With Benbulben towering behind it and the Atlantic stretching out in front, Mullaghmore is one of the most scenic corners of County Sligo.
The peninsula is best known for Classiebawn Castle and its world-famous surf break, but you’ll also find beautiful beaches, coastal walks, a picturesque harbour and some excellent seafood.
Better still, Mullaghmore makes a handy base for exploring the northwest. Sligo Town, Donegal Town, Gleniff Horseshoe, Benbulben and Streedagh Beach are all within an easy drive.
About Mullaghmore
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 sits on a small peninsula on Sligo’s north coast. It’s around a 25-minute drive from Sligo Town and Rosses Point, 20 minutes from Ballyshannon and 40 minutes from both Strandhill and Donegal Town, making it an easy base for exploring both north Sligo and south Donegal.
2. What it’s known for
Despite its size, Mullaghmore packs plenty into a small area. The main attractions are Classiebawn Castle, Mullaghmore Beach, the coastal drive around Mullaghmore Head and the picturesque harbour, with several good places to eat overlooking the water.
3. One of Europe’s best big-wave surf spots
Mullaghmore Head is one of Europe’s best-known big-wave surf destinations. During winter swells, waves can reach enormous heights, attracting some of the world’s best surfers to the Wild Atlantic Way. Unless you’re a highly experienced big-wave surfer, it’s best enjoyed from the shore rather than the water.
Things to do in Mullaghmore
My map above shows the main attractions in and around Mullaghmore. You can comfortably visit most of them in a morning, although it’s worth allowing longer if you plan on tackling one of the nearby walks.
1. Head for a ramble along Mullaghmore Beach
Photo left: Google Earth. Others licensed via Shutterstock
As with much of Sligo’s coastline, the beach is one of the main reasons people visit Mullaghmore. Stretching for almost 3km along a sheltered bay just south of the village, Mullaghmore Beach is ideal for a stroll, a paddle or a swim on a fine day.
Thanks to its sheltered position, the water here is generally much calmer than at nearby Mullaghmore Head, making it popular with swimmers, families and those looking to try watersports such as windsurfing.
2. Discover the story behind Classiebawn Castle
The most recognisable landmark around Mullaghmore is Classiebawn Castle. Built in the 19th century and set beneath the imposing bulk of Benbulben, it’s one of the most photographed castles in Ireland.
The castle is privately owned, so there’s no public access. It’s also worth managing expectations a little, as many photos make it look much closer to the road than it actually is. In reality, you’ll be viewing it from a distance.
That said, the combination of the castle, the coastline and Benbulben rising behind it makes this one of the most striking viewpoints in the northwest, and it’s well worth pulling in for a look if you’re passing through.
3. Ramble along the Mullaghmore Head Walk
If you fancy seeing more of the peninsula than just the village, set aside 1.5 hours for the Mullaghmore Head Walk. This is one of our favourite walks in Sligo for a reason.
Starting from the seafront, this easy 4.8km loop follows a mix of quiet roads, footpaths and trails around the headland. Keeping the harbour on your right, you’ll pass the Pier Head Hotel before the route opens up to sweeping views across Donegal Bay towards Slieve League, with Benbulben and the Dartry Mountains dominating the skyline behind you.
Although the walk is suitable for most fitness levels, remember that parts of the route follow public roads shared with traffic. There are also a handful of exposed sections where the cliffs drop away sharply, so take extra care, especially if you’re walking with children or during windy weather.
4. Watch the very big waves crash
Mullaghmore Head is home to one of the world’s best-known big-wave surf breaks. Facing directly into the North Atlantic, it comes alive between autumn and spring, when powerful Atlantic swells can generate waves that attract elite surfers from around the globe.
Conditions here are highly dependent on the weather, but when everything lines up, Mullaghmore produces some of the biggest rideable waves on Earth. In 2014, the famous ‘Black Swell’ delivered some of the largest waves ever surfed on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Unless you’re a highly experienced big-wave surfer, this is one spectacle that’s best enjoyed from the safety of the headland, where you can watch the Atlantic at its most powerful.
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
Photos via The Pier Hotel on FB
While the Mullaghmore Peninsula is small, there is a good selection of places to grab a feed, a coffee or a pint at the end of a long day.
The Quay Bar & Restaurant (Pier Head Hotel)
If you’re after a relaxed pub meal overlooking the harbour, the Quay Bar at the Pier Head Hotel is a solid choice. The menu focuses on local seafood alongside familiar favourites like burgers, mussels and chowder, and it’s a great spot to settle in for a pint after exploring the peninsula.
The Harbour Café
The Harbour Café has built a superb reputation for its fresh seafood and French-inspired cooking. Expect a menu that changes with what’s in season, with favourites including the seafood chowder, oysters and fish and chips. It’s one of the area’s most popular lunch spots, so booking ahead is worthwhile during summer.
Clashybann Restaurant (Pier Head Hotel)
For something a little more formal, the Pier Head Hotel’s Clashybann Restaurant serves breakfast daily and evening meals overlooking the Atlantic.
The Boatman’s Bistro Bar (Beach Hotel)
The Boatman’s Bistro Bar is a lively spot overlooking Mullaghmore Harbour, serving hearty bar food with an emphasis on locally landed seafood. During the summer months there’s often live music at weekends, making it a mighty choice if you’re after dinner with a bit of atmosphere.
Ahoy
Ahoy is a seasonal coffee hut just outside the village that’s become a favourite with locals and visitors alike (myself included!). Expect excellent coffee, homemade bakes, generous cakes and friendly service, with picnic benches where you can sit and enjoy the sea views after a walk or a swim.
Accommodation in Mullaghmore
Photos via The Pier Hotel
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.
The Beach Hotel
A fixture in the village since the 1950s, the family-run Beach Hotel overlooks the harbour and is less than a five-minute walk from Mullaghmore Beach. It’s a good choice if you want a relaxed stay at the heart of the action. Rooms range from doubles to family rooms, while the hotel also has the lively Boatman’s Bistro Bar, which serves food daily and often hosts live music during the summer months.
The Pier Head Hotel & Spa
Overlooking Mullaghmore Harbour, the Pier Head Hotel is the village’s largest hotel and has plenty of facilities on-site. Along with 40 en-suite rooms, many with harbour, ocean or mountain views, you’ll also have access to a leisure centre with a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa treatments.
Seacrest Guesthouse
If you prefer a more intimate place to stay, Seacrest Guesthouse is an excellent B&B in the heart of Mullaghmore. Overlooking the bay, it offers a choice of cosy en-suite rooms, several with sea or harbour views, and is within a short walk of the beach, harbour and village restaurants.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.