Elly Bay
- Freestyle, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Elly Bay is a clean, sandy, shallow-to-flat-water spot on the Mullet Peninsula with a semi-sheltered setup that supports easy launch and generally calm riding conditions (flat to chop). The bay’s sand bottom and protected nature make it a dependable choice for wind sports, particularly kitesurfing, with minimal tidal currents reported within the sheltered area. Wind availability is a major draw, with a strong best-month window in March, April, May, September, and October. Typical winds are reported in the moderate range (about 15–30 knots), and wind is generally described as Atlantic/low-pressure driven with occasional sea-breeze reinforcement on sunny spring and summer afternoons. Wind direction coverage is broad across the compass, and there can be only very minor wind shadowing near the northern headland for north winds. Water and equipment planning are crucial: winter is very cold and the spot remains rideable only with the right kit (thicker wetsuit, and boots in winter). Hazards are not typically described as severe, but sources do note reef (and occasional rocks at the far ends of the bay), plus the cold-water factor. For kitesurfers specifically, local rules/permissions may apply, so it’s important to check whether kitesurfing is allowed and to follow any local membership or permit requirements. For surfing, Elly Bay is notable for left-hand waves in south to south-westerly wind, with waves reported to break over reef in the south or further into the bay over sand. The best wave timing is on flood/high tide, and larger swell tends to hold size due to the exposure.
- Clean sandy flat-water riding in a semi-sheltered bay
- Reliable wind window in spring and autumn
- Left-hand surfing in the right south–south-westerly conditions
- Best wave timing on flood/high tide
- Clean, flat-to-choppy water with a sandy bottom and easy launch setup.
- Often reliable wind conditions, especially in spring and autumn.
- Works well for kitesurfing in a semi-sheltered horseshoe bay with good left-hand surf options in the right wind/swell.
- Cold water makes winter riding gear essential.
- Reef/rock hazards exist (reef reported as a hazard; rocks can occur at the far ends of the bay).
- Kitesurfing access may require checking local rules/permissions.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Offshore directions
- N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Sources describe the wind as Atlantic/low-pressure driven and sometimes reinforced by sea-breeze on sunny spring/summer days.
- Reliability
- High, particularly in spring and autumn
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported as light gusts.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Reported as flat water for most water-sports; surfing refers to reef/sand breaks in the right conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat water with chop reported.
- Launch
- Medium — Spacious sandy beach and easy setup/launch.
Through the year
Generally quiet, with more activity during summer weekends
Winter months (November to February) are the stormiest and wettest
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, shallow/choppy water in a semi-sheltered bay with west/northwest winds; ideal for kiting.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Sheltered bay offers flat water conditions; known as a top-tier freeride/slalom spot, with high swell exposure making it suitable for experienced wave sailors.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–7.5 m²
Shallow shore allows easy entry; the bay center provides sufficient depth.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly; depth increases quickly offshore.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1 meter near shore at mid-tide, deepening quickly
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Waves break over reef in the south; or over sand further into the bay. Optimal swell direction is S to SW.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, SSW, SW
- Optimal Tide
- High — Best on flood tide.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered within the bay.
- Wind Effect
- Works best in south to south-westerly wind; famous for left-handers in south to south-westerly conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size due to high swell exposure.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Elly Bay in the full forecast view.
Elly Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–41 ktsGusts 61 kts
- Direction
- SW236°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2441 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–5.0 m9s period
- Temperature
- 9–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Elly Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 6–41 kts, peaking around 41 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 61 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.1–5.0 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- reef
- cold water
- occasional rocks at the far ends of the bay
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Peak summer months are monitored by beach lifeguards.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — The Irish Coast Guard operates in the region; local units based in Belmullet and Ballyglass.
- Emergency Info
- Belmullet Garda Station and local medical clinics nearby. Nearest healthcare facility is Belmullet Community Hospital; emergency number 999 or 112.
Rules of the spot
Check whether kitesurfing is allowed; may need special permit or membership from the local kite organization. Respect designated swimming areas during peak summer months.
- check whether kitesurfing is allowed; may need special permit or membership from local kite organization
- Respect designated swimming areas during peak summer months
- Make sure you don't block the access road when parking.
- The waves are best on flood tide.
- Even in winter, it’s rideable if you have the gear; 5mm wetsuits and boots are mandatory.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Belmullet
- Nearest Town
- Drumreagh
- Nearest Airport
- Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), approximately 100 kilometers away
- Parking
- Parking is available directly at the beach / at Elly Bay. Make sure you don't block the access road when parking.
- Public Transport
- Limited rural bus services connect Belmullet to larger hubs like Ballina and Castlebar, but a private car is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- From Ballina west on N59 to Bangor, then R313 to Belmullet, and from here south to Drumreagh. Follow the road towards Aghleam. After about 4 km you will see the bay to your left.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Irish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Guesthouses and a specialized sports lodge are available in and around Belmullet.
- Food & Drink
- Local pubs and restaurants in Belmullet town, roughly a 15-minute drive.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental available through the local school.
- Gear Storage
- Available at the local school for guests.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite repairs available through the local school.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Erris region is characterized by its wild, unspoiled beauty and is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure and cultural immersion.
A major coastal touring route with Elly Bay as a significant stop, known for its scenery.
Insight into local history, folklore, and the Irish language of the Mullet Peninsula.
Coastal trail network with views of rugged cliffs and islands.
Traditional Irish pubs serving local seafood and hosting live music.
World-renowned links golf course suitable for family outings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Elly Bay?
The best overall months at Elly Bay are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Elly Bay?
Elly Bay works with N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Elly Bay?
Recommended equipment sizes at Elly Bay: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Elly Bay suitable for?
Elly Bay suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner to Expert · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Expert.