Achill Island

Achill Island is Ireland's largest island, connected to the mainland by a bridge in County Mayo. Sheer cliffs, golden sandy beaches, peatlands and abandoned villages make up a raw landscape that time seems to have left untouched. Here, the Atlantic strikes the Irish west coast with the greatest force, shaping a territory that is both wild and inhabited for millennia.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: road bridge from Achill Sound on the N59 — no ferry needed.
• Suggested duration: minimum 2 days to cover the main sites.
• What to wear: waterproof clothing and hiking boots essential, even in summer.
• Driving: narrow, winding roads — take care with motorhomes.

What to see

The island concentrates remarkably diverse landscapes across a compact area. The Croaghaun cliffs, among the highest in Europe, plunge directly into the ocean from the mountaintop. Keem Bay beach, nestled in a cove framed by cliffs, offers turquoise waters rare at these latitudes. Dugort beach, more sheltered, borders the northern flank of the island.

The interior reveals vast peatlands, mountain lakes and ruins of booley — seasonal shelters used by shepherds. The ghost village of Slievemore, with its stone houses abandoned in the 19th century, stands as one of the most poignant testaments to the Great Irish Famine.

History and context

Achill has been inhabited since at least the Neolithic period. The Great Famine (1845-1852) decimated its population and triggered mass emigration to the United States. The village of Slievemore, deserted at that time, remains intact as an open-air memorial.

The island also attracted artists and writers in the 20th century. Paul Henry, a major Irish painter, spent considerable time here and captured its peatlands and cloud-filled skies in a body of work that helped shape the visual image of rural Ireland. Heinrich Böll, German Nobel Prize-winning author, owned a house here and devoted his Irish Journal to it.

Highlights of your visit

Keem Bay

The road down to Keem Bay winds along exposed ridges with sweeping views of the Atlantic. The beach itself, crescent-shaped, is sheltered from the prevailing winds. Once a basking shark fishing ground, it is today frequented by swimmers and kayakers.

Croaghaun and the western cliffs

Climbing Croaghaun (688 m) from Keem Bay leads to the island's most spectacular cliffs. The hike is demanding and unmarked — a map and compass are recommended. On clear days, the Aran Islands are visible to the south.

Ghost village of Slievemore

Around a hundred stone houses lined along a single street, abandoned since the Famine. The adjacent cemetery contains gravestones predating the 19th century by centuries. The site is accessible on foot from the main road, with no particular tourist facilities.

Dugort beach and Slievemore mountain

The northern side of the island is more sheltered. Dugort beach is ideal for families. Climbing Slievemore (671 m) from this side offers a panoramic view over Blacksod Bay and the Mullet islands.

Photography tips

Late afternoon light on Keem Bay produces golden reflections on the water. The Croaghaun cliffs photograph best from the ridge, looking northwest. Slievemore village is more expressive in overcast conditions, with diffuse light accentuating the texture of the stones. Avoid the peak summer sun for the peatlands — colours are richer at dawn or dusk.

Location and access

Achill Island lies at the western tip of County Mayo, approximately 70 km from Westport. The Achill Sound bridge connects the island to the mainland continuously. A car is the most practical means of transport — distances between sites are significant and public transport is limited. A bus service links Achill Sound to Westport, but frequency is reduced outside the season.

The island is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the coastal route that runs the length of Ireland's Atlantic coastline.

Nearby attractions

• Westport — lively Georgian town, natural starting point to reach Achill, with varied restaurants and accommodation.
• Croagh Patrick — emblematic pilgrimage mountain in Mayo, about an hour's drive away, with exceptional views over Clew Bay.
• Clare Island — island accessible by ferry from Roonagh Quay, associated with the pirate queen Grace O'Malley, with a medieval abbey.
• Newport — small town on the Black Oak river, with a Victorian railway viaduct and renowned fisheries.