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Get out and explore.
Achill Island is a great place to go exploring.From quiet villages to bustling bars.The landscape lends itself to discovery whether by foot,on bike, by car or almost any other form of transport.The seascape is particularly beautiful, featuring the highest sea cliffs in Europe,sea stacks,caves,arches and hidden beaches.Thanks to Chris for the video below which shows a small journey by sea kayak around Keel and Inisgaloon and Minaun cliffs.Let this be the starting point for your expedition.
Achill goes Wild!
What is the Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic coastal drive, walk or cycle along Ireland’s Atlantic Coastline. It stretches 2,750 km (1,700 miles) along the west coast from Kinsale in Co. Cork in the south to Co. Donegal in the north.
The Wild Atlantic Way is can be enjoyed over a few days to several weeks, with over 1,000 Attractions, over 2,500 activities including walking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, fishing and more, over 50 Blue Flag beaches, nearly 20 long distance walks, over 120 Golf courses and over 500 festivals and events to enjoy during each year.
Along the route there are 15 iconic "Discovery Points" that embody the Atlantic coast of Ireland, and one of these is Keem Bay on Achill Island. It is proposed that a viewing platform be built at Keem Bay as part of the Wild Atlantic Way development plan.
All over the west coast, the route has been signposted with this signage (although be a little bit careful as it's not always signposted correctly -North is sometimes South and vice versa!) .
You can view and download the Wild Atlantic Way map here
Been there.-Now buy the T-shirt!
Our shop will be live very soon...!
Visit one of Achills Beaches
Located on the North of Achill Island, Dugort has two sandy Blue Flag beaches. The smaller of the two is located at the foot of Slievemore and is known as The Silver Strand, it is popular with swimmers, families and walkers. There are the remains of a now submerged forest at the end of beach nearest Slievemore. Every New Years Day there is an annual swim or quick dip in the ocean! The location is rich in flora and fauna and the beach is within a Special Area of Conservation. There is car parking and picnic tables. There are lifeguards stationed there during the summer season.
One Of two Dugort Blue Flag beaches, The Golden Strand can be found approximately 3km east of Dugort Village. It looks out onto Blacksod Bay. There is car parking, but the beach is not wheelchair-accessible. It is the location of The Blueway Kayak Trail. Sightings of bottlenose dolphins and seals are possible along this trail.
Keel is a sandy, gently curving, south facing beach. It is a famous stretch of strand for most water sport activities especially surfing. Located beside Keel village, it is approximately 3km's in length. Very popular with Locals and tourists alike, it starts from a rocky outcrop at Keel village to the base of the magnificent Minaun cliffs, which tower 466m's above the beach. Excellent for walkers, joggers and dog walkers. There is also plenty of parking available along the beach. It is also where the famous Blackfield "Surf Bus" is located, make sure to get a coffee, hot chocolate, hire surf equipment or just get your photo taken beside this Ex-Dublin Bus double decker, now living a far more chilled out life. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach during the summer season.
Dooega blue flag beach is just 8 kilometres from Achill Sound in a small coastal inlet, at Dooega village. The beach is on the Atlantic Drive, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean along the southern edge of Achill island. Parking is available, and there is an access ramp, as well as life-saving equipment on the beach, but no lifeguard. Dooega is an old fishing village and the sheltered south facing beach is perfect for summer swimming and sunbathing.
Keem Bay is a blue flag beach located as far west as you can go by car on Achill Island. The bay was used for hunting basking sharks which were then towed by boat to Purteen harbour. There are numerous viewing points on the drive down to the beach with a selection of car parking places. There is an old British army lookout post on the top of the hill to the bay's south. To the north stands Croaghaun, with Europe's highest sea cliffs. Keem Beach is located in a beautiful horseshoe bay and is a sheltered, sandy strand surrounded by high cliffs. The beach is very popular for water sports, especially snorkeling which has a Blueway Trail. The beach has lifeguards stationed there during the summer season.
Register with us now!
If you are a tourism or service provider who constantly brings visitors to the island, we want you to show them what we have to offer!
Here's how it works.
Register with us.(click on: Create an account)
Drop in and collect your custom made "Local Hero" token.
Bring your visitors to our building for a look around and if you both decide to stay for a coffee or tea..
Show us your token and your americano or tea will be on us!
Register now and get our custom made wooden token!
Achill Island
If you would like to see how the island looks right now, view our live streaming camera in Keel
Cafe
Our Cafe is situated in the LoveAchill information centre, easily recognizable by the unique pink and blue colour scheme, and provides sit in or take away Lavazza coffee, teas and hot chocolate. We serve cookies and some snacks, however we don't serve lunches or other food. Free WIFI is available, and we have a range of souviners and gift items in our LoveAchill shop. The cafe is also the base for our surf school and surf shop. Call in for a coffee and a chat, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about touring around Achill and the services available on The Island.
We are open from 10.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Sometimes we open a little later and close a little earlier if there's surf to be had, so please work with us on that one!
Gift Shop
We offer an original and unique range of Achill Island gifts, a selection of which can be personalized to make the gift extra special. Call in, have a look and talk to us about your specific requirements. From etched drinking glasses, coasters and key-rings to clothing.
We are open from 10.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Sometimes we open a little later and close a little earlier if there's surf to be had, so please work with us on that one!
