Direction Ireland

Mullet Peninsula

West Ireland | County Mayo

Mullet Peninsula is located in northwest part of County Mayo. You will get in there using the road R313 to Belmullet Town leading through narrow stripe of land which separates the Blacksod Bay (on the seabed of Blacksod Bay rests wreck of large Spanish galleon "La Rata Santa Maria Encoronada " which sank in 1588) and the Broad Haven Bay and connects the peninsula with the mainland. The peninsula is about 33 km long, at its widest point is 12 km and the narrowest only 50 m. The western coast has craggy coastline, and wind from Atlantic blows so strongly, that there is almost no vegetation except grass. The part from the mainland side is more quiet and has beautiful sandy beaches like Elly Bay Beach, which have Blue Flag. There are three lighthouses, Blacksod Lighthouse on the southern end, Ballyglass Lighthouse in the northeastern corner, and Eagle Island Lighthouse, situated just 1 km of the northwestern part of peninsula's coast. The best view of Eagle Island is from Doonamo Point, where are located remains of ancient promotory fort. Mullet Peninsula is also home of four sculptures from project called: "Tír Sáile - The North Mayo Sculpture Trail" (project began in 1993), which is the largest public arts project in Ireland, and one of this is located nearby Doonamo Fort and is its modern interpretation. Another woth seeing sclulpture is "Deirble's Twist", which is a large stone circle situated in picturesque location on the southern end of peninsula near Fallmore. In this area are also located the ruins of St. Dervla Chapel and early christian cross. Irish Times announced The Mullet Peninsula as "The Best Place to Go Wild in Ireland" for year 2014 for its balance of nature, activities, wilderness and beauty. There are also some interesting islands not far from the west shore of Mullet like Inishkea Islands or Inishglora Island (boat service is operating during the summer time - Geraghty Charters phone no: 003539785741). Inishkea Islands, which were abandoned in 1927 have beautiful beaches with white sand, which covered remaining fisherman's cottages. Beaches of Inishkea Islands are also home of largest breeding colony of Atlantic Grey Seal in Ireland (over 300 pups annually). The other inhabitants of the island are sheep and donkeys. Inishglora Island offers several archaeological remains from early christian period like the ruins of Saint Brendan's Church, remains of beehive huts, Saint Brendan's Well and early christian cross slabs and pillars. Inishgolora is also linked to the old Irish legend of the Children of Lir, according to which the children of king Lir spent the last 300 years of their life on this island and they are buried here.