Mullaghmore, County Sligo

Updated On: April 07, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

Next on your list of places to visit in Ireland is the charming seaside village of Mullaghmore in County Sligo. Mullaghmore is located on the northern edge of Sligo, close to the border of Donegal.

The place has become a popular holiday destination with locals and tourists alike. It is famous for its world-class surfing conditions, which have attracted people from all around the globe to its beaches.

Mullaghmore is a place that’s captivating from the moment you arrive with its ocean views, friendly locals and great attractions.

Mullaghmore Attractions

Anyone planning a trip to Ireland will want to ensure they hit the village. Beauty surrounds you in every direction you look. The small fishing village is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast, especially those who enjoy water activities, as the sandy beaches offer the ideal spot for doing so.

But the place has so much more to offer visitors, with its excellent restaurants and hotels helping to make for a memorable getaway in Ireland.

Mullaghmore Head

One of the biggest attractions in this fishing village is Mullaghmore Head, Ireland’s premier big-wave spot. It’s a place for more experienced surfers, as it’s known to hold some of the biggest waves in the Atlantic.

Mullaghmore has grown famous as a surfing destination since 2011, when Billabong hosted Ireland’s first big surfing contest. The surfing contest brought in experienced surfers worldwide to surf the incredible Mullaghmore waves. Although the place is only surfable for a select few, it is one of the best locations for spectators to watch and enjoy the exciting sport.

Besides being one of the finest surfing spots, Mullaghmore Head offers endless photo opportunities, so keen photographers will enjoy this place. The Mullaghmore Head route offers a relaxing walk along the stunning coastline of Mullaghmore.

Mullaghmore Beach

Like most beaches in Ireland, Mullaghmore Beach is beautiful all year round. Its rural sandy beach is backed by an extensive dune system and offers views of Ben Bulben Mountain.

Mullaghmore Beach is the perfect family-friendly beach, with its miles-long sandy beach in the heart of the village. It’s also guarded by lifeguards from June to September, so you can feel safe when visiting with children. Mullaghmore Beach is close to many facilities, such as cafes, bars, and shops, making for an enjoyable day.

Mullaghmore Harbour

Many people might not know that besides being a famous surfing spot, Mullaghmore Harbour has an excellent reputation for sea-angling. If you are interested in fishing, this is a good place. The village grew up around the harbour, home to many licensed boats. Fishing is thought to be best around the Mullaghmore headland area.

Even if you’re not interested in fishing, the 19th-century harbour offers a great history. You could also just sit and watch the sailboats come and go and enjoy the scenic views on display. Or book a trip from Mullaghmore Harbour to the nearby attraction of  Inishmurray Island for those wanting to explore further.

Inishmurray Island Tours

As mentioned briefly, you can enjoy a trip from the village to the enchanting island of Inishmurray. It’s a uniquely preserved Island known for its early Christian settlement and wildlife sanctuary. Located just four miles off the coast of Sligo, the remote island is deeply rooted in heritage and culture.

It’s believed that St. Molasise founded a Christan Monastery here in the 6th century. The Island is one of Sligo’s best-hidden gems and can only be accessed by boat due to its location. This is the attraction to visit if you are searching for natural beauty and peace.

Islandmurrary Island Tours, owned and operated by Kieth Clark, can take you from the village to the island. Keith has over twenty years of experience on the water and can safely get you there.

Offshore Watersports

A great activity to enjoy while in the village is with Offshore Watersports, which specialises in various activities such as scuba diving, sea fishing, powerboating, and more. They provide activities for adults and children, offering something exciting while in the village.

If you’re keen on fishing, Offshore Watersports offers all-day excursions and short two-hour fishing trips on the Northwest Coast. Whatever you choose to do, Their mission is to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

West Coast Kayaking

Next up is another fun activity to get involved in, ‘West Coast Kayaking‘. They are the leading provider of Sea, River and Safety trips in the Northwest of Ireland.

They specialise in coastal trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly around the beautiful Mullaghmore headland. If you’re up for an adventure, their kayaking trip is a thrilling experience. They can cater to a variety of groups, from big to small. No matter what you want to experience, they have something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, they offer tranquil and easy sea trips along the stunning coastlines of Donegal and Sligo.

West Coast Kayaking also offers certified canoeing courses if you want more water adventures while in Mullaghmore.

Overall, West Coast Kayaking aims to provide fun activities. As they say, “A bad day on the water is better than a good day at the office.” The scenery around the Sligo coastline is like no other and is best enjoyed by kayak.

