Achill Island (Acaill Oiléan) Overview

Thirteen kilometers of coastline, spectacular sea cliffs, and a rich archaeological history dating back to the Neolithic period make visiting Ireland’s biggest little isle an unforgettable experience. It offers several certified environmentally-minded Blue Flag beaches, great hiking, driving, and cycling, although in good weather you can walk just about anywhere on the island. The Atlantic Drive circles Achill’s southern peninsula, offering a spectacular first glimpse. Do not leave the Island without making the precarious drive to the end of the road at breathtaking  Keem Strand just past Dooagh. The 610m cliffs on the northwest face of Croaughan Mountain are thought to be the highest in Europe. Impressionist Paul Henry was inspired by the natural beauty of Achill Island, and especially by that of Keem Bay. In late July and early August, Achill hosts the Scoil Acla (☎43414; www.scoilacla.com), a festival of traditional writing, music, and dance during which local musicians and writers return to the island to give concerts and offer lessons and evening workshops for every level. The finale takes place on the last Saturday before the bank holiday (the first Monday in Aug.); this is the busiest weekend of the year on Achill with a celebration of banjos, flutes, and pipes. Registration for the week is €60-70, but some performances in local pubs are free.

Achill’s tourist office is beside the Esso station in Cashel, on the main road from Achill Sound to Keel. (☎47353; www.achilltourism.com or www.visitachill.com. Open July-Aug. M-F 10am-6pm, Sa 11am-3pm. Sept.-June M-F 10am-4pm.) The office has information about Achill’s many summer sessions, fishing competitions, and lectures; inquire about the Yawl races—weekly competitions among the island’s 15 traditional sailboats. They can also inform you about the primary walking trails around the island and Mayo county. In July and August, a second tourist office sets up shop in Achill Sound. Buses run M-Sa mornings from Dooagh and Keel to Westport (approx. 2hr.); their routes vary, inquire at the tourist office for a schedule. On Sundays, a 4pm bus runs from Dooagh and Keel to Westport and Galway. If the buses are too infrequent, call for a taxi (☎087 243 7686), “no matter how short the trip.” Let’s Go never recommends hitchhiking, though it is relatively common during July and August.