Elly Bay, Belmullet
Ireland — Excellent water quality
Elly Bay is a fine sandy beach on the Mullett Peninsula, 9km south of Belmullet town. The bay has international ecological importance due to its diverse habitats and is recognized as an important site for birdlife. The beach is not lifeguarded. In an emergency, a…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Elly Bay, Belmullet
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Elly Bay, Belmullet?
Elly Bay is a fine sandy beach on the Mullett Peninsula, 9km south of Belmullet town. The bay has international ecological importance due to its diverse habitats and is recognized as an important site for birdlife. The beach is not lifeguarded. In an emergency, a First Aid Box and phone are available at the local adventure centre, UISCE. For more information, visit www.blueflagireland.org and www.mayococo.ie.
It is part of a wider group of other Blue Flag beaches in Ireland that meet FEE's annual standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Elly Bay, Belmullet faces W toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Jun | 13°C | 10°C | Med |
| Jul | 15°C | 12°C | High |
| Aug | 15°C | 12°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Elly Bay, Belmullet is June, September. Air temperatures peak around 14.6°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 11.6°C in July.
How crowded does Elly Bay, Belmullet get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Elly Bay, Belmullet sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Elly Bay, Belmullet open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-06 – 15-09). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Elly Bay, Belmullet
Is Elly Bay, Belmullet safe to swim?Elly Bay, Belmullet is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated <span class="inline-stat">Excellent</span>. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Elly Bay, Belmullet?Peak water temperature at Elly Bay, Belmullet reaches around <span class="inline-stat">11.6°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.6°C.
What is the beach like at Elly Bay, Belmullet?Elly Bay, Belmullet is a sandy beach of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Elly Bay, Belmullet have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Elly Bay, Belmullet meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Elly Bay, Belmullet sits on the Atlantic Ocean — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Elly Bay, Belmullet
How do I get to Elly Bay, Belmullet by car?Elly Bay, Belmullet is located in Ireland. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Elly Bay, Belmullet?The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), approximately 7.7 km away.
Can I get to Elly Bay, Belmullet by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Ireland.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-06 – 15-09 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 54.1612°N, 10.0838°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Elly Bay, Belmullet FAQ
Is Elly Bay, Belmullet suitable for children?
Elly Bay, Belmullet is a Blue Flag certified beach in Ireland. The EU Excellent water quality rating means the water is safe and clean for all swimmers, including children. Blue Flag certification itself requires meeting strict environmental and safety standards that benefit all beach users.
Is Elly Bay, Belmullet free to access?
Yes, access to Elly Bay, Belmullet is free — there are no entry fees or charges to use the beach. Facilities including beach amenities are typically available during the official season at no charge. The beach is managed by local authorities under the Blue Flag programme.
When is the best time to visit Elly Bay, Belmullet?
The best time to visit Elly Bay, Belmullet is June, September. Water temperature peaks at around 11.6°C in July, which is ideal for swimming. Air temperatures reach 14.6°C in summer. If you prefer quieter conditions, visiting in June or September gives you warm weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The Blue Flag is displayed during the certified season, confirming the beach meets all water quality and safety standards.
What is the water quality at Elly Bay, Belmullet?
Elly Bay, Belmullet is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict annual water quality standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is currently rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and requires independent water quality monitoring throughout the season. The results are publicly available from the European Environment Agency.
How do I get to Elly Bay, Belmullet?
Elly Bay, Belmullet is located in Ireland. The nearest airport is Belmullet Aerodrome (BLY) (BLY), 7.7 km away. Check local transport authority websites for current public transport schedules. A car is the most flexible option for reaching the beach, particularly outside peak season.
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