Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead, "Ford on the Sea") lies in the northwest of Ireland on the narrow strip of land which links the Mullet Peninsula with the mainland. This isolated little place is a good base from which to explore the 15mi/25km peninsula and the country to the north.
From Glenamoy the R314 crosses the moors to Belderg. 1.25mi/2km short of the north coast of Mullet Peninsula with its rugged cliff scenery. Near Belderg have been found remains of a settlement dating from 1500 B.C. (Céide Fields, Ballina).
From the Hill of Glinsk (1017ft/310m), 4mi/6km west of Belderg, there are panoramic views of the whole area of the Mullet Peninsula.
From Glenamoy there is an attractive detour of 10mi/16km northward to Benwee Point, which rises in sheer and rugged cliffs to a height of 843ft/257m above the sea (magnificent views).
The west coast of the Mullet Peninsula, exposed to the storms of the Atlantic, is completely denuded of vegetation; the east side, with numerous little coves, almost completely encloses Blacksod Bay. On both sides of the peninsula there are beautiful beaches, particularly at its narrowest point, around Elly Bay on the east side.
From Blacksod Point, at the end of Mullet Peninsula, there is a fine view of Achill Island, with the tall peak of Slievemore. From the west side, where there was formerly a signal tower, there are views of offshore islets, which were inhabited in early times and preserve many Early Christian remains.
The Mullet Peninsula has many remains of ancient structures. On Doonamo Point, 5mi/7km from Belmullet, are notable remains of a clifftop fortress with a great rampart, 200ft/60m long and 18ft/5.5m high at some points, stretching across the neck of the headland and enclosing three beehive-shaped huts and the ruins of a ring-fort.
At Fallmore, on the southern tip of the peninsula, are the ruins of St Dairbhile's Church (National Monument).
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Belderg - Hill of Glinsk, Ireland
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