Belmullet, Co. Mayo
Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead) is a thriving town on the Mullet Peninsula in the barony of Erris, County Mayo, in the west of Ireland. Although officially part of the Mayo Gaeltacht, it is both an English and Irish speaking town. The area plays host in summer months to large amounts of students enrolled in local Irish language summer schools.
The Mullet Peninsula together with Erris is an area of North Mayo rich in folklore, tradition, history and culture. It is known for its fishing lakes, rivers and sea-angling off Broadhaven Bay, and is a popular and picturesque holiday destination, particularly in mid-August when it has its annual "Lá an Logha"(Fair Day) to welcome its many emigrants and visitors.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches nearby. The area is also developing a reputation among surfers as a great surfing spot, as well as being a haven for windsurfers and sailors. Golfers will not feel missed out - Belmullet is home to the legendary Carne Golf Links. They are amongs the most challenging and remote around and well worth the trip.
This is one of the most remote areas in Ireland and can be a very invigorating and refreshing area.
Iniskea Islands:
Situated on the West Coast of the mullet peninsula the islands are rich in amazing scenery, rare wild life and are also archaeologically and ecologically sensitive areas. The island is very important to birds; the mute swan, the peregrine and the endangered corncrake are some of the birds that benefit from the peace and protection of the islands.
The low-lying coasts of the islands are home to large number of grey seal while sharp-eyed visitors can occasionally see dolphins and whales out to sea. There is also quite a bit of history based on the island back in early Christian times. Saint Brendan the navigator had strong links with the island and the remains of monastic settlements that were founded can be still be seen today.
At the turn of the centuary a Norwegian whaling company operated a whaling station from Rusheen Island ajoining Iniskea.
For more on the history of Iniskea visit the Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre website. www.museumsofmayo.com/deirbhile.htm or visit the centre based in Eachlím (Aughleam). (More information on Ionad Deirbhile below)
To visit the Islands you can contact below
Dive West Ireland
Dulra Nature tours
Bru Clann Lir Chartered Boats
Belcross
Beaches:
The Erris coastline has an abundance of beautiful uncrowded beaches; you can walk for miles along her rugged and sandy back shore lulled by the sounds of the seas, utter bliss!!!!
Travel in any direction and you will find it hard, even impossible not to encounter beautiful shorelines from Porturlin, Portacloy, Inver, Doohoma, Falmore, Corclough, Elly and beyond.
The Mullet peninsula has beaches of Blue Flag status ensuring clean water and safety. This EC quality status was awarded to Elly Bay and Mullaghroe, both located south of Belmullet and only a short drive away.
Pony Trekking:
Enjoy a pony trekking adventure along Mullaghroe Beach in the company of your family or friends, enjoy the unspoilt natural beauty and leave with memories that will last you a lifetime.
Contact duvillaunridingcentre@gmail.com
Sea Angling:
Erris has some of the best sea angling in Ireland. Over thirty-six varieties of fish are known to inhabit the water, and the area holds a number of records of varieties caught.
There are a variety of boats available for charter with knowledgeable local skippers, who know the best fishing grounds.
Address: Tackle Shop, American Street
Telephone: +353(0)9781118
Email: mjnallen1@eircom.net
CROSS LAKE, CARROWMORE LAKE AND ABHAINN MOR
Cross Lake located on the western side of the Mullet Peninsula is a spring fed lake, rich in nutrients, providing an excellent resource for trout fishing in the region. It opened in May 1995 and comprises both rainbow and brown trout. Both shore and boat angling is permitted - boat hire and permits are available at the lakeshore.
Carrowmore lake made headlines with the quality of its catches in 2010 and featured in many Angling publications, so be sure not to miss this fantastic opportunity for the holiday of a lifetime.
Local Gillies with a vast knowledge are available –please contact Front Desk for further information.
Category: Fisheries
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)9782093
Belmullet, in the centre of the Barony of Erris and lying between the two bays of Broadhaven to the north, and Blacksod to the south, is the ideal place for a sea angling holiday.
Brú Chlann Lir Boat Charters
Category: Sea Angling Operators
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)9785741
E-mail: bruclannlir@eircom.net
Web: www.bruchlannlir.com
Brú Chlann Lir offers the perfect getaway for anglers, with two charter boats, the Noirin Ban and Fionnula. The local area boasts over 40 species of fish and a huge choice of waters from sheltered creeks to Achill Head where the ocean meets craggy reefs, broken ground and sand.
Broadhaven Marine Training
Category: Power Boating
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)862422567
E-mail: amy@marinetraining.ie
Web: www.marinetraining.ie
Description:
We provide powerboat and jet-ski training and water sport activities in a safe, yet fun environment. Our courses and activities are suitable for everyone in the family - from those with no experience to advanced boat handlers.
Accredited by both the Irish Sailing Association and Royal Yachting Association, a professional and friendly service is guaranteed at Broadhaven Marine Training Centre. Group bookings are welcome and accommodation packages can be arranged by request.
