Overview
Broadhaven Bay (Irish: Cuan an Inbhir) is a natural Atlantic bay on the north‑western edge of County Mayo. Its mouth faces north, spanning roughly 8.6 km between Erris Head and Kid Island. The coastline is a patchwork of Atlantic blanket bog, machair, white‑sand beaches and sheer cliffs, most famously the Benwee Head promontory. The bay shelters the town of Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead), the commercial heart of the Erris barony, and supports a low‑density population that lives in the small inlets and villages that dot the shore.
History
The waters of Broadhaven Bay have long been a theatre of maritime drama. In the 16th century several ships of the Spanish Armada foundered here, and local lore tells of pirates stashing treasure from the wrecks. In the early 18th century Sir Arthur Shaen attempted to turn the marshy Mullet Peninsula into a thriving town by excavating a canal linking Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays. Although the canal was finally completed in 1851, it fell into disuse by the mid‑19th century.
The bay’s modern navigational aid, Broadhaven Lighthouse, was first lit on 1 June 1855. Built of local grey stone, the 15‑metre tower originally displayed a fixed third‑order dioptric light visible for twelve miles. It was converted to electric operation in 1977 and today flashes an Iso WR 4s character, with a white sector reaching 17 nautical miles.
In the 21st century the bay entered the headlines again as the proposed route for the Corrib Gas Project, a controversial offshore pipeline that has been repeatedly rejected by An Bord Pleanála.
Wildlife & Conservation
Broadhaven Bay is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (site code 000472) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its intertidal habitats. The EU Habitats Directive lists four key marine/coastal habitat types present here: Atlantic salt‑marsh, tidal mudflats, reefs and large shallow bays. The inner inlet, Sruth Fada Conn Bay, is especially important for wintering wildfowl and breeding terns.
Marine mammals are abundant: the bay regularly hosts all five Annex II species recorded in Irish waters – common bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise, gray seal, common seal and the European otter. Subtidal surveys have recorded 72 marine species, including rare anemones (Parazoanthus anguicomus), the crab Pirimela denticulata and the oyster Ostrea edulis.
Birdwatchers can expect large numbers of brent geese, red‑breasted merganser, ringed plover, sanderling, dunlin, bar‑tailed godwit and other waders on the extensive mudflats and salt‑marshes.
What to See & Do
- Benwee Head (Barr na Binne Bui) – This Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way offers sweeping views of the Stags of Broadhaven, the lighthouse and the open Atlantic. The walk is well‑marked and provides excellent photo opportunities. (Activeme guide)
- The Stags of Broadhaven – A cluster of five jagged islands rising over 100 m above sea level just off Benwee Head. The central island, Teach Dónal Ó’Cléirigh, shelters puffins, storm petrels and Leach’s petrels. A narrow sea‑cave bisects one rock, making the site popular with divers and canoeists.
- White‑sand beaches – Carrowteige/Rinroe, Glengad and Inver boast some of the most pristine sandy stretches in north‑west Mayo, ideal for a quiet walk or a picnic.
- Broadhaven Lighthouse – The white tower at Gubbacashel Point can be viewed from the shore; guided tours are occasionally offered by local heritage groups (check local listings for current times).
- Sailing & Anchoring – The bay provides a safe summer anchorage for yachts, with two main western coves (north of Gubaknockan Point and at Ballyglass pier) and two eastern spots (off Iver Point and Iver Hamlet). The seabed offers a minimum depth of 3 m, and fresh water is available at Ballyglass pier.
- Wildlife watching – Early morning or late‑afternoon trips to the mudflats reveal flocks of wintering waterfowl, while boat trips often spot dolphins and seals.
- Cultural stops – Visit the historic town of Belmullet for shops, the 90‑room Broadhaven Bay Hotel, and the RNLI lifeboat station at Ballyglass.
Anchorages & Facilities (excerpt from eOceanic)
| Location | Depth (m) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Gubaknockan Point (west) | ≥3 | Tap water, slipway, toilet |
| Ballyglass pier (west) | ≥3 | Tap water, showers (by arrangement), public house |
| Iver Point (east) | ≥3 | No permanent facilities |
| Iver Hamlet (east) | ≥3 | Limited shelter |
Seasonal Highlights
The bay is busiest for sailing between April and October, when the Atlantic is calmer and the Stags of Broadhaven are most accessible for diving and sea‑caving. Winter months (November‑March) bring larger numbers of migratory waterfowl to the mudflats, making it an excellent period for birdwatching. Early summer sees the first sightings of bottlenose dolphins as they follow fish schools into the inlet.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballyglass – A small harbour village with a pier, public house and the RNLI lifeboat station. Ideal for a quick coffee break before heading out on the water.
- Bangor Erris – A coastal village a short drive north, offering a traditional pub, craft shops and access to the rugged Bangor Trail for experienced walkers.
- Bangor Trail – One of Mayo’s most challenging long‑distance walks, crossing the mountains and bogs of Erris; sections start near the bay and provide spectacular coastal vistas.
Practical Information
Getting there – The bay lies about 32 miles west of Ballina. The main road is the R313 which passes through Belmullet. From Dublin, take the M6 to Castlebar, then the N59 to Ballina and follow the R313 westward.
Parking – Free parking is available at the Belmullet town centre car park and at the Ballyglass pier area. Limited spaces exist at Benwee Head car park during peak summer weekends.
Accommodation – The three‑star Broadhaven Bay Hotel in Belmullet offers 90 rooms, a 25‑metre pool, spa facilities and a restaurant serving locally sourced Irish cuisine. (Hotel website)
Safety & Services – The RNLI lifeboat station at Ballyglass provides emergency assistance. Fresh water, fuel (by jerry‑can), and basic provisions are available in Belmullet. Showers are accessible at the lifeboat station with prior permission.
Conservation – Visitors are encouraged to respect the SAC and SPA designations: avoid disturbing nesting birds, do not collect shells or marine life, and stay on marked paths when exploring cliffs.
Navigation – Mariners should note the exposed rock known as Monastery Rock on the western side of the entrance. The lighthouse’s light characteristic is Iso WR 4s, with a white range of 17 nm and red range of 12 nm.
Further reading – For detailed conservation objectives see the NPWS site synopsis (PDF).
Broadhaven Bay blends raw Atlantic power with delicate ecosystems, historic intrigue and a sense of spacious solitude that makes it a must‑see destination on any Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.