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Achill Island

Achill, off the coast of Co Mayo, is Ireland's largest Island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The Island is steeped in history, with evidence of human settlement going back more than 4000 years.

The sea is never far away here, with long sandy beaches to stroll along, tiny deserted coves, soaring cliffs walks and everywhere pure clear Atlantic water, peaceful and shining in the sun in summer, crashing to the shore in huge waves at other times. Dolphins and whales are frequent visitors to these waters and can often been seen from the shore.

Claim to Fame

Overlooking the village of Dooagh is Boycott's House, home for 20 years to Captain Charles Boycott who famously gave his name to the English language. Kildownet Castle is a fifteenth century tower house built by Grace O'Malley, the infamous Irish pirate queen of the 1600's.

In the early 20th century the celebrated American artist Robert Henri fell in love with Achill and spent several summers on the Island, at first renting and later buying Boycott's House. He produced over 100 paintings there, mainly of local people and primarily of children.

The one on the right, painted in 1913, is of a local girl, Mary O'Donnell.

What to See & Do

Achill is steeped in history and there is lots to see and explore, including early megalithic tombs and standing stones, a crannóg site, holy wells, early Christian monastic settlements, a deserted villages and famine ruins.

Famine Village, Achill Deserted Village
Photo by thecolourblue The Minaun Walk takes you to a lofty hill from where, on a clear day, the views seem never to end and you will feel that the whole world is yours. Hardier walkers can tackle the Achill's highest mountain, Slievemore. The Deserted Village at Slievemore was abandoned in the second half of the 19th century, its residents the victims of famine and eviction mostly emigrated to America.

Hire a local fisherman to take you by Yawl or Currach (traditional local boats) from the harbour at Bullsmouth to your own deserted Island, tiny Innisbiggle, an uninhabited Island just a few minutes away across the sea.

Where to Stay

The Bervie Guesthouse at Keel is an exceptional guesthouse overlooking the sea with magnificent views along the coast and out over Innisboffin, Innisturk and Clare Islands.

Murrin's Way is a traditional Achill cottage, with up to date comforts, that has wonderful views, open fires and is a very pleasant walk away from Keel.

Eating and Drinking

In Keel the Beehive (098 43134) is a craft shop and restaurant which serves excellent seafood and locally influenced dishes, including a delicious nettle soup.

On a good day you can eat outdoors overlooking Minaun Cliffs.

Also in Keel, but very different, is the Ferndale Restaurant, where house specialities include Greek, Mongolian and Swiss dishes.

The George is a pub unusually located in a wing of the old Landlord's house and is a lively spot, popular with locals. McLoughlin's in Achill Sound, Lavelle's in Cashel and Gielty's in Doonagh are also good pubs. All regularly have traditional music sessions.

Where is it?

Achill is off the coast of Co Mayo in the West of Ireland. The nearest large town is Westport.

More about Achill

Location Map for Achill Island

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