Erris
Erris Beo!
Travel along the wild Atlantic coastline in North Mayo and discover the Erris
Gaeltacht. A place of extremes, Erris's plummeting sea cliffs and imposing headlines sit beside white sandy beaches. Here, the Irish language (Gaeilge) is the spoken language of a people who have experienced much since the first farmers settled in Beldeirg (Belderrig) long before even the pyramids even built.
The main town
Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet) is the gateway to a unique and inspiring landscape with mystic islands bordering its coast.
On entering the area from the east you will pass over the 'musical bridge' at Bellacorrick. Bellacorrick Bridge crosses the Abhann Mhór (Big River) which separates Erris from the rest of the world. Here, it's said that, if you run a stone along the top of the bridge, you can make music as fellow travellers have done for almost 200 years. As you can image the sides of the bridge have become very worn as a result!
The unique cultural heritage of the area can be explored by visiting historic sites such as the
Céide Fields in Baile an Chaisil (Ballycastle) or community heritage centres such as the
Íonad Deirbhle Visitor Centre in Eachléim (Aughleam) or The Seanscoil in Ceathrú Thaidhg (Carrowteige).
The area is famed the world over for its links golf course at
Carne Golf Links, its watersports, Blue Flag beaches, sea angling, bountiful wildlife, spectacular coastal walks and the fabled four Children of Lír of Inis Gluaire Island. The traditional seisiún can be heard in many pubs in the area throughout the summer and the many local restaurants provide top quality seafood on the menu.
Other key attractions include
Tir Sáile (the largest public art trail in Ireland), the new
Ballycroy National Park,
UISCE Watersports Centre and Gateway Leisureplex and many more highlight the variety that Erris has to offer.
Erris is the perfect getaway and there’s a variety of great places to stay. Enjoy luxury and comfort in the modern family-owned
Broadhaven Bay Hotel in Béal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet). The hotel has 90 superbly appointed ensuite bedrooms with two suites and take time out and relax in their Leisure Centre. Or enjoy a local welcome in one of the smaller hotels, B&B’s or self-catering accommodation in the area.
The many Special Protected Areas in the Gaeltacht are a testimony to its pristine environment and with it’s many attractions there’s something for everyone looking for a bit of adventure.
Come and discover…
For more information about Erris see the following websites: