Bills’ Rocks | Mayo

Overview

Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge — ©Tourism Ireland by Arthur Ward

Bills’ Rocks are a striking group of offshore stacks that jut 124 feet (38 m) above the Atlantic, situated roughly nine miles south‑west of Achill Island in County Mayo. Designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EU Birds Directive (site code 004177), the rocks provide vital nesting grounds for storm petrels and Atlantic puffins. The site is open to the public at no charge, but because the rocks sit in open sea they can only be approached by boat and are best viewed when the Atlantic is calm.

The surrounding seascape is a haven for anglers – the reefs host coalfish, dab, grey and tub gurnard, hake, megrim, pollack and the occasional red sea bream. For wildlife enthusiasts, the cliffs and sea‑arches offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography, especially during the breeding season when puffins and storm petrels are most active.

History

Kildavnet-Castle-Achill-Island-Co-Mayo-02.JPG Gareth McCormack/garethmccormack.com, Tourism Ireland

The name “Bills’ Rocks” honours Danish Captain Mathias De Bille, commander of the Royal Danish Navy frigate Bornholm. In January 1782 a violent hurricane forced the vessel toward the Irish coast. Although the ship lost its foremast and bowsprit, De Bille skilfully steered it into Melcombe Bay near Newport, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision with the rocks. Several crew members perished from a fever that later claimed the captain’s life; he died in Newport on St Patrick’s Day 1782 and was buried with military honours. In gratitude, the Danish royal family funded the construction of the landmark De Bille House on Newport’s Main Street.

Local folklore adds a further layer of intrigue. An old legend links the rocks to the lost continent of Atlantis, citing Plato’s description of a great island swallowed by the sea. More recently, the 19th‑century fishing community of Dooega celebrated the rocks in the ballad Amhar na mBioll, recounting a daring winter fishing expedition led by the legendary seafarer Donnacha Rua Mac Cárthaigh. The story culminated in a dramatic rescue guided by a bright “star” rock near the Bills, a narrative now commemorated each June at the inaugural Féile na mBiollaí, which includes a passenger ferry trip to the rocks.

Wildlife & Conservation

Birds

The SPA status protects two key seabird species. Historical notes from the British Birds journal (1939) record that storm petrels and puffins were already breeding on the rocks over a century ago, confirming the long‑standing importance of the site. Today, visitors can spot:

Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) – small, dark‑backed birds that skim the sea surface at dusk.
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) – colourful beaked birds nesting in the cliff crevices, most visible from May to early July.

Marine Life

The underwater landscape around Bills’ Rocks is a popular dive site. According to dive‑site listings, the north face of the eastern stack drops to almost 50 m, offering ledges and crevices colonised by anemones, sponges and crustaceans. Typical sightings include:

Fish: mackerel, pollock, wrasse, lobster, and occasional red sea bream.
Molluscs & Invertebrates: colourful sea anemones and brittlestars.
Mammals: occasional sightings of grey seals and, in the autumn months, fin and humpback whales feeding on herring shoals nearby (Irish Times, 2004).

Visitors are asked to respect the SPA guidelines: keep a safe distance from nesting birds, avoid disturbing marine life, and take all litter ashore.

Diving at Bills’ Rocks

Scuba diving operators based in Achill and Newport run day‑trip dives to Bills’ Rocks from May through September, when visibility is typically good. The site is noted for:

Depth: up to 50 m on the steep north face.
Terrain: a mix of vertical walls, sea‑arches and submerged ledges.
Marine biodiversity: abundant kelp, anemones and schooling fish.

Divers should be comfortable with open‑water conditions and be prepared for Atlantic swells. Most operators provide brief safety talks and equipment checks before departure. No specific dive centre website was found; interested visitors should contact local charter companies in Achill Harbour.

Whale Watching

Fin and humpback whales have been recorded off the coast near Bills’ Rocks, especially during the peak feeding period of October‑November. A 2004 Irish Times report described a pod of fin whales spotted about five miles south‑east of the rocks while gannets fed on herring. While sightings are not guaranteed, the area is recognised by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group as a hotspot for seasonal whale activity.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (April‑June): Puffin and storm‑petrel breeding season – optimal for birdwatching.
June: Féile na mBiollaí – a local festival featuring a ferry trip, traditional music and a communal lunch (ticket €28).
Summer (July‑August): Best conditions for boat trips, fishing and diving.
Autumn (September‑November): Increased chances of spotting fin and humpback whales.

What to See & Do

Scenic Views – Circle the rocks by boat to admire the double sea‑arch that frames the Atlantic horizon. On clear days the arch creates a natural window for spotting marine life below the surface.
Birdwatching – Use binoculars to watch storm petrels and Atlantic puffins.
Fishing – Cast from a charter deck for coalfish, dab, gurnard, hake, megrim, pollack and occasional red sea bream.
Cultural Experience – Join the €28 ferry excursion for Féile na mBiollaí; the guided talk recounts the Donnacha Rua legend and the 1782 Danish rescue.
Photography – The rugged limestone formations, sea‑arch light play and colourful puffins provide compelling subjects.
Diving – Explore the vertical walls and marine life up to 50 m deep (see Diving section).
Whale watching – Autumn trips may bring sightings of fin or humpback whales.

Key Species

Category	Species
Birds (SPA)	Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus)
Birds (SPA)	Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
Fish (Recreational)	Coalfish, Dab, Grey & Tub Gurnard, Hake, Megrim, Pollack, Red Sea Bream
Marine (Dive)	Mackerel, Pollock, Wrasse, Lobster, Anemones, Grey Seal

Practical Information

Mulranny Beach, Co Mayo Courtesy Christian McLeod

Bills’ Rocks have no built‑in facilities, ticket office or opening hours – the site is freely accessible from the water. The most reliable way to reach the rocks is via a private boat hire from Achill Island or Newport, or by joining the seasonal ferry service that runs during the Féile na mBiollaí weekend in late June. Because the rocks sit in open Atlantic waters, safe access requires calm sea conditions; local operators will advise on suitability on the day of departure.

Getting There

By Car – Park in Achill Harbour or in Newport; both locations offer short walks to boat launch points.
By Boat – Private charters typically depart from Achill Harbour (coordinates 53.8731° N, ‑10.2072° W). The journey to the rocks takes about 30 minutes.
Ferry (Festival) – Tickets €28, include lunch and a guided talk. Pre‑booking is strongly recommended. Contact Achill Tourism on 098 20400 for reservations.

Admission – Free for self‑guided visits; the ferry service charges a fee as noted above.

Safety & Conservation – As a Natura 2000 SPA, visitors must keep a safe distance from nesting birds, avoid litter, and refrain from bringing dogs onto the rocks. Sea conditions can change rapidly; always follow the advice of the boat crew.

Coordinates – Latitude 53.8731 N, Longitude ‑10.2072 W (as listed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service).

Nearby Attractions

Achill Island – Explore the dramatic cliffs, beaches and the historic Achill Archaeological Field School for a deeper sense of the island’s past.
Ballycroy National Park – Just a short drive north, this wild‑nephin park offers forest walks, waterfalls and the chance to spot red deer.
Bartragh Island – A short boat ride away, this uninhabited island provides additional bird‑watching opportunities.