Belmullet – Cycling, Art and Culture

Belmullet offers a range of options to consider when planning your trip: two cycling loops starting and ending in Belmullet Town, a bilingual arts centre, craft workshops and a sculpture by the canal. You can decide whether cycling, art and culture, or a visit to the beach will shape your stay.

Cycling: two loops from Belmullet Town

The Belmullet Green Loop is an easy 37.5-kilometre cycling loop that takes three hours. The moderate Belmullet Blue Loop is 49.7 kilometres long and takes four hours. Both routes start and end in Belmullet Town. Their length, duration and stated difficulty rating provide concrete points of comparison for planning. As current route conditions may change, check them before you set off.

Art and crafts in Belmullet Town

Áras Inis Gluaire is a bilingual arts centre in Belmullet Town, County Mayo. Its permanent exhibition features original illustrations by the famous painter Edward Ardizzone; monthly exhibitions are also held. This gives you both a permanent exhibition theme and a regular programme of exhibitions. “Reconnections,” a sculpture on the North Mayo Sculpture Trail, is also located at the Belmullet Canal in Belmullet Town.

Lúnasa Handmade Crafts offers regular craft workshops and craft experiences for small to medium-sized groups at its shop in Belmullet Town. Group arrangements may depend on booking terms. If you are planning a group visit, agree on the arrangements in advance.

Getting your bearings and a nearby beach

The Belmullet Community Tourist Office provides a visitor information service for the Republic of Ireland in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. This includes information about local and nationwide attractions, activities and events. The scope therefore ranges from getting your bearings locally to finding destinations across the country.

A short distance south of Belmullet lies Elly Bay, a sandy beach with Blue Flag status. The award is subject to the relevant accreditation. The beach adds a landscape dimension to the art and cycling themes without requiring any particular itinerary.

More cultural and walking themes in County Mayo

The wider destination of County Mayo also offers a variety of cultural themes. At the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park, objects, rare archival photographs and films bring Ireland’s rural past to life. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. Mayo Local Link’s daily route 454 bus service connects the museum with Castlebar and Ballina; check the timetable before travelling. The gardens at Turlough Park are home to a diverse range of birdlife, flora and fauna, and are designated as a Green Heritage site.

Another distinct focus in County Mayo is Croagh Patrick. The 764-metre-high mountain has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and is seven kilometres long, including the return journey. This is different from the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail: the 59.9-kilometre long-distance walking trail takes three days and links ancient monastic heritage with the coastal and mountainous landscapes of County Mayo, as well as views of Clew Bay. These offer two different route formats: a summit route with a set return journey and a multi-day long-distance trail.

Discover more destinations: Sheean, Louisburgh, Killadoon, Claggan, Murrisk, Ballytoohy, Aghamore, Ross Port.

For the wider travel overview: County Mayo.