Overview
The Mullet Peninsula (an Mhuirthead) juts out of north‑west County Mayo, forming a dog‑legged promontory between Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay. It stretches roughly 30 km long and 12 km wide, narrowing to just 50 m at its thinnest point near Elly Bay. With a population of just under 4,000, the area is a sparsely‑settled Gaeltacht where Irish is heard daily in villages such as Belmullet, Aughleam, Elly and Binghamstown. Its quartzite cliffs, sweeping sand dunes, four historic lighthouses and a string of award‑winning beaches make it a standout segment of the Wild Atlantic Way.
History & Heritage
The peninsula’s name may derive from the Irish muileat (“the isthmus”) or from an English reference to the fish‑shaped heraldic mullet. Human presence dates back to the 5th century monastic settlement of St Brendan on Inishglora, and the early Christian church of St Dairbhile, whose well is still reputed to cure eye ailments. The Spanish Armada ship La Rata Santa Maria Encoronada sank off Blacksod Bay in 1588, its wreck still a point of interest for divers.
Napoleonic‑era signal towers dot the coastline – the most visible being Glosh Tower on Termon Hill. Medieval ruins include Cross Abbey (c. 1200 AD) overlooking the sea, and the early‑Christian St Dervla Chapel and a solitary high‑cross near the southern tip.
The Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre in Aughleam has been expanded into Solas – the Light Visitor Centre (opening summer 2024). Solas will showcase the peninsula’s geology, language, emigration stories and maritime heritage, with exhibits on the four lighthouses, a currach and a lighthouse lens. (Website: eachleim.ie/solas)
Sculpture Trail & Landscape Art
Since 1993 the North Mayo Sculpture Trail (Tír Sáile) has been the largest public arts project in Ireland. Four permanent sculptures are scattered across the peninsula, including the striking Travis Price blow‑hole sculpture at Doonamo Point. Near Fallmore lies Deirble’s Twist, a large stone circle that forms a quiet contemplative spot on the southern edge of the peninsula.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Erris Head Loop | 5 km coastal loop with dramatic Atlantic vistas, WWII “EIRE” sign, and chances to hear the rare corncrake. | Trailhead off the R313 near Belmullet; free parking at the headland. Dogs not permitted (sheep grazing). |
| Annagh Head | 1.75 billion‑year‑old bedrock, views of Eagle Island and the mythic Inishglora (Children of Lir burial). | Short walk from the Annagh Head car park. |
| Doonamo Point Blow‑hole & Sculpture | Travis Price’s 2002 sculpture commemorating lost seafarers; powerful blow‑hole at high tide. | Parking and a pedestrian gate at the cliff‑top; stay behind safety rail. |
| Glosh Tower | 19th‑century signal tower with panoramic views of Blacksod Bay and interior dunes. | Walk up Termon Hill from the nearby car park. |
| St Dairbhile’s Church & Well | Ruined medieval church and holy well reputed to cure eye problems. | A short drive south from Aughleam; free parking. |
| Blacksod Lighthouse | 1865 granite tower, historic D‑Day weather report, SAR helicopter refuelling base. | Tours (30 min) €7 per person; book via https://blacksodlighthouse.ie. |
| Ballyglass Lighthouse | Small stone tower on the north‑eastern tip of the peninsula, offering coastal views. | Accessible from the Ballyglass car park on the R313. |
| Eagle Island Lighthouse | Isolated beacon 1 km off the north‑west coast; part of the four‑lighthouse network. | Best viewed from Doonamo Point; boat trips optional. |
| Inishkea Islands (North & South) | Uninhabited islands with 6th‑century monastic ruins, stone cottages, seal colonies (300 pups annually) and birdlife. | Boat trips depart from Blacksod Pier – Blacksod Sea Safari (https://blacksodseasafari.ie) €40 full‑day / €25 half‑day; also available via Geraghty Charters (003 539 785 741). |
| Inishglora Island | Early‑Christian monastic site, beehive huts, St Brendan’s Well and cross slabs; linked to the Children of Lir legend. | Seasonal boat service from Blacksod Pier (Geraghty Charters). |
| Beaches | Elly Bay (sheltered family beach, Blue Flag), Mullaghroe (surf‑friendly, Blue Flag), Belderra Strand, Cross Strand, Emlybeg, Barranagh Island (tidal). | Most have free parking; Mullaghroe’s car park is small and not wheelchair‑accessible. |