Discover Achill Island, Ireland
There are lots of reasons to visit Achill Island. We could talk about our 5 blue flag beaches or the dramatic scenery, including the highest sea cliffs in Europe, or maybe we should mention the variety of outdoor activities that you can enjoy within such a small area. When you arrive on Achill Island you will find yourself surrounded by stunning scenery, right on the westerly edge of Europe and bang in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way. We pride ourselves on excellent walking and hiking trails and all forms of water sports, especially surfing for beginner or intermediate level surfers. Horse riding, golf, pitch & putt and fishing are all also available on The Island.
Since 2016,Achill has also had it's own aquarium and cultural centre- the Achill Experience.There is a fairy trail at the Valley House , and Achill even has it's own beer, brewed in the Achill brewery!
Achill Island, Ireland from Aerial.ie on Vimeo.
Bus, Rail & Road Travel to Achill Island, Ireland
Achill is the largest of Ireland's Islands and has been connected to the mainland by bridge since 1887, so no need for you to worry about ferry times, just drive straight on to the island.
For those of you travelling by train, the closest stations are in Castlebar (65kms) from Achill, and Westport (45kms) from Achill.
You can also avail of The Great Western Greenway, and cycle from Westport or Newport to Achill Sound and then continue around the island using a combination of the 3 Achill Island cycle routes.
There is approximately 800 kms of motorway in Ireland. So that means you will mainly be driving on a selection of primary and secondary national roads, we recommend you adjust your travel times to suit, in order to avoid disappointment. Here are a selection of towns, distances and approximate driving times.
Westport 45 kms - 50minsCastlebar 65 kms - 60minsDublin Airport 320 kms - 4hrs 15minsBelfast Airport 350 kms - 5hrsKnock Airport 105 kms - 1hr 45minsShannon Airport 222 kms - 3hr 10minsCork Airport 342 kms - 4hrs 50minsPlease note that these are estimated times under ideal conditions- and please remember to drive on the left ! Of course, you could also arrive by helicopter if you desire !, directions available on request!!
Live webcam on Achill Island, Ireland
LoveAchill.com are happy to bring you this live streaming webcam in association with Westnet.ie and Ferndale Luxury Bed & Breakfast.The view is looking East over Keel beach on the Mayo Wild Atlantic Way, with Minaun cliffs in the background.The view changes to a close up of the surf after 30 seconds.
Greenway Bicycle Hire
We have a wide range consisting of Hybrid Bikes, Mountain Bikes, Child Trailers and Tag-a-Long Bikes. All bikes come with a helmet, repair kit and insurance. Bike can be hired by the day or week with a helmet, Hi-vis, Pannier and lock. We cover all sections of The Greenway with our shuttle buses and trailers.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 10am-3pm (May-Sept)
Greenway Bicycle Hire,Main Street, Newport Co. Mayo086-0382594086-0382593 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Festivals and events on Achill Island
All Year Round
"From New York to Corrymore". An exhibition with a selection of prints on the work by the artist Robert Henri. Showing at CFAA, Crumpaun, Keel, Achill Island. 2 to 4 Monday to Friday
1st June and throughout the summer
Island Life. An exhibition by artist Padraig McCaul at The Western Light Gallery, Padraig also runs painting workshops from June to August. www.padraigmccaul.com
June, July & August
The Kirkintilloch Tragedy. An exhibition on the full chain of events surrounding the tragic deaths of ten young potato pickers or "tattie hawkers" from Achill in a fire at Kirkintilloch, Scotland. Showing at CFAA, Crumpaun, Keel, Achill Island. 10 to 4 Monday to Friday.
June to September
Achill Country Market. We are open every Friday June-Sept 11am to 1pm. We also attend other markets in Achill over the year like The Achill Sheep Show etc also every Easter Saturday. Strict guidelines ensure high quality food & craft are produced. Located at Ted Lavelles, Cashel, Achill Island. See our Facebook Page.
June to August
Mounts Funfair is a family run fairground catering for all events festivals through out Ireland consisting of top class machines, no venue to small or to big. Based for the summer season in Keel, beside the beach.
14/15th June
The Achill Island "Give it a go" Weekend. Our outdoor providers offer special rates for the weekend to people who wish to try something new, this weekend includes a Blueway open day at Keem Beach.
21st June
Summer Solstice Walks. One guided walk to watch the sunrise and one to watch the sunset, contact Gerard Mangan 086 8439683
5th July
The Famous Achill Island Half Marathon and 10k Run. www.achillmarathon.com
18/20th July
The Festival of the Sea. A unique chance to taste and experience to seafood available from the sea and shore around Achill. Cookery demonstrations, markets and BBQ's.
26th July to 2nd August
Scoil Acla. A week of classes in traditional music, singing, writing, language and dancing. all organised by "Scoil Acla".
6th September
The Achill Roar Adventure Race offers runners a choice of three distances 18km, 31km or 63km and includes kayaking or swimming with running and cycling. www.roar.ie
1st January
New Years Day Swim The people of Achill invite you to the Island to wash the cares of 2014 away by jumping into the sea & embracing 2015! at Dugort Silver Strand Blue Flag Beach. Locals will be on hand with hot soup & there’s live music & craic in The Strand Hotel. Collection on the day will go Achill RNLI Lifeboat.