Mullaghmore Castle – Classiebawn Castle

If you are looking for some history and culture in the village, you’ll find it at the nearby Classiebawn Castle. Although the access is closed to visitors, the 19th-century castle is still worth checking out from a distance. If you have a photography camera with you, you can use that to see its features up close.

The castle is a stunning site with Benbulbin Mountain as its backdrop and the ocean as its sideyard. A visit to the village wouldn’t be complete without checking out the magnificent Classiebawn Castle.

Stand up Paddle Boarding

Mullaghmore is one of Ireland’s best places for watersports, and stand-up paddle boarding is not to be missed. A company called Sup Dude run both relaxing stand-up paddle boarding experiences and adventurous fuelled SUP coasteering in the Irish sea, depending on how brave you’re feeling.

SUP Dudes is run and owned by Emmet O’Doherty, who is a five-time Irish champion, fully qualified and super experience, so you know you’re in the right hands.

Mullaghmore Restaurants

While visiting Mullaghmore, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy some excellent Irish cuisine. Here are our recommendations for the best food and drink in Mullaghmore:

Eithna’s By The Sea

The first place to enjoy fantastic food in the village is this award-winning seafood restaurant. Eithna’s By the Sea overlooks the gorgeous harbour of Mullaghmore, making for a relaxing dining experience. There are many great things to love about this place such as its friendly, family-run restaurant that caters for casual dining with homemade recipes.

The restaurant has been around for over 16 years and is renowned for its fresh and locally sourced seafood, shellfish, and lobster dishes. But in case you aren’t a fish eater, there are plenty of meat and vegetarian dishes available.

Also, don’t miss their amazing homemade cakes served with your favourite Lavazza coffee. When the weather is lovely, sit at one of their outside tables and relax, watching the lobster fishing boats come and go from Donegal Bay.

The Quay Bar and Restaurant

Next is this lovely bar in the heart of the village at the Pier Head Hotel.  At the Pier Head Hotel, they are very passionate about food and drink, with a great team of chefs who have created a super menu at their Quay Bar and Restaurant. This fine pub offers traditional Irish-style food with scenic views of the pier.

It’s said that you’ll get a great pint of Guinness here, along with comfort food that will make you want to return again and again.

Nimmo’s Bar and Lounge

This next place is also located at the front of Pier Head Hotel, offering a relaxing dining experience to unwind after a busy day of activities in Mullaghmore.

Nimmo’s is a modern and stylish bar, again with views of Mullaghmore Harbour. It is a perfect place for a quiet drink and a chat. The bar also serves light snacks, coffees, and croissants, making it ideal for chilling out.

Mullaghmore Hotels

Many great accommodation options are available if you plan to spend more than a day in the village.

Beach Hotel Mullaghmore

This is a great place to stay in the village. It’s a well-established hotel that has been around since the 1950s. The lovely hotel was bought by husband and wife Pat and Louise, who have many years of experience in the hospitality industry.

They have a huge passion for both the hotel and Mullaghmore itself. You couldn’t find a better hotel in the picturesque village of Mullaghmore. It directly overlooks the harbour, as you’ll soon realise that most places here do. Also, the hotel is a short three-minute walk from the village’s famous sandy beach.

The Beach Hotel also has its own restaurant and a variety of special offers to suit whatever stay you’re looking for, from family breaks to activity breaks to couple getaways.

Pier Head Hotel, Spa and Leisure Centre

If you’re looking for a hotel filled with history, the Pier Head Hotel is the spot for you. The place has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years. The McHugh family has owned the Pier Head Hotel since the early 1900s, seeing it grow and evolve under their management.

In 2005, the hotel was renovated into a 3-star hotel with 40 ensuite bedrooms, three restaurants, a Beauty & Hair Salon, a Leisure Centre and a Gift Shop.

It has always played an important role in the local harbour life and has often welcomed guests from all around the globe. It has seen some famous faces through its doors, such as the late musician Leonard Cohen during his world tours in 2010 and 2015.

It offers so much more than expected for three stars, with a brilliant spa experience and leisure facilities.

Other Nearby Attractions

Bundoran – Seaside Town

Just a short 20-minute drive from the village, you will reach the family-friendly seaside town of Bundoran. Bundoran has often been a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of enjoyable activities, more places to eat and drink, and a great atmosphere. It’s definitely worth spending a few days there to soak up all that it has to offer.

Overall, visiting Mullaghmore will feel like a world away from the hustle and bustle of life, where you can relax and feel like a local. Let us know if you have ever been there before. We would love to hear about your experiences!

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