Erris Head

Erris Head is the northern point of the Mullet peninsula, and the walk out to it is a loop of about five kilometres over rough grazing and heath, crossing stiles and following posts rather than a made path. The cliffs at the end are moderate in height but heavily indented, with sea arches, stacks, blowholes and a natural inlet known as the Danish Cellar cut into them. Offshore are the Inishkea islands, Eagle Island with its lighthouse, and on clear days the outline of the Stags of Broadhaven. A ruined signal tower from the Napoleonic period stands on the high point. There is nothing else - no interpretation, no fencing, no facilities, and very few other walkers even in August. The ground is wet in most conditions, cattle graze it, and the weather comes straight off the North Atlantic with nothing in the way.

What you actually see

• The arches and stacks - a heavily indented cliff line at the point.
• The Danish Cellar - the natural inlet cut into the headland.
• The signal tower - Napoleonic-era ruins on the high ground.
• The offshore islands - Inishkea, Eagle Island and the Stags on a clear day.

When to go

May to September. It is fully exposed and unpleasant in wind or rain. The ground stays wet in most months; boots rather than shoes.

Honest expectations

No made path - posts and stiles across grazing land, wet underfoot. Cliff edges are unfenced. Cattle on the route; close gates. No facilities and effectively no phone coverage.

Nearby

Belmullet is at the neck of the peninsula; the Mullet's beaches run south.