Dive West Ireland
Category: Deep Sea Diving
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)868365983
E-mail: seanlavelle@eircom.net
Web: www.divewestireland.com
Web: www.fishwestireland.com
Description
Dive West Ireland operates boat charters for diving, sea angling and island tours. Diving the west coast of Ireland, P.A.D.I., C.M.A.S. diving instructor on board. Full 02 and medical kit on board. Diving courses, snorkeling equipment available. Sea angling : over 30 varieties of fish known to inhabit the water around Belmullet. Experienced skipper, 2004 boatman prize for Belmullet International Sea Angling competition. Island tour to the Inishkea Islands and Inishglora where " the children of Lir " spent their last 300 years. The low-lying coasts of the island are home to a large number of grey seals. Dolphins and whales are also popular. The boat is a fast, offshore 105, and is fully licensed and insured.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
If you are looking for Clay Pigeon Shooting in Mayo, visit Mayo Shooting Grounds, set in the heart of the Erris peninsula amongst surrounding mountain ranges with beautiful views of the ocean.
Clay pigeon shooting is a personal and team activity challenge, great for team building with a difference. The thrill of watching a clay shatter in flight is so exciting, you’ll probably miss the first one! But under the watchful eye and expert guidance of our instructor, you’ll soon be hitting far more than you miss! There all fair game, but you won’t be eating any of them!
Professional local instructor
Real personal challenge
Male and female guns available
Great group event
Definitely a tall tale maker….
Breath taking countryside
T: +353 (97) 20599 F: +353 (97) 20596
Email: vincent@mayoshootinggrounds.com
Dulra Nature Tours
Category: Walking Tours
Location:Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353 (0)87 6656114
E-mail: info@dulra.ie
Web: www.dulra.ie
Take a nature tour or boat trip with Dulra Nature Tours, walk and explore the islands or coastal paths. Fish or dive the crystal clear west coast waters.
Discover marine and bird wildlife, uncover native flora. Visit historical sites, immerse yourself in the traditions, heritage and language of the Gaeltacht . discover our local shores alive with wildlife, all in the presence of our experienced, fun and knowledgeable guides.
Come and explore with Dulra Nature Tours. We tailor trips to suit your interests. For the outdoor enthusiast who seeks adventure and fun Dulra Nature Tours can't be missed.
Colaiste U.I.S.C.E
U.I.S.C.E. Centre offers many sporting activities
through the Irish language.
Category: Adventure Parks/Centres
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)9782111
E-mail: eolas@uisce.com
Web: www.uisce.com
Description:
U.I.S.C.E. is the only centre of its kind in Ireland, mixing adventure sports with Gaeilge in a new, exciting and extremely successful way of learning Irish.
The teaching media of windsurfing, surfing, canoeing, sailing, pony trekking, swimming and orienteering, takes Irish out of the classroom and gives children a new perspective of the language. In this way, Irish itself is being developed by being associated with modern, exciting adventure sports.
Their 8:1 maximum pupil/instructor ratio results in more personal attention for students and, consequently, higher standards of Irish are achieved during the course.
The incentive for students to learn also exists because, not only do they return from the Gaeltacht speaking Irish naturally but, they also have achieved Level 1 competency and qualifications in various sports.
Students can participate in football, basketball, volleyball, kites, raft building, barbeque, walks, treasure hunt, and UISCE Gladiators.
Ionad Deirbhle - Eachléim Heritage Centre
Situated 11 miles from Belmullet in the heart of the Eachlím Gaeltacht in the southern tip of the Mullet peninsula with Blacksod Bay to the south and east and the Atlantic along the western shoreline, set among one of the most stunningly beautiful and unspoilt landscapes in Ireland. The centre gives the visitor a valuable insight into the lifestyle of this area in times past.
Facilities
• Exhibition area
• Craft shop
• Coffee Shop
• Toilets
• Building is wheelchair friendly
Information
The centre houses a wealth of information relating to local folklore, archaeology, local history and an account of a former way of life for instance currach fishing, construction of old houses native to this area etc. This information is presented in both Irish and English.
WALKING IN ERRIS
Erris Head Loop
Category: Looped Walks
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
The Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Inishkea, Inishglora, and Duvillaun more to the west. The Mullet is a very remarkable peninsula, running some 25 km from north to south, and shielding the west coast of Mayo from the full force of the ocean. It joins the mainland by way of a narrow neck of land at Belmullet town - the ridge of land (isthmus) at Belmullet separates Broadhaven Bay from Blacksod Bay. The peninsula runs from the steep rocky cliffs of Erris Head in the north to the gentler, granite slopes of Termon Hill to the south. Between those two extremities it is seldom more than 30m above sea level and consists of sand dunes and fine beaches. It is 12km at its widest, narrowing to little more than 400m in the vicinity of Elly Bay. The peninsula is one of the most remote areas of Ireland and is characterised by spectacular scenery and unspoilt natural amenities. Visitors will find an easy-going, traditional lifestyle intact. Erris is a Gaeltacht area and the Irish language is still practiced.
