Ben Head

Overview

Ben Head (also known as Benwee Head or the “Yellow Cliffs”) sits on a remote headland in the north‑west of County Mayo. Rising to roughly 300 metres, the sheer limestone cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic, creating one of the most powerful coastal panoramas on the Wild Atlantic Way. From the parking area beside the Children of Lir sculpture you can set out on a series of marked tracks that wind along the edge of the headland, offering uninterrupted views of the sea, the jagged Stags of Broadhaven islets, and, on a clear day, the distant silhouettes of Slieve League.

History & Background

The landscape around Ben Head has been shaped by millennia of Atlantic storms, but human history has left its own marks. During the Second World War an army observation hut was erected on the headland, part of a network of coastal watchpoints that monitored the seas for any sign of enemy vessels. Nearby you will also find a distinctive “EIRE” neutrality marking, a reminder that Ireland maintained a policy of non‑alignment throughout the conflict. The cliffs themselves have long been a navigation landmark for fishermen, and the striking yellow hue of the rock has earned the site its colourful nickname.

What to See & Do

• Cliff‑top vistas – At the summit the cliffs drop sheer into the ocean, revealing sea stacks, natural arches and the iconic Stags of Broadhaven, a quartet of steep islets that rise almost 100 metres above sea level and serve as an important bird‑watching site.
• Kid Island – From the top of the headland the tiny Kid Island is visible, a perfect subject for a quick photo stop.
• Children of Lir sculpture – The small parking area is anchored by this striking piece of public art, offering a convenient launch point for the walks.
• Benwee Loop Walk – This 11.3 km loop is a strenuous, five‑hour trek that starts and finishes in the Gaeltacht village of Carrowteige (Carrowteigue). The trail follows dry bog tracks and open bogland before climbing the headland. Way‑marking is provided by purple arrows on a white background, and the route is clearly signposted throughout.
• Historical points – Along the loop you will pass the WWII observation hut and the EIRE neutrality sign, both of which are easy to spot thanks to the trail’s good signage.
• Wildlife – The offshore Stags of Broadhaven attract seabirds such as guillemots and razorbills, making the area a rewarding spot for bird‑watchers.

Trail Details (Benwee Loop Walk)

Getting There

Ben Head is accessed via the R311 regional road that runs between Belmullet and Carrowteige. The nearest sizable town is Belmullet (about 15 km east), which offers a range of B&Bs, cafés and a bus service from major towns such as Castlebar. From Belmullet you can drive north on the R311; the turn‑off for the Children of Lir car‑park is clearly sign‑posted. Parking is free but limited to a small lot, so arriving early in the summer months is advisable. The site is wheelchair‑accessible to the car‑park, but the walking routes involve uneven, boggy ground and steep ascents and are therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The cliffs and offshore islets provide a haven for seabirds. In addition to guillemots and razorbills, you may spot kittiwakes, fulmars and, during migration periods, puffins. The surrounding bogland supports a variety of flora such as heather and bog cotton. Occasionally, dolphins and porpoises can be seen farther out on the Atlantic, especially in the early mornings.

Best Time to Visit

The walk is most enjoyable in the late spring to early autumn (May‑September) when daylight hours are long and the weather is relatively dry. Spring brings the arrival of migratory birds, making it a prime time for birdwatchers. Summer offers the best chance of clear views of the Stags of Broadhaven, while autumn can bring dramatic cloud formations over the cliffs. The bog tracks become slippery after heavy rain, so check the weather forecast before setting out.

Nearby Attractions

• Ballycroy National Park – Roughly 30 km north, offering extensive forest walks and the famous Bangor Trail.
• Belmullet – A coastal Gaeltacht town with shops, eateries and a harbour.
• An Ceann Ramhar (Doohoma Head) – Another striking headland a short drive east, popular for its own sea‑stack views.
• Stags of Broadhaven – The iconic islets can be viewed from Ben Head or taken on a short boat trip from Carrowteige.

Practical Information

Ben Head is freely accessible every day; there is no admission charge. Parking is available at the Children of Lir sculpture car park, which is free and provides easy access to the trailhead. The loop walk is marked with purple arrows, and the GPS coordinates for the headland are 54.336807 N, ‑9.818881 W. Dogs are welcome on the trail, and the route is suitable for experienced hikers who are comfortable with steep ascents and exposed sections. The walk is best undertaken in dry weather, as the bog tracks can become slippery after rain. For more detailed route information, maps and the latest conditions, visit the official Discover Ireland page linked above.

The Benwee Loop Walk forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way, making it an ideal addition to a broader coastal road trip through Mayo, Sligo and Donegal. Whether you are chasing dramatic sea‑cliff photography, historic wartime relics, or simply the exhilaration of standing atop a 300‑metre headland, Ben Head delivers an unforgettable Irish wilderness experience.