Achill Island lies off the republic's western coast, separated from the mainland by the narrow Achill Sound (spanned by a swing bridge). With an area of 55 sq. mi/142 sq. km, it is the largest of Ireland's offshore islands. Hilly and L-shaped, Achill is almost entirely covered by heath and bog, with cultivated land only in valleys and near the coast. The hills on the north and west coasts rise to 2,200ft/671m, dropping down to the sea in magnificent cliffs.
Address: Achill Island Tourist Office, Courthouse, Keel , Ireland
Near a swing bridge from the mainland is Achill Sound, the island's market town. It offers facilities for bathing and deep-sea angling; motorboats and sailing craft can be hired.
Near the south end of Anchill Island - which is circled by "Atlantic Drive" - the ruins of Carrickkildavnet Castle, (a 15th C. National Monument) stand on the shores of Achill Sound. Part of a vaulted stone roof and the remains of an old slipway for boats can still be seen. The castle belonged to the legendary Grace O'Malley, who ruled extensive territories in this area in the 16th C.
From Keem on Anchill Island there is a rewarding climb up to Croaghaun (2,068ft/630mile), to the west. It ends, on the seaward side, in a 4mi/6km-long line of cliffs, and a magnificent view over the Atlantic.
It is unsafe to go too near the edge of the cliffs, which are much undercut by the sea.
5mi/8km west of Achill Sound lies the pretty little resort of Dooega, a convenient point from which to climb Minaun Mountain (1,530ft/466m) and Minaun Cliffs.
About 7mi/4km northwest of Achill Sound, on the north coast of Anchill Island, is Dugort, which has a good sandy beach. In the surrounding area there are many remains of cairns and chamber tombs.
4mi/6km southwest of Dugort lies Keel, an attractive holiday resort with a sheltered sandy beach 2mi/3km long extending southeast to the foot of Minaun Cliffs, which fall sheer 800ft/240m to the sea at one point. Keel is the center of the island's fish-processing industry.
There is fishing for brown trout in Keel Lough.
Address: Achill Island Tourist Office, Courthouse, Keel , Ireland
There is a particularly picturesque stretch of coastal scenery on the road to Keem from Keel on Anchill Island (5mi/8km), which has a beautiful sandy beach. Several parking places are available.
Below the Slievemore hill, accessible only from the sea and in good weather, are the Seal Caves; the best way to see them is to take a boat, with an experienced boatman, from Dugort (2mi/3km).
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Blue waters around Achill Island.
Boats on shore at Achill Island.
Rocks and sand on the coast of Achill Island.
Rocky coast of Achill Island.
The landscape of Achill Island.