| Water Sports | Kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, kite‑surfing – especially from Elly Bay. | Equipment and lessons from the Uisce Adventure Centre (website not provided). |
| Fishing | Blacksod Bay (tope, monkfish, ray), Cross Lake (rainbow & brown trout). | Charter boats available locally; permits for Cross Lake sold at the lakeshore. |
| Golf | Carne Golf Links – challenging links course near Belderra Strand. | Open year‑round; tee‑times booked via the club’s website. |
| Belmullet Tidal Pool | Man‑made, tidal‑filled pool with lifeguard supervision in summer; swimming lessons offered. | Walk from Belmullet town centre along Shore Road; free entry. |
| Carrowteige Loop Walks | Three colour‑coded routes (Green ≈ 5 km, Blue ≈ 10 km “Children of Lir”, Red ≈ 13 km) offering cliff‑top views, the Stags of Broadhaven and the Benwee Head headland. | Start from Carrowteige village; free parking at the summer school. |
| Cross Loops Walk | 5.7 km Green Loop and 7.6 km Blue Loop linking Cross Abbey, Cross Beach and Inishglora views. | Trailhead at the Cross Abbey car park. |
| Claggan Island Glamping | 150‑acre island with eco‑pods, restored coastguard station, sea‑cave and wildlife (otters, seals). | Reach via a sand causeway from Belmullet; pods run by Laurence Howard (prices from €120 per night, minimum two nights). |
| An Builin Blasta Café | Family‑run bakery in Belmullet serving cakes, breads and hot drinks since 1932 – ideal for a snack before a walk. | Central Belmullet, open daily. |
Wildlife
The peninsula is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA). Summer visitors may hear the plaintive “crex‑crex” of the endangered corncrake, spot gannets, shearwaters and wintering barnacle geese, or watch grey seals and occasional dolphins from the Inishkea boat tours. The Stags of Broadhaven – a quartet of steep rocky islands off Benwee Head – host large seabird colonies.
Practical Information
Getting there – The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC). From there, drive the N59 to Ballina, then follow the R313 into Belmullet. The narrow isthmus connecting the peninsula to the mainland is well‑signed.
Public transport – Bus Éireann route 446 runs daily (including Sundays) between Ballina and Belmullet, with a single service each way and an extra Friday‑evening run from Ballina. Connections to other towns (Crossmolina, Bellacorick) are available at Ballina.
Parking – Most beaches and trailheads have free car parks. Mullaghroe’s car park is limited; early arrival in summer is advisable. The Benwee Head car park has a short, steep access road – suitable for most vehicles but not for large coaches.
Accommodation – Options range from the modern dormer bungalow Bru Chlann Lir (near Elly Beach, €120 per night, includes sauna) to self‑catering cottages, glamping pods on Claggan Island, and hotels such as the Talbot Hotel in Belmullet (thetalbothotel.ie, doubles from €120). The Carne Golf Links also offers on‑site lodging.
Admission & Fees
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blacksod Lighthouse tour | €7 per person | 30‑minute guided visit; book in advance. |
| Inishkea Island boat trips (Blacksod Sea Safari) | €40 full‑day / €25 half‑day | Includes guide, picnic, seal‑watching. |
| Uisce Adventure Centre lessons | Varies | Contact centre for current rates. |
| Solas Visitor Centre | Free (opening summer 2024) | Check the website for opening hours. |
Seasonality – May to September offers the mildest weather, the longest daylight, and the best chance to hear corncrakes. Boat tours to the islands run most of the summer season; some facilities (e.g., lifeguard‑supervised pools) operate only in peak months.
Language – Irish is the everyday language in the Gaeltacht; road signs and many shop owners use Irish. A simple “Dia dhuit” is warmly welcomed.
Safety – The blow‑hole at Doonamo Point can be dangerous at high tide; stay behind the safety rail. Seals and seabirds are protected – keep a respectful distance. Dogs are not permitted on Erris Head and some other grazing areas.
Nearby places worth a detour – Consider a day‑trip to the Bangor Trail for a rugged inland walk, or visit Belmullet itself for more shops, pubs and the tidal pool. The Aasleagh Falls and Ashford Falconry School are also within easy driving distance.
Enjoy the raw beauty, quiet villages and deep‑rooted culture of the Mullet Peninsula – a place where the Atlantic wind, ancient stone and Irish song meet.