Mullaghmore, County Sligo

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. Famous for its worldly surfing conditions that 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 make sure they hit up Mullaghmore. Beauty surrounds you in every direction you look. The small fishing village is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiasts. 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 amazing 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, its Ireland’s premier big-wave spot. A place for those more experienced surfers, as it’s been known to hold some of the biggest waves in the Atlantic.

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

Besides being one of the finest surfing spots, Mullaghmore Head is filled with endless photo opportunities. So any keen photographers out there 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 a beautiful spot to visit all year round. Its rural sandy beach is backed by an extensive dune system and offers views out to Ben Bulben Mountain.

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

Mullaghmore Harbour

What many people might not know besides being a famous surfing spot, Mullaghmore harbour has a great reputation for sea-angling. If you have an interest in fishing then this is a good place for you. The village grew up around the harbour which is 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 has a great history on offer. 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 out to the enchanting island of Inishmurray from Mullaghmore. Its 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 due to its location, can only be accessed by boat. If you are searching for natural beauty and peace this is the attraction to visit.

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

Offshore Watersports

A great activity to enjoy while in Mullaghmore is with Offshore Watersports, who specialise in a variety of activities such as scuba diving, sea fishing, powerboating and more. They provided activities for both adults and children, offering something exciting to do while in Mullaghmore.

If you’re keen into fishing they provided all day fishing excursions, as well as short two-hour fishing trips of the Northwest Coast. Whatever you choose to do, Offshore Watersports 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.

Specialising in coastal trips along the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly around the beautiful Mullaghmore headland. If you’re up for an adventure then 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 searching for a more relaxing experience they offer tranquil and easy sea trips along the stunning coastline of Donegal and Sligo.

West Coast Kayaking also offer certified Canoeing courses, if you fancy more water adventures while in Mullaghmore.

Overall West Coast Kayaking’s aim is to provide you with fun activities. And as they say “A bad day on the water is better than a good day at the office”. The scenery around Sligo coastline is like no other and is best enjoyed by kayak.

Mullaghmore Castle – Classiebawn Castle

If you are in search of some history and culture in Mullaghmore, 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 the Benbulbin Mountain as its backdrop and the ocean as its side yard. A visit to Mullaghmore wouldn’t be complete without checking out the magnificent Classiebawn Castle.

Stand up Paddle Boarding

Mullaghmore is one of the best places for watersports in Ireland 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 you’re visiting Mullaghmore there are plenty of places to stop off and enjoy some of that great Irish cuisine. Here are our recommendations for the best food and drink in Mullaghmore:

Eithna’s By The Sea

The first place to enjoy amazing food in Mullaghmore is this award-winning seafood restaurant. Eithna’s By the Sea overlooks the gorgeous harbour of Mullaghmore making for 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, renown 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 not to be missed here is their amazing homemade cakes served with the favourite Lavazza coffee. When the weather is lovely, sit at one of their outside tables and relax, as you watch the lobster fishing boats come and go from Donegal Bay.

The Quay Bar and Restaurant

Next up is this lovely bar located right in the heart of Mullaghmore 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 a 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 come back 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 making it a perfect place for a quiet drink and a chat. The bar also serves light snacks, coffees, croissants; making it an ideal place to chill out for a while.

Mullaghmore Hotels

If you’re planning on spending more than a day in Mullaghmore, it has many great accommodations options on offer.

Beach Hotel Mullaghmore

This is a great place to stay in Mullaghmore, it’s a well-established hotel that has been around since the 1950s. The lovely hotel was bought by husband and wife, Pat & 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 that is located 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 villages famous sandy beach.

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

Pier Head Hotel, Spa and Leisure Centre

If you’re looking for a hotel that’s filled with history then 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 grown and evolved under their management.

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

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

For three-stars, it offers so much more than expected with a brilliant spa experience and leisure facilities.

Other Nearby Attractions

Bundoran – Seaside Town

Just a short 20 minutes drive from Mullaghmore you will reach the family-friendly seaside town of Bundoran. Bundoran has often been a hotspot for locals and tourist alike, offering a variety of enjoyable activities, more places to eat and drink and a great atmosphere. 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 your experiences!

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