Killadoon Beach stretches from Cross to Devlin. Nearby, coastal habitats at Cross Lough meet the viewpoint of 267-metre-high Killadoon Hill. The beach, wetlands and sweeping panoramas offer different highlights for a stay in Killadoon.
Coastal landscape and Cross Lough
Cross Lough (Killadoon) SAC, a Special Area of Conservation selected for its habitats and species under the EU Habitats Directive, is near Killadoon. Cross Lough is a coastal area with a sandy beach, shingle bank, wet grassland, marsh and freshwater marsh. This variety of habitats shapes the landscape around the lough and offers a different coastal perspective alongside the long stretch of beach between Cross and Devlin.
A reed bed beside Killadoon Beach provides a habitat for many species of wildlife and birds. Whooper swans are resident at Cross Lough; Bewick’s swans visit in winter. Those interested in birdlife and wetlands will find another distinctive natural feature here alongside the open coast.
Killadoon Hill and views
Killadoon Hill is 267 metres high. From the summit, the panoramic view takes in Mweelrea, the Sheeffry Hills, the Partry Mountains, Croagh Patrick, the Nephin Range, Achill, Clare Island, Inishturk and Inishbofin. The ascent at Aillemore Bray on the Killadoon Beach Loop offers views of Croagh Patrick and Clare Island. The wide summit panorama and the views along one section of the Beach Loop provide two distinct landscape experiences.
A description of the hike up Killadoon Hill, published on 26 September 2009, starts and ends at the Ocean Lodge Hotel in Killadoon. Check local conditions before relying on these route details.
History at the beach and nearby
Killadoon’s historic summer competitions on the local beach included horse races, donkey races and an egg-and-spoon race. The races gradually disappeared over time. They are part of the beach’s history, not a description of a current programme of events.
Near the villages of Killeen and Killadoon is Bunlahinch Clapper Footbridge. It is a unique and unusual monument to a shameful period in Irish history. Together with the former beach competitions, it offers a glimpse of the historical themes that, alongside nature and landscape, contribute to the appeal of a visit.
A wider perspective on County Mayo
Those exploring County Mayo as well will find its own cultural and walking highlights. At the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park, objects, rare archival photographs and films bring Ireland’s rural past to life. The museum offers workshops, talks and guided tours throughout the year. The gardens at Turlough Park are home to a variety of birdlife, flora and fauna, and are designated a Green Heritage site. Mayo Local Link’s daily bus service 454 connects the museum with Castlebar and Ballina; check the timetable before travelling.
Croagh Patrick is also in County Mayo: the mountain is 764 metres high and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. The main summit route starts in Murrisk on the Louisburgh Road (R335) and is 7 kilometres long, including the return journey. This is distinct from the 59.9-kilometre Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail. This long-distance walking route is listed as taking three days; it combines ancient monastic heritage with County Mayo’s coastal and mountain scenery and views of Clew Bay.
Discover more destinations: Newport, Cross, Aghamore, Dooagh, Ballina, Murrisk, Louisburgh, Partry.
For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.
