Erris Head Loop

Walking
County Mayo
4.7/5
6 reviews
Grade Easy
Length 5 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

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

OSI Maps

Discovery Series Sheet 22
6 trail reviews
4.7/5
Write your own review of this trail
5/5
10/22/2020

Niall Reilly from Mayo

Fantastic trail. Have brought many secondary school children there over the years and they all really love it. In October 2020 there is some work going on to put down a wooden walkway across some of the muddier stretches. This is a really great idea.
5/5
08/14/2018

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.
4/5
09/01/2016

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
5/5
06/04/2014

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.
5/5
08/30/2013

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.
4/5
08/03/2012

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.

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