Visit Achill Island.

According to archaeologists, Achill Island was inhabited for the first time 5,000 years ago. From this period onwards, the population left its mark on the island: cereal crops, construction of forts (today considered real tourist attractions)… etc.

In the 5th century, the island of Achill did not escape Christianization: the population erected 2 churches: one at Kildavnet, the other at Slievemore. Little remains of these 2 buildings today.

Achill Island: land to escape Cromwell

Much later, Achill Island was successively controlled by numerous families and clans, the most famous of which were the O’Malleys, the O’Donnells and the Gallaghers.

In the 17th century, Cromwell’s mass expulsions from the north and east of Ireland led the Irish population to leave their lands and settle further west. Many Ulster families decided to settle in Achill.

Today, many cultural traces bear witness to this exodus, and Achill Island is still inhabited by many Ulster people, so that there are 2 different Gaelic dialects on the island: the original dialect, and the Ulster dialect.

Visit Achill Island

An island of breathtaking scenery and a culture rooted in Gaelic traditions

Achill Island offers fabulous scenery: its rugged coastline, Caribbean-style beaches (minus the water temperature), deserted moorland, lush green hills and bare brown mountains are simply sensational sights.

The island, which is still inhabited, is a superb spot for travellers in search of wide-open wilderness. It has to be said that the island has been particularly well preserved, and offers a wide range of activities for tourists.

Starting with the Atlantic Drive, a road overlooking the ocean. Many Irish people agree that it’s one of the most beautiful drives in Ireland! The road winds along the coastline, between land and sea: the panoramas are fabulous and well worth taking regular breaks to admire and take a few photos!

The island boasts many incredible sites: we love its desolate landscapes, steep cliffs (the Croaghaun cliffs are incredible), turquoise beaches (like Keem Beach), and the fort of Grace O’Malley, a famous Irish pirate who lived on the island!

Achill Island also has the advantage of being a superb meeting place for budding hikers. It’s easy to walk around the island, take the trails and explore the wide-open spaces… and you’re guaranteed to see very few people! It has to be said that certain areas of Achill Island are well worth the detour, but are still little known to the public: a great advantage for travellers wishing to enjoy a change of scenery while getting away from it all!

Don’t hesitate to bring along a map specifically designed for walking (the Discovery Series 30 (1:50,000 scale), which lists all the island’s hiking trails! It’s a real treat to get to the heart of the Irish wilderness!

Finally, don’t miss the discovery of Dooagh beach, an Achill Island beach that disappeared more than 33 years ago, and resurfaced in 2017! A direct consequence of a 1984 storm that swept the beach away! In 2017, Dooagh beach is said to have reformed naturally, due to weather conditions and wind, once again carrying sand to the site of the forgotten beach. A phenomenon that has created fascination the world over!