is a working service town on the Wild Atlantic Way rather than a sight in its own right.
History
The origins of Belmullet’s name are debated. It likely derives from Béal Muileat or Béal an Mhuileat (“mouth of the isthmus”), though some suggest a later phonetic shift to Béal an Mhuirthead. The settlement began in the early 18th century when Sir Arthur Shaen commissioned a small town and a canal (later known as Shaen’s Cut) to give vessels safe passage between the bays. By the 1820s, William Henry Carter inherited Shaen’s lands and hired engineer Patrick Knight to lay out a formal town plan. Knight published his design in his 1836 treatise Erris in the Irish Highlands, describing Belmullet as a “mirage in the desert” positioned between two sheltered bays. A new pier, completed in 1825, allowed 100-ton vessels to dock, and a post office opened in 1820, signalling rapid growth.
During the 19th century, the town expanded with a courthouse (1833), a Roman-Catholic chapel (1832) and a Protestant church (1843). The Great Famine devastated the area, swelling the local workhouse population to 3,000 at its peak. Later, the Land League held monster meetings in Belmullet, and the town played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence and Civil War, with several local RIC officers killed in the early 1920s and Republican courts operating briefly in the town.
The town is often linked to John Millington Synge, said to have drawn on the area for The Playboy of the Western World and the poem “Danny”, though the details of any visit are hazy. Its literary and Irish-language heritage now runs through Áras Inis Gluaire, a bilingual arts centre, library and theatre opened in 2007.
What to See & Do
Town Centre & Heritage
- Carter Square – the historic market square offers sweeping views of both bays and is the starting point for many walks.
- Belmullet Docks – recently renovated with new seating, greenery and interpretive signage; ideal for a leisurely stroll along the canal.
- Belmullet Tidal Pool – a man-made sea pool on Shore Road, a 12-minute walk south of the square (there’s parking for pool users only). It’s lifeguarded in summer and runs swimming lessons; Tripadvisor reviewers ranked it fifth among the best tidal pools in Britain and Ireland.
- Áras Inis Gluaire – the town’s arts centre and theatre, with concerts, trad sessions and visual arts exhibitions.
- War of Independence Memorial on Pearse Street and the Dúlra agus Dúchas mural on the old handball alley, which picks out local biodiversity and heritage.
- SOLAS visitor centre – a recently opened centre out at Eachléim (Aughleam) on the peninsula, telling the story of Erris and its offshore islands.
- Glosh Tower – a Napoleonic-era signal tower on the Fallmore coast, one of a chain built to relay warnings along Ireland’s western seaboard.
Beaches & Coastal Walks
- Elly Bay (Blue Flag) – a sheltered sandy beach 9 km south of town, popular with families, surfers and kite-surfers. The whole bay is a Natural Heritage Area supporting rare waders and the Red-necked Phalarope.
- Mullaghroe Beach – a secluded curved beach 6 miles south, excellent for swimming, bird-watching and watersports; facilities include a small car park and toilets.
- Belderra Strand and Cross Strand – quiet sandy stretches near the Carne Golf Links, perfect for walking and occasional surf sessions.
- Falmore (Fál Mór) Beach – offers panoramic views of Achill Island and features a granite sculpture on the Tír Sáile sculpture trail.
- Barranagh Island Beach – a tidal-cutoff beach on the east side of the peninsula, accessible at low tide.
- Claggan Island – linked to the mainland by a narrow sand causeway; a tiny island community of eight residents, ideal for seal-spotting and coastal walks.
Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points
- Doonamo Point (Dún na mBó) – a dramatic blow-hole surrounded by a sculpture by Travis Price, dedicated to those lost at sea. The structure is part of the Tír Sáile trail and offers raw Atlantic views.
- Annagh Head – one of the oldest geological sites on the Wild Atlantic Way, with bedrock dating back 1.75 billion years and legends of the Children of Lir.
- Benwee Head – striking cliffs, stacks and arches overlooking Broadhaven Bay; a favourite spot for walkers and photographers.
Activities
- Fishing & Sea-Angling – both fresh-water and deep-sea angling are available from the harbour; local charter operators such as Belmullet Boat Charters offer trips to the Inishkea Islands, Achill and Inis Glora.
- Watersports – surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are popular at Elly Bay, Mullaghroe and the western side of the peninsula. The UISCE Adventure Centre provides lessons and equipment.
