Elly Bay, Belmullet

About this spot

Elly Bay is a fine sandy beach consisting of sand dunes backing on to sand dunes. Elly Bay consists of a sandy dune system, extensive areas of dune grassland and machair. These marine habitats support a variety of wildlife and plant species. It is a particularly important area for birds. Special Area of conservation (SAC)/ proposed Natural Heritage Areas (pNHA) Mullet/Blacksod Bay Complex (Site Code 000470) and Blacksod Bay/Broadhaven (Site Code 004037) SPA. Blacksod Bay Designated Shellfish Waters the Mullet Peninsula is part of the Mayo Gaeltacht. Swimming is the only activity on this beach. The bathing area is approximately 1.2km wide. The bathing water is approximately 0.42km2 in area. The medium and maximum water depth within the designated bathing water is 0.5m and 5.0m respectively depending on tides.

Facilities & access

Lifeguard

No

Parking

Yes

Toilets

Yes

Accessible entry

Yes

Dogs

YesDogs only allowed before 12pm and after 6.30pm during the bathing season (1st June to 15th September) otherwise allowed at all times onto beach.

Public transport

No

Official water quality

Classified Excellent in 2025.

Elly Bay, Belmullet is classified as achieving Excellent Water Quality in 2025 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2022 to 2025. Elly Bay, Belmullet has achieved an Excellent Water Quality rating for the four consecutive years 2022 to 2025. Annual water quality ratings are generally calculated using monitoring results over a four-year period and are assessed against stringent bacterial limits to protect bather health.

Common questions

Can you swim at Elly Bay, Belmullet right now?

Elly Bay, Belmullet is currently marked "Good to go". No current pollution alerts — always assess conditions yourself. This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.

What is the water quality like at Elly Bay, Belmullet?

the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) classified Elly Bay, Belmullet as Excellent in 2025. Classifications are a rolling assessment of bacterial samples taken over four bathing seasons, measured against E. coli and intestinal enterococci limits set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.

Is there a swimming ban or warning at Elly Bay, Belmullet?

There are no active bathing restrictions published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) for Elly Bay, Belmullet. That is not a guarantee of safety — assess conditions yourself.

Is there a lifeguard at Elly Bay, Belmullet?

No lifeguard cover is listed for Elly Bay, Belmullet. Never swim alone at an unguarded spot.

What facilities are there at Elly Bay, Belmullet?

Elly Bay, Belmullet has toilets, parking, accessible entry. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).