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 west toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
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 Excellent. 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 11.6°C 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.
Map
Find Elly Bay, Belmullet
Open the map or get directions to the Elly Bay, Belmullet pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | ✗ No dedicated disabled access listed |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01 Jun – 15 Sep |
| 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 has a child-friendly score of 2/10 based on Blue Flag certification criteria. As a certified beach in Ireland, it meets international standards for safety, water quality, and environmental management.
Is Elly Bay, Belmullet free to access?
Access to Elly Bay, Belmullet is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Elly Bay, Belmullet?
The best time to visit Elly Bay, Belmullet is June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 11.6°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Elly Bay, Belmullet?
Elly Bay, Belmullet is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
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. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore IrelandWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Elly Bay, Belmullet
- An Taisce - Blue Flag
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.