A Guide To Mullaghmore In Sligo: Things To Do, Accommodation, Food + More

If you’re debating staying in Mullaghmore in Sligo, you’ve landed in the right place.

Mullaghmore makes for the perfect seaside getaway in County Sligo. It has everything you might want for a quick weekend adventure on the coast, with a beautiful beach, stunning coastal views, a couple of good pubs and world-class surf.

In the guide below, you’ll discover everything from things to do in Mullaghmore in Sligo to where to eat, sleep and drink.

Some quick need-to-knows about Mullaghmore in Sligo

Although a visit to Mullaghmore in Sligo is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Mullaghmore is located on the wild north west coast of Ireland. It’s a small seaside town just half an hour north of Sligo Town and not far from Cliffony, making it the perfect day trip.

2. A great place to spend a day

While the town itself is rather small, you can easily spend a day or more in Mullaghmore. There’s plenty of things to do from walking to heading down to the beach, plus it has a couple of great places to eat and stay if you want to make a weekend trip of it.

3. A big wave surfing destination

Mullaghmore is known as having some of the biggest waves on the planet. Particularly during the winter months, you can find some epic left-hand breaks on the other side of the headland in front of enormous cliffs. While it can be unpredictable, if you’re a big wave surfer, Mullaghmore is a must-visit if you can time it with a big swell.

About Mullaghmore

Mullaghmore is a picturesque destination on Ireland’s north west coast. It has both incredible coastal views and interesting history to boot.

In the centre of the small town, you can find the 19th century harbour, built by the Temple family when the entire area was part of their large estate between the 17th to 19th century.

During this time, Classiebawn Castle was also built by Lord Palmerston just outside of town with the stunning backdrop of Benbulben mountain. It remains one of the most incredible attractions of the area.

Just down the coast south of town, you can find the sheltered Mullaghmore Beach which has incredible coastal views and offers a perfect chance for a walk along the sand or swim in the water on warmer days.

If you’re a keen and very experienced surfer, Mullaghmore Head to the northwest of town is known for its epic surf breaks in the winter. 

Things to do in Mullaghmore in Sligo

There are a handful of things to do in Mullaghmore and there’s an endless number of places to visit a short spin away from the town.

Below, you’ll find everything from the mighty Mullaghmore Beach and the brilliant Classiebawn Castle to a clatter of nearby attractions.

1. Head for a ramble along Mullaghmore Beach

As with much of Sligo’s coast, one of the mains reasons people head for this pretty seaside town is for the beach. The beautiful Mullaghmore Beach stretches for 3km along a sheltered bay just south of town.

The calm waters here compared to the wild Mullaghmore Head, make it safe for swimming, windsurfing and going for a ramble along the golden sand. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun with the relaxing sound of the ocean.

2. Discover the story behind Classiebawn Castle

The main historical landmark of the area is Classiebawn Castle, built by Lord Palmerston in the 18th century. The castle overlooks the town with the magnificent backdrop of Benbulben mountain.

While it is privately owned and closed to the public currently, it still makes for a very picturesque photo.

The fairytale-like castle sits up on a small rise overlooking the coast. You might not be able to get very close to it, but you can still get beautiful pictures from the road.

3. Ramble along the Mullaghmore Head Walk

If you’re keen to stretch your legs out on a long walk that also takes in some of the best scenery of the coast, the Mullaghmore Head Walk is the best option.

The 8km loop follows the coast around the entire peninsula using a mixture of footpaths and trails. Beginning in the middle of town, you can follow the path past the Pier Head Hotel around the headland.

On a clear day you’ll be able to enjoy views of Donegal Bay and Slieve League as well as back towards Benbulben. This is one of our favourite walks in Sligo for a reason.

4. Watch the very big waves crash

The waves at Mullaghmore Head can be like wild beasts, unpredictable and terrifyingly epic. The left-hand break faces the North Atlantic Ocean and sees powerful swells between October and March.

While it can be unpredictable, if you time it right, the waves here can be some of the biggest in the world.

Of course, many serious surfers will remember 2014 when the so-called “Black Swell” created some of the biggest waves ever recorded here. Unless you’re an experienced big wave chaser however, it’s best to admire the waves crashing safely from the headland.

5. Drive or cycle the Mullaghmore Loop

To see the coastal views from your car or on two wheels, the Mullaghmore Loop is the perfect way to take in the peninsula.

The short 3km loop around the coast can easily be driven or cycled from town, and offers views of the Classiebawn Castle, the Donegal coast and Benbulben Mountain.

It’s well-paved with plenty of spots to stop and safely take photos and enjoy the incredible views of the area.

Pubs and restaurants in Mullaghmore

There are some brilliant restaurants in Mullaghmore for a post-hike feed and there are a handful of solid pubs in the area for a post-swim pint.

1. Eithna’s By The Sea Restaurant

The number one place you have to go for a meal while in town is Eithna’s By The Sea. This award-winning place overlooks the harbour in Mullaghmore and is known for its incredible seafood dishes.

With the perfect location, you can sit back and watch the fishing boats in the harbour or grab take away after a day at the beach. This is hands-down one of my favourite restaurants in Sligo.

2. Pier Head Hotel

You can also grab a meal or a drink at one of the restaurants and bars inside the Pier Head Hotel. This oceanfront place is one of the best places to stay in town, but its food is equally good.

You’ll find locally caught seafood and Grange meats, all served with incredible views over the ocean. They have a few options for dining. You can enjoy either breakfast at Clashybann Restaurant or snacks in Nimmo’s Bar and Lounge.

3. Quay Bar

Quay Bar is located inside Pier Head Hotel and is where you’ll find good food, drinks and music in Mullaghmore. Their bar menu is all about delicious seafood and traditional Irish favourites, with pints of Guinness and an extensive wine list served as well.

The restaurant is open from 11.30am onwards, with live music played on weekend nights until late. It’s definitely the place to be after dark in Mullaghmore.

Accommodation in Mullaghmore

There are a handful of places to stay in Mullaghmore for those of you that fancy making the village your base for your trip to Sligo.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. The Beach Hotel

The Beach hotel has been a favourite choice for visitors to stay in Mullaghmore for generations. Situated right in the middle of town, overlooking the harbour, you can walk to the beach within three minutes from the property.

They have 28 en-suite rooms, with many offering sea views. You can choose from family, double or twin rooms, all tastefully decorated with neutral pastels. They also have an onsite restaurant and bar if you want to enjoy a meal during your stay.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Pier Head Hotel

One of the two hotels in Mullaghmore town, Pier Head Hotel overlooks the harbour in town. The 3-star place has 40 incredibly clean and comfortable rooms, some even offering magnificent views over the ocean and harbour in town.

From double and single up to family rooms, you’ll be able to find something to suit your weekend away. They also have a couple of restaurants and bars onsite, as well as a spa and leisure centre, so you can completely unwind for the weekend.

Check prices + see more photos here

FAQs about visiting Mullaghmore in Sligo

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best things to do in Mullaghmore in Sligo to where to stay.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Mullaghmore worth visiting?

Yes! Mullaghmore is a lovely spot to spend the day (or the night). There’s lots to see and do, especially if you enjoy walks. It’s also close to many of Sligo’s most popular attractions.

What are the best things to do in Mullaghmore?

Arguably the best of the many things to do in Mullaghmore is to head off on the coastal walk. If it’s raining, you can drive the loop. There’s also the beach, Classiebawn Castle and many places to see nearby.

Are there many places to eat in Mullaghmore?

There are a handful of restaurants in Mullaghmore in Sligo. Eithna’s By The Sea is our favourite, but the restaurant in the Pier Head Hotel is worth a visit, too.