- Golf – Carne Golf Links, laid out by Eddie Hackett across some of the most dramatic dune land you’ll find anywhere, lies just outside town. It now runs to 27 holes and turns up regularly on lists of the world’s top 100 courses.
- Walking Trails – the Erris Head Loop (5 km), the Cross Loops (5.7 km Green, 7.6 km Blue) and the Carrowteige Loop Walks (Green, Blue Children of Lir, Red Black Ditch) take in coastal scenery, islands and sites out of local legend.
Festivals & Events
- Féile Iorras – the Erris arts festival, held over several days each July with music, dance, visual arts and community workshops; the town’s pubs get in on it too.
- Lá an Logha (Ladies’ Day) – a mid-August tradition, once a farmer’s market and courtship day, now a day of music and local crafts.
- Heritage Day – part of the August festival calendar, drawing back emigrants for a weekend of history talks, guided walks and traditional music.
Accommodation & Food
- Broadhaven Bay Hotel – a three-star hotel a short walk from the town centre, offering 90 rooms, a leisure club with a 25 m pool, spa facilities and on-site dining.
- Talbot Hotel – boutique four-star accommodation in the heart of Belmullet, with individually styled rooms, a restaurant and bar.
- Kemar House – a B&B 2.5 km from town, close to the Carne Golf Links, with free parking and Wi-Fi.
- Glamping Pods – en-suite pods with fire pits and Atlantic views, run under the “Further Space at Belmullet” initiative.
- Local eateries – An Builin Blasta (family-run bakery and café), The Cake Queen (coffee and cakes), and Western Strands Hotel & Bar (pub food and live music).
Practical Information
- Getting Here – Belmullet is served by Bus Éireann route 446, which runs daily (including Sundays) between Bangor Erris, Crossmolina and Ballina, with an extra Friday evening service from Ballina. Connections to the national rail network are available at Ballina. The nearest major airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (approximately 80 km north-west). Belmullet Aerodrome, located west of town, handles general aviation.
- Road Access – the town lies on the R313 and R314 regional roads; the Wild Atlantic Way passes directly through, making it easy to reach by car.
- Visitor Services – the Belmullet Community Tourist Office (part of Fáilte Ireland) provides up-to-date information on attractions, events and accommodation.
- Parking & Facilities – parking in the town is free but capped at two hours on Barrack Street, Carter Square, Main Street and American Street, so it’s no good for leaving the car all day. Most beaches have free car parks; Belderra Strand, Cross Strand and Mullaghroe provide basic toilet facilities. The tidal pool and many beaches have lifeguard-supervised periods in summer and a first-aid box on site.
- Accessibility – while the town centre is largely flat and wheelchair-friendly, some coastal walks (e.g., Benwee Head) involve uneven terrain. Mullaghroe Beach has limited wheelchair access but a buggy can be lifted onto the sand with assistance.
- Seasonality – the summer months (June-August) see the highest visitor numbers, with festivals and full boat-charter schedules. Autumn offers excellent surf conditions at Elly Bay and quieter beaches.
- Safety – tides can be strong at blowholes and tidal points; signage at Doonamo Point and the tidal pool advises on safe viewing distances. Always check tide tables before attempting to cross sandbanks or visit tidal islands.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballycroy National Park – just a short drive north, offering rugged mountain scenery, peat bogs and the Nephin Beg Range.
- Bangor Erris – a neighbouring coastal village with its own historic harbour and access to the challenging Bangor Trail.
- Carrowteige – the scenic village at the tip of the peninsula, a gateway to the dramatic cliffs of Benwee Head.
- Achill Island – reachable by ferry or charter boat, famous for its cliffs, beaches and the historic Achill Archaeological Field School.
- Ballina – the larger town to the east, known as the salmon capital of Ireland and a transport hub for the region.
Travel Tips
- Nearest Airport: Ireland West Airport Knock is approximately 80 km away (about a 1.5-hour drive). Shannon and Sligo airports are also viable options.
- Ferry & Boat Connections: Regular summer ferries operate from Blacksod Pier to the Inishkea Islands. Book charters in advance during peak season, as trips run weather-dependent.
- Dog-Friendly Beaches: Most beaches allow dogs off-season. Check local signage for seasonal restrictions, particularly at Blue Flag sites during summer bathing hours.
- Tidal Planning: The Belmullet Tidal Pool is only accessible and safe for swimming during specific tidal windows. Check the official pool schedule or local signage before visiting, and always allow extra time for return journeys on coastal trails that cross tidal causeways.