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Achill - (Oilean Acla)

Wild, windy and stunningly beautiful, Achill, because it is also so accessible, attracts an increasing number of visitors each year with its numerous historic sites and excellent facilities and activities. The island has a long history of human settlement with megalithic tombs and promontory forts dating back 5,000 years. There's also a 15th century fortified tower house, Kildamhnait Castle, the 19th century Acaill Mission, and the poignant deserted villages at Slievemore and Ailt. The Acaill landscape is also a major draw with picture postcard Blue Flag beaches, some of Europe's highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island's two peaks and down to the shore. The 40 km Acaill Drive takes in the best of this scenery, while walking and cycling along the quiet lanes and trails is a wonderful way to discover the island's interior. During the spring and summer a variety of festivals take place on Acaill celebrating everything from traditional music, arts and culture to walking, sailing and seafood. You can also fish, surf, dive and kayak here and visit the many craft shops and art galleries.

Directions:

Achill is off the west coast of County Mayo and is connected to the mainland by a swing bridge.

Access:

Achill is accessible by road Via the bridge from Achill Sound (Gob an Choire) near Mulranney.

Descriptions:

• Accommodation
• Activities
• Did you know?
• Population
• Size
• When to visit

Highlights:

Slievemore Deserted Village; Kildamhnait Castle; Achill Mission; Keem Strand; Atlantic Drive.

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