Erris Head Guided Walking Tour: 5km coastal walk with stories

Five kilometers of Atlantic cliffs, Fulmars on the wing, and a WW2 lookout post where the coast watchers kept watch

Erris Head Guided Walking Tour is a 2- to 2.5-hour walk along the northwest coast of County Mayo, starting from a remote village and climbing out toward the Atlantic with a live English-speaking guide. The route covers about 5km across boardwalks and muddy track, passing sheep and lambs, the island of Illandavuck, nesting Fulmars, and a WW2 lookout post from which coast watchers reported sightings during the Battle of the Atlantic. Pickup is included; children are welcome from age 6, and all fees and taxes are covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided walk around Erris Head

• Start walk from remote village
• Climb style over sheep fence
• Walk 5km with seascape views
• Hear local stories and conversation
• Photograph sheep and lambs
• Observe Fulmars on cliffs
• Climb to WW2 lookout post
• See Eire 69 sign and blowhole

The Experience

You start in a remote village and climb a style over a sheep-proof fence—a short, steep push that fills your lungs with Atlantic air and gets your heart working. From there the walk takes you out into the seascape with cliffs on all sides. Some of the track is muddy; the wettest spots are crossed on boardwalk. The Stags of Broadhaven rise in the distance, rock formations almost 1.6 billion years old, and there is time built in to stop and photograph them and the ever-changing views.

The walk levels out as you pass sheep and their lambs—good photo opportunities while your guide explains how the ram loses 15% of his body weight during the season. The sea views keep opening up as you approach Illandavuck, a small island at the top of Erris Head. Here you will see Fulmars nesting on the cliffs opposite, their legs too weak to support their weight on land, their distinct call cutting through the wind as they swoop past. A short climb from there takes you to the WW2 lookout post where coast watchers observed incidents from the Battle of the Atlantic and reported the bodies washed ashore. On the way down you pass an impressive blowhole, a trig pillar, and the Eire 69 sign.

The total distance is about 5km, and the pace includes stops to take in the views and hear stories of tragedy and success from the region. Your guide is live and speaks English; pickup from your location is included, and all fees and taxes are covered in the price.

What’s included

• Pickup from your location.
• live guide in English.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Neal Doherty - AlchemyTours.ie

Is this one for you?Book this if you're walking solo or with one or two others and want a guide who stops frequently for photos and local stories rather than covering ground quickly.

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Top questions

What is the Stags of Broadhaven and why do they matter on this walk?

The Stags of Broadhaven are rock formations visible in the distance from Erris Head, and they were formed almost 1.6 billion years ago—a reminder of the geological age of the landscape you are walking through.

Will I see birds on the Erris Head walk, and what makes the Fulmars unusual?

Yes, you will see Fulmars nesting on the cliffs opposite the island of Illandavuck. These seabirds spend most of their time at sea, so their legs are too weak to support their body weight on land; you will hear their distinct call as they use the wind to swoop through the air.

What was the WW2 lookout post, and is it still there to visit?

The WW2 lookout post is a structure on Erris Head from which coast watchers observed incidents during the Battle of the Atlantic and reported the bodies washed ashore. It is still standing, and a short climb from the island of Illandavuck takes you to it.

How muddy is the track, and are there sections that are easier to walk?

Some of the track is muddy, but the wettest spots are crossed on boardwalk, so you have solid footing through those sections. The track levels out partway through, giving you a chance to catch your breath.

Is this walk suitable for children, and what age can they start?

Children are welcome from age 6. The walk includes a short steep climb at the start and covers about 5km, so children should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.