Stags of Broadhaven

Overview

The Stags of Broadhaven (Irish: Na Stácaí) are a cluster of five steep‑sided rock islands perched on the edge of Broadhaven Bay, about 2–3 km north of the Benwee Head cliffs in County Mayo. Rising to nearly 100 metres above sea level, the stacks dominate the horizon and are visible from the Erris Head loop walk. Their remote position – roughly 2.5 km from Portacloy Harbour and 4 km from the nearest road exit at Portacloy – makes them a pristine, uninhabited sanctuary for seabirds and a magnet for adventurous kayakers, divers and climbers.

The individual stacks are:

• Teach Dónal Ó Cléirigh – the highest at 97 m
• Teach Mór – 93 m
• Teach Beg – 71 m
• An t‑Oighean – 78 m
• Carraig na Faola – 30–45 m (the smallest stack)

Kid Island lies further east in the bay and is not part of the Stags group.

History & Legends

While the islands have never supported permanent habitation, they were grazed for a short summer period until the 1960s, a reminder of the modest agricultural use of many Irish sea stacks. Local tradition calls the rocks “stags” of the sea, a name that has endured for centuries.

The waters around the Stags have a dramatic maritime past. During the 16th‑century Spanish Armada several ships foundered in Broadhaven Bay, and wreckage from those vessels still lies on the seabed. Folklore also speaks of 18th‑century rapparees using nearby Kid Island as a hide‑out, adding a colourful pirate legend to the area.

Geology

The Stags are composed of semi‑pelitic schist, a hard metamorphic rock that resists erosion and has given the stacks their sheer faces and sea‑arch formations. This rock type is locally referred to as “Stags of Broadhaven Schist”. Over millennia, Atlantic wave action has sculpted the cliffs, creating the dramatic east‑to‑west tunnel through An Teach Beg and a series of natural sea arches on the other stacks.

Conservation Designations

The islands lie within a Special Protection Area (SPA) designated for breeding seabirds. Broadhaven Bay itself is a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), a status granted in 2000, and forms part of a wider EU‑protected network that includes tidal mudflats, reefs and salt‑marshes. These designations safeguard both the terrestrial and marine habitats that support a remarkable diversity of wildlife.

Wildlife

The Stags support a nationally important seabird colony. Notable breeding species include:

Additional seabirds recorded in the wider area include shags, cormorants, peregrine falcons and various terns. Marine mammals are regular visitors to Broadhaven Bay, with common bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoises, grey seals and harbour seals often seen from the water’s surface. The nutrient‑rich waters also host rare anemones (Parazoanthus anguicomus), soft corals (Alcyonium glomeratum), the uncommon crab Pirimela denticulata and a variety of sponges and kelp.

What to See & Do

Kayaking & Paddle‑boarding

The Stags are celebrated as a world‑class kayaking destination. A typical outing begins at Portacloy Harbour, involving a 7‑kilometre round‑trip sea passage. Paddlers enjoy silent, open‑water cruising, narrow channels that amplify swell, and the chance to land on sheltered coves. From the summits you can take in panoramic views of the Atlantic and the surrounding blanket‑bog landscape.

Climbing & Caving

Each stack offers unique climbing challenges. Teach Dónal Ó Cléirigh provides solid rock and dramatic sea arches. An Teach Beg is split by a natural east‑to‑west tunnel, a memorable passage for both climbers and paddlers. Carraig na Faola, though smaller, presents steep, exposed faces.

Diving & Sub‑Aqua Exploration

The clear, nutrient‑rich waters attract divers keen to explore marine habitats, rare anemones, soft corals and the underwater cave systems that thread the stacks.

Bird‑watching

Early‑morning visits are ideal for spotting puffins, storm‑petrels and other seabirds. The SPA status ensures the colonies are protected, offering reliable sightings during late spring and early summer.

Access & Getting There

The Stags are a natural, un‑managed site with free entry. There are no facilities on the islands themselves; access is solely by watercraft.

• Launch point: Portacloy Harbour (limited parking for locals; no formal car‑park). From the R314 road follow signs to the harbour – about 4 km from the nearest village.
• Typical route: A 7 km round‑trip paddle out to the stacks, landing on the sheltered coves of each island.
• Guided tours: Local sea‑kayak operators run day trips from Portacloy during the kayaking season (late May – early October). Check recent listings for current providers.
• Safety: The Atlantic swell can be strong and the narrow channels amplify wave action. Only experienced paddlers should attempt the crossing in anything other than calm conditions. Swimmers should be prepared for cold water (≈12 °C) and may need to swim ashore.
• Tides & weather: Consult tide tables and the Met Éireann forecast before setting out. The area is exposed to winds from south to north and can become hazardous during storms such as the occasional orange‑level warnings issued by Met Éireann.

Visiting Tips

• Best time for birds: Late May to early July when puffins and storm‑petrels are nesting.
• Best time for water sports: May to September, when daylight hours are longest and sea conditions are generally calmer.
• Tide considerations: The landing coves are most accessible at low to mid‑tide; high tide can reduce safe landing space.
• Weather alerts: Strong Atlantic storms (e.g., Storm Callum) can make the sea unsafe. Always check the latest Met Éireann warnings before departing.
• Equipment: Bring a dry suit or wetsuit for cold water, a waterproof map or GPS, and a VHF radio if venturing beyond sight of the harbour.

Nearby Attractions

The Stags sit within striking coastal scenery that can be combined with other North Mayo highlights:

• Walk the Erris Head loop for sweeping sea views.
• Explore Ballycroy National Park (/ballycroy-national-park/) – Ireland’s sixth national park, renowned for blanket bog, dark‑sky status and coastal walks.
• Visit the historic Benwee Head cliffs and the Portacloy Loop for additional sea‑cave spotting.
• Use Belmullet (/belmullet/) as a base town; it offers accommodation, cafés and ferry connections to other Erris islands.

Practical Information

• Entry: Free, no facilities.
• Parking: Limited spaces at Portacloy Harbour; arrive early in peak season.
• Launch: Kayak, canoe or small boat from the harbour.
• Maps & Guides: A downloadable navigation chart and guide are available from local outfitters (e.g., Unique Ascent).
• Coordinates: 54.3659 N, 9.7892 W.

The Stags of Broadhaven remain one of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal spectacles – a place where raw geology, thriving wildlife and the thrill of open‑sea adventure converge.