Erris Head | Mayo

Overview

Clew Bay, Co Mayo_NO TV USAGE Courtesy of Ugnius Brazdziunas, Failte Ireland

Perched at the northernmost point of the Mullet Peninsula, Erris Head (Irish: Ceann Iorrais) is a striking promontory that juts into the North Atlantic. The headland is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and is celebrated for its sheer cliffs, sweeping sea views and a rich tapestry of wildlife. Though there is no road to the summit, a modest car‑park at the edge of the fields marks the start of the popular Erris Head Loop Walk, a 5 km circuit that can be completed in under two hours.

The landscape is a blend of dry heath, wet flushes and grass‑covered slopes that support a variety of plants – from juniper and bearberry to the rare marsh helleborine orchid. Below the cliffs, the Atlantic teems with marine life; seals, porpoises and bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors, while the cliffs host breeding colonies of fulmars, great black‑backed gulls, peregrine falcons and the iconic Irish chough.

History & Conservation

Erris Head has long served as a maritime landmark, referenced by sailors and weather forecasters alike. During the Second World War a coast‑watch tower was erected in 1939 as part of a network of 82 navigational aids marked ‘ÉIRE 62’ that helped pilots identify neutral Ireland. The remnants of this lookout are still visible along the loop walk, offering a tangible link to the island’s wartime past.

Ecologically, the headland is protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive. The designation safeguards the dry heath community, the wet heath flushes, and the marine reserve that extends from the base of the cliffs into the Atlantic. This protection helps maintain the delicate balance that supports rare plants, amphibians such as the common frog, and a suite of bird species that attract birdwatchers from around the world.

Wildlife & Birdwatching

The cliffs are a breeding ground for several seabirds. In addition to the already‑mentioned fulmars and choughs, you may spot gannets and guillemots hunting over the water in summer. Barnacle geese graze the grasslands in winter, while Irish hares are a common sight darting across the heath. Marine mammals – seals, common dolphins and harbour porpoises – often surface close to the shoreline, especially on calm days.

For keen birdwatchers, the headland forms part of a larger migratory corridor, making spring and autumn excellent times for spotting passage birds. Bring binoculars and a field guide to make the most of the diverse avian life.

Walking Details & Waymarkers

The Erris Head Loop Walk follows an old earth bank that circles the headland. The route is well‑marked with black way‑marker posts topped by purple arrows, a system used on many Wild Atlantic Way trails. The total ascent is modest – about 528 ft (160 m) – but the ground can become boggy after rain, so sturdy waterproof boots are advisable.

A short wooden footbridge spans a small stream early in the walk, and a few stiles give access across fenced fields. Mid‑way, a viewpoint offers a clear sight of Eagle Island and its lighthouse. Near the top, the WWII watchtower and the faded ‘ÉIRE 62’ sign provide a historic backdrop for photos.

During the summer months a seasonal coffee van often parks beside the car‑park, offering drinks and light snacks for walkers.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (April–May) – Ideal for observing migratory passage birds such as wheatears and warblers.
Summer (June–August) – Best chance to see nesting choughs, fulmars and marine mammals; the footbridge and stiles are most accessible in dry weather.
Autumn (September–October) – Barnacle geese arrive, and the changing colours of the heath add visual interest.
Winter – While the walk is still open, expect more boggy sections and fewer bird colonies; the dramatic sea‑scapes remain striking.

Photography Tips

Sunrise: Position yourself at the stone‑built platform on the tip of the headland for low‑angle light on the cliffs and sea arches.
Sunset: The viewpoint looking towards Eagle Island captures the lighthouse bathed in golden light.
Wildlife: Use a telephoto lens and a tripod; early morning or late afternoon provides the softest light for birds and seals.
Historical backdrop: Frame the faded ‘ÉIRE 62’ markings with the Atlantic horizon for a compelling contrast of past and present.

Nearby Highlights

While the loop itself provides hours of scenery, the surrounding coastline adds extra points of interest:

Illandavuck Island – visible from the headland’s viewing platform, its rugged shape frames the sea arches.
Dún Bristle sea stack – a striking rock formation that broke away from the mainland in the 14th century, visible on clear days.
Ooghwee inlet – a sheltered inlet on the western side of the loop, ideal for spotting seals.
The Danish Cellar – a small, secluded harbour near the car‑park, its name hinting at historic Danish activity in the area.
Eagle Island lighthouse – a short visual treat from the midway viewpoint; the island itself lies a few kilometres offshore.

These sights can be enjoyed without leaving the loop, but they also make good extensions if you have extra time or a vehicle to explore the nearby coast.

What to See & Do

Wild Nephin National Park, Co Mayo Courtesy Christian McLeod

Scenic viewpoints – At the tip of the headland, a short stone‑built platform offers unobstructed panoramas of Broadhaven Bay, the rugged islands of Illandavuck and Pigeon Rock, and the dramatic sea arches that punctuate the coastline.
WWII Coast‑Watch Tower – The remains of the wartime observation post sit on a gentle rise, complete with the faded ‘ÉIRE 62’ markings that once guided Allied aircraft.
Wildlife spotting – Keep an eye out for nesting choughs on the cliffs, fulmars soaring overhead, and the occasional seal or dolphin playing in the surf below. In winter, barnacle geese graze the grasslands, while Irish hares can be seen darting across the heath.
Flora exploration – The dry heath supports juniper, bearberry and crowberry, while wet areas nurture blunt‑flowered rush and three species of sundew. The rare marsh helleborine orchid adds a splash of colour in late summer.
The Erris Head Loop Walk – The 5 km circuit follows an old earth bank, crosses a wooden footbridge, and weaves through stiles and a sheep track. The route is well‑marked and largely level, though sections can be boggy after rain.
Photography – The combination of Atlantic light, dramatic cliffs and wildlife makes the headland a photographer’s playground. The old lookout provides a compelling foreground for sunrise shots.

Practical Information

Item	Details
Access	No public road reaches the headland. From the R313, turn off after ~4 km north of Belmullet and follow signs to the Erris Head Loop Walk car‑park (near the hamlet of Glenlara).
Parking	Small free car‑park with space for around 8–11 cars (sources vary). A seasonal coffee van often operates here in summer.
Trail length	Approx. 5 km (3.1 mi) – a circular route that can be walked in 1.5–2 hours at an easy pace.
Difficulty	Easy to moderate; suitable for families and casual walkers. Boggy sections may require sturdy boots.
Surface	Predominantly grass and compacted earth; a wooden footbridge spans a small stream.
Navigation	Black way‑marker posts with purple arrows guide the route. A basic map (available at the car‑park) or a GPS app is advisable, especially in mist.
Facilities	No toilet facilities on‑site; the nearest public amenities are in Belmullet (≈9.5 km south).
Admission	Free entry – the headland is open to the public year‑round.
Accessibility	The walk involves uneven ground, stiles and a footbridge, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Best time to visit	Late spring to early autumn offers the richest bird activity and longer daylight for the loop walk.
Safety notes	The cliffs are sheer; keep children and pets away from the edge. In misty conditions, visibility can drop quickly, so stay on the marked path.

Getting There

Mulranny Beach, Co Mayo Courtesy Christian McLeod

By car: From Belmullet, take the R313 north for 4 km, then follow the local road signs to the car‑park. The drive offers scenic views of the Atlantic coastline.
Public transport: The nearest bus stop is in Belmullet; from there a local taxi can be arranged to the trailhead.
Nearby attractions: After the walk, consider visiting the Inishkea Islands, Elly Bay (a popular surf spot), or the historic Benwee Head for further coastal exploration.