Erris Head Loop
Grade
Easy
Length
3.9 km
Time
2 hours
Format
Loop
Ascent
70 m
Dogs Allowed
No
Waymarking
Purple arrow on yellow background
Start Point
Erris Head car park
Finish Point
Erris Head car park
Nearest Town to Start
Belmullet
Grid Ref.
F 705 396
Lat. and Long.
54.28865, -9.98827
Spectacular scenery abounds on this loop which takes you on grassy paths, earth banks and open ground as it follows an old earth bank around the steep cliffs of Mayo's rugged and beautiful Erris Head. At the Head's northernmost tip a railed viewing point gives views of Illandavuck Island, Pigeon Rock and dramatic sea arches.
Maps and other information
External Links
There may be some sections of soft or wet ground as it is grassy on this trail so a good pair of waterproof boots is highly recommended.
OSI Maps
Discovery Series Sheet 22
Mary Ann from Mayo
Absolutly stunning walk through the most untouched and most beautiful place i have ever been. Alot is uphill so be prepared for that and it is very boggy but these are hidden beautys and attractions of this siuloid! It is quite a wet walk in winter months so i would recommend waterproof shoes and a change of socks and maybe trousers for when you return to your car.
While on the walk, you meet the majestic and rugged coastline of Erris and it is quite amazing to see. Especially in more rough conditions, you see waves crashing against rocks in the sea. It really is amazing. I have went a couple of times as a regular visitor to this unseen part of our country and I could not recommend it enough.
It is long but it is suitable for children all the same. Mine found the sea and bog fascinating and meeting lots of creepy crawlies and many sheep en route.
If visiting Mayo, I would recommend doing this 6km beauty and bring snacks and sit on the cliffs and observe and take in this unspoiled nature that could be taken advantage in years to come.
While on the walk, you meet the majestic and rugged coastline of Erris and it is quite amazing to see. Especially in more rough conditions, you see waves crashing against rocks in the sea. It really is amazing. I have went a couple of times as a regular visitor to this unseen part of our country and I could not recommend it enough.
It is long but it is suitable for children all the same. Mine found the sea and bog fascinating and meeting lots of creepy crawlies and many sheep en route.
If visiting Mayo, I would recommend doing this 6km beauty and bring snacks and sit on the cliffs and observe and take in this unspoiled nature that could be taken advantage in years to come.
Steve from Galway
Spectacular.
As you drive, cycle or walk across the remote bog and moorlands north of Belmullet, climbing all the while, it seems like the ends of the earth and the little farming hamlet at the end of the no through road comes as a surprise.
There is a new(ish) extension to the car park and it looks like the Wild Atlantic Way has brought in more visitors. An adventure sport crowd seems to have set up there in the bay at Danish Cellar so after your walk you could possibly go kayaking, cliff jumping, or even muddy bog running!
The loop sets off on a well marked trail atop an earthen bank with ever more far reaching vistas opening up as the ocean gets further and further below you.
There are some breathtaking cliffs at the tip where you should stop and watch the waves running through the seacaves and arches and the seabirds soaring across the gap between you and the impressive island that has been torn away from the Head.
Turning away from sea you make your way up to the trig point at 82m going past a reminder of "the emergency" of WWII in the form of a look out post and follow the white rocks across the bare and exposed landscape back to rejoin the earthen bank. To the west and south you can see all the way to the solar powered lighthouse on Eagle Rock and, beyond, the vast expanse of the Wild Atlantic itself.
A well signed, pretty level and easy going route for all to enjoy.
More details of this and other walks in the area are on my blog: stevebarhamramblingman.wordpress.com
As you drive, cycle or walk across the remote bog and moorlands north of Belmullet, climbing all the while, it seems like the ends of the earth and the little farming hamlet at the end of the no through road comes as a surprise.
There is a new(ish) extension to the car park and it looks like the Wild Atlantic Way has brought in more visitors. An adventure sport crowd seems to have set up there in the bay at Danish Cellar so after your walk you could possibly go kayaking, cliff jumping, or even muddy bog running!
The loop sets off on a well marked trail atop an earthen bank with ever more far reaching vistas opening up as the ocean gets further and further below you.
There are some breathtaking cliffs at the tip where you should stop and watch the waves running through the seacaves and arches and the seabirds soaring across the gap between you and the impressive island that has been torn away from the Head.
Turning away from sea you make your way up to the trig point at 82m going past a reminder of "the emergency" of WWII in the form of a look out post and follow the white rocks across the bare and exposed landscape back to rejoin the earthen bank. To the west and south you can see all the way to the solar powered lighthouse on Eagle Rock and, beyond, the vast expanse of the Wild Atlantic itself.
A well signed, pretty level and easy going route for all to enjoy.
More details of this and other walks in the area are on my blog: stevebarhamramblingman.wordpress.com
Trena from Mayo
Beautiful trail. Easy walk, very well marked. Signs are in Irish from the town of Belmullet, which can leave a person lost on route to car park - look for "Ceann Erris". Once at car park the walk is well marked and clear. View is just wonderful, wild sea views for miles. Well worth a visit.
John from Mayo
Walked this trail with my family during Summer 2013. Fantastic route, very well marked with marker posts and white stones, good signage at trail head. No litter which is great to see, thoroughly recommend this trail.
Jean from Dublin
Very well marked trail with wonderful views. The 'walking man' signposts were easy to spot and the white stones made for a great indicator of the trail.
Niall Reilly from Mayo