COUNTY MAYO - ACHILL ISLAND


Achill Island is the largest island in the Country (15 miles x 12 miles) and is accessible from the mainland by bridge. Lashed by the ocean, carved by the wind and swept by the rain, Achill is one of Ireland`s most spectacular and beautiful places. Achill`s rugged landscape features dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes and secluded beaches - including no fewer than five Blue Flag beaches. The beautiful villages of Dooagh and Dooega, the high cliffs at Slievemore and Minaun, the magnificent beaches at Keel and Keem, under the Achill Head are all worth a visit. Achill boasts no less than two adventure centers which offer the best in windsurfing, sailing, abseiling, diving and many other activities.

Achill has a long history of human settlement and there is evidence that Achill was inhabited as many as 5,000 years ago. Megalithic tombs testifying to this can be seen at Slievemore. The remains of promontory forts from the Iron Age have been found along the Atlantic Drive and on Achill Beg Island. The imprint of past generations is everywhere on Achill, from megalithic tombs to ancient forts, historic churches to deserted villages. Achill`s long history features a rich cast of characters, from the Pirate Queen Granuaille to artists and writers including Paul Henry and Heinrich Boll.

Attractions on Achill

Atlantic Drive
Achill`s Atlantic Drive offers spectacular views of Achill`s Atlantic waters and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Achill Beaches
Achill boasts no fewer than five Blue Flag beaches along with several more remote and unspoiled beaches.
Deserted Village
The Deserted Village at Slievemore provides a haunting reminder of the old way of life.
Kildavnet
The Tower at Kildavnet was once home to the notorious pirate queen Granuaille (Grace O`Malley).
Keem Bay
Keem Bay, a perfect horseshoe bay with sandy Blue Flag beach, is accessible by road over dramatic hillside cliffs.
Annagh
Annagh is a magical and remote valley, lake and beach that is only accessible by foot or boat.

Festivals

The Achill Seafood Festival has established itself as one of Mayo`s best festival weekends. The Festival, which is held in July, offers the best in delicious gourmet seafood, with plenty of ceol, music agus craic in the many traditional pubs in the evenings. Scoil Acla is one of Ireland`s oldest summer schools offering workshops in traditional music, creative writing, set dancing and Ceili Workshops. The summer school hosts art exhibitions, painting courses and of course, Gaeilge Acla - the Irish of Achill.