Overview
Doohoma is a small Gaeltacht village perched on a peninsula that thrusts into Blacks Bay on County Mayo’s north‑west coast. The settlement comprises the central village and six surrounding hamlets, offering uninterrupted Atlantic vistas of Achill Island and the Mullet Peninsula. Its long, sandy strand – An Ceann Ramhar (Doohoma Head) – is a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, prized by surfers, kite‑boarders and anyone who loves open sea horizons. Overlooking the same waters, Doohoma Golf Club provides a dramatic cliff‑edge backdrop for a unique links‑style golfing experience.
History & Background
The community’s story is tightly woven with the hardships of the 19th‑century Great Famine: the population fell from 455 in 1841 to 218 by 1851 and emigration has remained a defining feature ever since. A modest road finally reached the townland in 1847, and a volunteer‑built access road to the local cemetery was tarred only in 1989. Fishing dominated the early economy, and in the 1970s Eagle Isle Seafoods began exporting smoked Atlantic salmon, underscoring the village’s connection to the sea. The village gained national attention through an RTÉ documentary on emigration, and it is now recognised as a census town (population 112 in 2016).
The golf club is a more recent community initiative. Built and maintained by local volunteers, the nine‑hole Par 3 layout reflects the same self‑reliance that has characterised Doohoma for generations. The club quickly became a point of pride, described as a “hidden wonder” and poised to develop into a premier links destination.
What to See & Do
- An Ceann Ramhar (Doohoma Head) – A several‑kilometre sandy beach with sweeping views of Achill Island and Blacks Bay. Voted by The Irish Times as the best place in Ireland to “go wild”, it is a Wild Atlantic Way signature discovery point. (See also the dedicated page for An Ceann Ramhar.)
- Surfing and Watersports – Reliable Atlantic swell creates excellent surf breaks, while the flat‑water bays are ideal for kite‑surfing, sailing, wind‑surfing, paddle‑boarding and safe swimming.
- Doohoma Golf Club – An 18‑hole experience built on a compact 9‑hole Par 3 course. After the front nine, players return to a second set of tee boxes for a fresh angle on each green, creating a full 18‑hole round (total par 54, 2,328 yds). The course is mapped on the Hole19 app for GPS navigation. A modest clubhouse offers a cosy spot for a drink after a round, and a small practice area provides a driving net and short‑game bunker. The club is entirely volunteer‑run, and locals are happy to share tips.
- Coastal Ring Road – A 12‑mile loop that skirts the entire peninsula, granting easy access to secluded coves, shell‑collecting beaches and panoramic pull‑outs for photography.
- Local Pubs and Cuisine – The Sea Rod Inn (Barrett’s) and Tra Bui (Holmes’s) serve hearty Irish fare and host traditional music sessions. The Sea Rod Inn also houses a fully stocked shop for provisions and offers nine ensuite bedrooms with central heating.
- Nature Walks – Dunes, salt‑marshes and low‑lying hills change colour with the light, a landscape that inspired Paul Henry’s paintings and provides excellent walking and bird‑watching opportunities. Parts of the walk lie within Ballycroy National Park, offering chances to spot coastal wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Doohoma sits within easy reach of several other highlights on the north‑west Mayo coastline:
- Achill Island – Just a short drive across the bridge, the island offers dramatic cliffs, historic sites and the famous Keem Bay beach.
- Ballycroy (Wild Nephin) National Park – A short 30‑minute drive inland brings you to Ireland’s largest national park, renowned for its blanket bogs, walking trails and wildlife.
- Mullet Peninsula – The neighbouring peninsula provides additional sandy beaches, the historic Mullet Lighthouse and the scenic Mullet Head viewpoint.
Practical Information
- Access – The peninsula is linked to the Erris mainland by a single narrow isthmus at Geesala. The main approach is the L1206 local road, about 10 km from the village centre.
- Parking – Free parking is available beside the beach and at the sports complex adjacent to the strand.
- Accommodation – The Sea Rod Inn provides nine ensuite bedrooms, making it a convenient base for golfers and beach‑goers alike.
- Facilities – The golf club’s clubhouse offers refreshments; a practice area with a driving net and short‑game bunker is adjacent. The course is volunteer‑run, and locals are happy to share tips.
- Connectivity – The Hole19 app provides GPS‑guided navigation of all 18 holes.
- Seasonality – The Atlantic swell is reliable year‑round, but the best surf conditions are typically from late spring to early autumn. The golf course is open year‑round, weather permitting.
Doohoma’s blend of wild coastline, vibrant community spirit and a cliff‑edge golf experience makes it a compelling stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.