Main image

Conor Lawless from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, United Kingdom CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Erris Head

Cape

Erris Head on County Mayo's northwest coast features steep cliffs, seabird colonies and coastal trails that appeal to walkers following sections of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Erris Head LimerickGalwayWestport, County MayoEnnisShannon, County ClareKing John's Castle (Limerick)ConnemaraAchill IslandErris Head

Erris Head essentials

Address: Erris Head, County Mayo, Ireland
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About Erris Head

Erris Head is a prominent coastal headland on the north coast of the Erris peninsula in northwest County Mayo, Ireland. It forms a rugged promontory of cliffs and rocky shore facing the Atlantic Ocean.

The headland provides coastal walking with high cliffs, sea cliffs and viewpoints over the Atlantic, and is noted for seabird life and coastal flora. The site is frequented by walkers and birdwatchers seeking dramatic coastal scenery.

The headland is a natural coastal feature shaped by marine erosion; there is no large built infrastructure on the headland itself beyond walking paths and local signage.

Erris Head sits on the northern edge of the Erris peninsula in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland, and is accessed from local roads serving the peninsula.

  • Visiting tips: The headland has a marked coastal path offering cliff-top walks and viewpoints; spring and summer are best for seabird breeding colonies and wildflowers.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Erris Head

Late spring through autumn offers the most reliable access and calmer seas.

Summer
June-August · 10-18°C
Best weather for walking and long daylight hours; lambing season in spring may restrict some fields.
Autumn
September-November · 6-14°C
Windy, dramatic seas and fewer visitors; excellent for photography.

Weather & Climate near Erris Head

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1207 mm/year), wettest in October.

Air Quality: AQI 23 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 4° - 9° 2° 134 mm overcast 82% 7.7 m/s 0.0 low 7.7h
February Poor 4° - 9° 2° 98 mm overcast 82% 7.4 m/s 0.1 low 9.5h
March Poor 4° - 10° 3° 99 mm overcast 82% 7.2 m/s 0.3 low 11.7h
April Acceptable 5° - 11° 5° 62 mm overcast 83% 6.2 m/s 0.7 moderate 13.9h
May Acceptable 7° - 14° 10° 63 mm overcast 83% 5.9 m/s 1.1 high 15.8h
June Good 10° - 15° 13° 67 mm overcast 85% 5.7 m/s 1.3 high 16.9h
July Good 11° - 17° 14° 71 mm overcast 86% 5.5 m/s 1.2 high 16.4h
August Good 11° - 17° 14° 98 mm overcast 85% 5.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 14.7h
September Acceptable 10° - 16° 13° 106 mm overcast 84% 6.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 12.5h
October Poor 8° - 13° 11° 141 mm overcast 83% 6.9 m/s 0.2 low 10.3h
November Poor 6° - 11° 5° 135 mm overcast 82% 6.9 m/s 0.1 low 8.3h
December Poor 5° - 10° 3° 133 mm overcast 83% 7.2 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Erris Head

Drive along the R313 from Belmullet; local signage guides visitors to the parking area. The final approach is a short walk across pastoral land to the cliff edge.

Tips for Visiting Erris Head

  • Walk the marked trail from the village car park to the headland for the safest, easiest route.
  • Bring binoculars for seal and seabird watching; summer mornings are best for wildlife.