Featured Photo: © David Browne
Béal Deirg or Belderrig is one of Ireland’s oldest communities – and one of its most scenic. It is the birthplace of the Céide Coast.
Located halfway between Ballycastle and Belmullet on the Wild Atlantic Way’ s Céide Coast, Belderrig is one of those beautiful Irish villages off the beaten tracks that once you visit, you’ll never forget.
With its sprawling coastal landscape and stunning cliff faces, it’s the perfect place to walk for miles and lose yourself in some of the most beautiful Irish scenery you’ll ever discover.
Its incredible history speaks for itself – people have been living in the village since the Mesolithic Age (Hunter-Gatherers era) for 6500 years, making it even older than the nearby Céide Fields.
The earliest people lived alongside the shore. It was Dr. Séamus Caulfield, famed local historian who suggested they were ‘fisher gatherers’. Recent archaeological studies have revealed the remains of fish bones near the harbour. Fishing and farming still remain important economic industries in the community.
Belderrig has evidence of a Neolithic farm dwelling (located near the Community Centre). Tours are offered by Belderrig Valley Experience – ran by Dr. Caulfield and his son, Declan.
Today you’ll hear native Irish speakers speaking beautiful Gaeilge in this remote but stunning region – a must-see on your trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.
About Belderrig
Community Centre:
Belderrig Community Centre was opened in 2000. It is run by Coiste Ionad Pobail Béal Deirg and is the focal point for all community activity.
St. Teresa’s Church
This Roman Catholic Church is one of the oldest church buildings currently in operation in North Mayo. Construction began in 1869 and the building was completed in July 1870. Mass time: Sundays, 10am.
Belderrig Environmental Research Laboratory:
This is located in the building next to the Community Centre. Students of archaeology have been coming here to do research for decades. This lab was opened in 2000 and is part of the Belderrig Valley Experience.
Belderrig Pool
This is an natural, outdoor rock pool located at the Harbour which is ideal for swimming.
Belderrig Bronze Man
This is a Triathlon around the village, comprising a 150m swim, 4km cycle and 4km run. This great family day out is held on the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday weekend annually. More details at the Belderrig Bronze Man Facebook Page.
Getting to Belderrig
Belderrig is 42km west of Ballina, 15km west of Ballycastle and 7km west of Céide Fields. Follow the R314 from Ballycastle southbound along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Belderrig is 33km East of Belmullet along the R314, and 120km (1 hour 45 minutes) from Ireland West Airport Knock.
McGrath Coaches leave Belderrig outside the former pub at around 11:15am for Ballina and return around 6pm.
Accommodation
The Yellow Rose B&B
Contact: Stephen and Eileen McHale
Geevraun,
Belderrig,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo
The Yellow Rose B&B Website (Bookings accepted online)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +353 (0) 9622767
The Hawthorns B+B and Self Catering
Contact: Carmel Murphy
Belderrig,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo
Tel: +353 (0)96 43148
Belderrig Cottage Self-Catering
Contact: Mary McAvock
Geevraun,
Belderrig
Ballina,
Co. Mayo
Tel: +353 (0) 86 3682615
For local images of beautiful Ballycastle/Belderrig, check out Images of BallycastleBelderrig on Facebook.
Thanks to Pádraig McCann for the local information.
