Betra is a Blue Flag beach located less than 3 kms from Murrisk. The Bertra peninsula is ideal for walking and bird-watching and its sandy beach has the services of a lifeguard in the summer months as well as good car parking and public toilets. The tip of the peninsula, farthest away from the car park, meets the main sea channel into Westport and provides excellent shore-angling.
The beach is maintained by Mayo County Council and more information can be obtained by visiting: www.mayococo.ie
Betra can be reached easily by car. Take the R335 from the main Car Park in Murrisk towards Louisburgh and make a right turn after about 2 kms. The lane, which is well signposted, leads down to the main Betra Beach car park.
Murrisk is located in the inner reaches of Clew Bay and has a small sheltered harbour. The waters are shallow, however, and access to the sea is tidal. The harbour has a slipway behind the pier from which small boats and dinghies can be launched. Clew Bay has over a hundred small islands and is an ideal place for sailing or kayaking.
Clew Bay is one of Ireland’s finest sea angling regions. Indeed the largest ever common skate caught in Ireland was hooked in Clew Bay. The two main spots locally for sea fishing are at the tip of the Bertra peninsular and off Lecanvey Pier, both of which can give good catches of mackerel and pollock in the summer and autumn.
Murrisk provides plenty to see for the keen ornithologist. The small estuary in the centre of Murrisk is home to a variety of seabirds. Over the course of the year the area is visited by herons, oyster catchers, egrets, gulls, red shanks and terns. The mountain is home to a small number of Choughs. Enthusiasts have occasionally spotted the white tailed sea eagle as it traverses Croagh Patrick and the surrounding mountains.
Horse riding is available locally at Croagh Patrick Stables who cater for all ages. Their horses range from shetlands
for toddlers to large geldings for more experienced riders. The stables offer two sanded arenas. Beach trekking or water
gallops can also be organised, subject to tides. Croagh Patrick Stables can be contacted on
+353 (0)85 825 1486.
