Elly Bay

Ireland4.5/5
KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freestyleKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing foilWindsurfing freestyleWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing slalomSurfing shortboardWingfoil freerideWingfoil freestyleWingfoil downwind
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
8–17 °C
Water Temperature
5–19 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesApr–Oct: 4/3mm or 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Generally quiet, with more activity during summer weekends

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (November to February) are the stormiest and wettest

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Flat, shallow/choppy water in a semi-sheltered bay with west/northwest winds; ideal for kiting.

FreestyleFreerideWaveFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

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.

WaveFreerideFreestyleSlalom
Sail Sizes
4.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingSkill Level

Waves break over reef in the south; or over sand further into the bay. Optimal swell direction is S to SW.

Reef break
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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuitHarnessGlovesHood

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.

Restrictions
  • check whether kitesurfing is allowed; may need special permit or membership from local kite organization
  • Respect designated swimming areas during peak summer months
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: June through August for the best weather and active tourism services.
Wild Atlantic Way0km

A major coastal touring route with Elly Bay as a significant stop, known for its scenery.

Ionad Deirbhile Heritage Centre8km

Insight into local history, folklore, and the Irish language of the Mullet Peninsula.

Erris Loop Walks5km

Coastal trail network with views of rugged cliffs and islands.

Belmullet Pubs10km

Traditional Irish pubs serving local seafood and hosting live music.

Carne Golf Links12km

World-renowned links golf course suitable for family outings.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.