Belmullet combines two cycling loops that are easy to compare with art, crafts and other discoveries in the town. This lets you plan your stay around specific interests: a bike ride, a visit to the exhibitions or a craft workshop. Belmullet is in County Mayo; the offerings and sights mentioned in this overview refer to Belmullet Town and its more specifically described surroundings.

Choose a cycling loop by time and difficulty

The Belmullet Green Loop is the easier and shorter of the two cycling routes: it is 37.5 km long, listed as taking three hours, and starts and ends in Belmullet Town. The Belmullet Blue Loop is of moderate difficulty, covers 49.7 km and has a listed duration of four hours; this loop also starts and ends in Belmullet Town. The comparison makes the choice clear: the loops differ by 12.2 km and one hour of listed cycling time.

If you’re choosing your cycling day mainly by difficulty, the easy Green Loop is the option to consider; for a moderately challenging loop, the Blue Loop may suit you. Both sets of details also help with time planning, without requiring an additional journey to a different starting point. Current route conditions may change, so check them before setting off, especially if you’re basing your day’s plans on the listed duration.

Art, exhibitions and crafts in Belmullet Town

Áras Inis Gluaire is a bilingual arts centre in Belmullet Town. Its varied exhibition programme includes a permanent exhibition of original illustrations by the renowned painter Edward Ardizzone, as well as monthly exhibitions. The permanent display of the illustrations and the monthly exhibition schedule offer two distinct ways to experience art in the town.

Lúnasa Handmade Crafts also offers a hands-on introduction to creative crafts: the shop in Belmullet Town regularly runs craft workshops. Craft experiences are also available for small to medium-sized groups. Group activities may depend on booking arrangements, so check in advance what options are available for your group. This offering differs from the exhibitions at the arts centre: here, the focus is on taking part in craft activities, while the centre offers the chance to engage with art and illustration.

Getting oriented and exploring nearby places

The Belmullet Community Tourist Office works with Fáilte Ireland and provides a visitor information service for the Republic of Ireland. Its information covers local and national attractions, activities and events. If you’d like to add other interests to your stay, the office is a point of contact for information on these topics.

A short distance south of Belmullet is Elly Bay, a sandy beach with Blue Flag status. As this status depends on accreditation, you can check it before your visit if needed. Another specific connection to art is “Reconnections”: the sculpture on the North Mayo Sculpture Trail is located at the Belmullet Canal in Belmullet Town. The beach, sculpture and arts centre offer different focuses, so you can choose between nature, public art and exhibitions during your stay.

When planning, it’s worth distinguishing between the time-related details: the cycling loops have stated durations, the arts centre’s exhibitions follow a monthly schedule, and craft workshops take place regularly. For a group activity, you’ll also need to check the booking arrangements. This makes it easier to plan your stay around the specific offerings in Belmullet.

Discover more destinations: Coogue, Aghamore, Valley, Aasleagh, Mallaranny, Achill Sound, Killala, Breaffy

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.