Children of Lir Loop
Category: Looped Walks
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Address: Carrowteige Village, Belmullet,
Web: www.belmullet.mayo-ireland.ie
The north coast of Mayo is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets with many of its majestic cliffs, rugged headlands, rocky coves and jagged stacks apparent only to those who leave the main thoroughfares to discover them. The Dun Chaocháin area is one of great physical beauty and has retained many of its traditions and culture - the Irish language is still the vernacular. The Dun Chaochain cliffs have featured in various walking guidebooks including Lonely Planet - Benwee Head at 255m is the crowning glory. The Stags of Broadhaven (a group of four precipitous rocky islets rising to almost 100m) are located about 2km north of Benwee Head and are of ornithological importance. The key feature of this loop is the Children of Lir sculpture - one of a series from the Spirit of Place Sculpture Trail which centres on culturally-distinct, historic, unspoiled and isolated regions around the world. The legend of The Children of Lir tells the tale of children who were turned into swans and condemned to wander the countryside for 900 years, 300 of these were spent on the north Mayo Island, Inishglora. The sculpture has significance to this area from where thousands of people have emigrated in the past to all parts of the world – bringing with them a strong spirit of place – but never to return.
Black Ditch Loop
Category: Looped Walks
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Web: www.discoverireland.ie
Web: www.belmullet.mayo-ireland.ie
The remote and rugged north coast of Mayo is one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Many of its majestic cliffs, rugged headlands, rocky coves and jagged stacks are apparent only to those who are willing to walk away from the main thoroughfares to discover them. The Dun Chaocháin area is one of great physical beauty and has retained many of its old traditions and culture - the Irish language is still in full vigour as the vernacular. The spectacular Dun Chaochain cliffs have featured in various walking guidebooks including Lonely Planet - Benwee Head at 255m is the crowning glory. The Stags of Broadhaven (a group of four precipitous rocky islets rising to almost 100m) are located about 2km north of Benwee Head and are a site of ornithological importance. This loop incorporates the Children of Lir sculpture - the well-known legend tells the tale of children who were turned into swans and condemned to wander the countryside for 900 years. The key feature of the loop is the black ditch – a dry ditch which runs parallel to the coastline and clifftops and probably marked the boundaries of lands in previous times.
Birdwatching on The Barony Of Erris
Corncrake- A regular visitor to the peninsula.
Category: Bird Watching
Location: Belmullet - Béal an Mhuirthead
Telephone: +353(0)9781952
E-mail: feileiorras@eircom.net
Web: www.feileiorras.org
The beaches and coastline are home to a variety of bird species throughout the year, making the Barony of Erris especially interesting for birdwatchers. Cormorants and a wide variety of Gulls are some of the more common birds to be seen.
Gateway Leisureplex
Situated just outside Belmullet town, Gateway Leisure is a fully air conditioned complex which contains the following facilities to keep our customers totally entertained: *10 pin bowling lanes, *6 pool tables & air hockey tables *Kid Island – children’s activity centre birthday party rooms *Licensed pub and restaurant *Luxury outdoor area. Located in the Barony of Erris, Gateway Leisure also houses a large selection of amusement machines, seven plasma screens for viewing the latest sporting events, and a coffee dock. Visit Erris and enjoy contemporary, spacious and stress-free surroundings at Gateway, with an incredibly luxurious outside area, complete with comfortable seating and a surround sound plasma television.
New to the gateway is our 9 hole mini golf course…..well worth a go!!
www.gatewayleisure.ie
Festivals
The Erris region comes alive every summer with festivals providing entertainment for locals and visitors alike. Some festivals celebrate ancient practices and have been handed down from generation to generation. The bonfires on Oíche Sin Seáin (Oíche an Tine Chnámh) (23 June), Lá an Logha in Belmullet (15 August), Oíche Shamhna (31 October) and Lá Bríde (1st February) have been celebrated for as long as people can remember. Arts Festivals such as Force 12 (Literature), Féile Iorras (Folk Arts), Music Summer Series and others celebrate the arts. Community Festivals are occasions when people come home and meet. The Horse Riding on Doolough Beach was the core activity in J.M. Synges (The Playboy of the Western World) which he wrote in 1905. The races are still held on Doolough beach every August. Currach Racing in Eachléim celebrates the rich maritime tradition of the area ( the Currach is a workboat for inshore fishing).
Other festivals include Féile na Seachtaine (inc;luding Heritage Day), Féile Cill CHomáin, Feile na bPáistí (for the children) and Seachtain na Gaeilge. Erris is a place where the festivals are of the people and for the people and provide an exciting fusion of old traditions, the irish language, modern arts and community festivals.
http://www.errisbeo.ie/festivals
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