This pristine Island in the Mayo County of Western Ireland is a pure definition of divine beauty. It is one of the largest islands of Ireland. It has some alluring and clean beaches which makes it a popular spot for water sports. Sublime mountains, astonishing landscapes and miles of unspoiled Blue Flag beaches, Achill Island is a paradise for lovers of outdoor pursuits and water sports of all types. I was here for two nights and wished I could stay for a couple more days!
Getting here and around the Island!
The easiest and the most convenient way of truly enjoying the Island would be driving around in your car. So I would highly recommend either renting. There are ample options to rent car in the Dublin City. I rented from Europcar in Dublin 1 near Park Lane. I got an automatic vehicle that cost me around $200 for a week including insurance which is around $33/day. If you are staying in Dublin city, I would recommend finding the closest option to you here.
There are ample of fuel, coffee and food stops on your way. So you don’t have to worry about pee breaks or running out of gas/water etc. There is one gas station on the island which opens around 9:00 am in the morning. So if you have plans of leaving early morning I would suggest fueling up day before. Driving within Island is fun, especially towards Keem bay where the drive is steep and on the edge. But it is one of the most breath taking drives ever.
Best time To visit?
Frankly speaking anytime of the year. I am sure, summer is undoubtedly and uninterruptedly sunny and beautiful. However, if you lookup the weather app and take your chances, you won’t be disappointed. I did the same and the app showed one sunny day during my trip but it was sunny for the most part of my stay here. You can easily drive around in January, you will see snow on your way to the Island but it never snows on the island.
Stay
In the summer all the Hotels and B&B are open so you have more options for your stay. However, in January you’ll find very few open accommodation options. You could either contact Achill tourism for more information on available accommodation or you could opt for Airbnb like I did.
- Achill Lodge B&B, Bunacurry
You can book your stay with the Lodge on Airbnb .You can also call them or just drop by and they will be open to receive you or answer any of your questions all year long. They also serve complimentary breakfast in the morning. For $56 per night, that ain’t a bad deal!
- Keel Cottages, Keel
Keel cottages located near Keel beach are self-catering cottages. It is close to the restaurants nearby. Drive to Keem Bay and Dooagh from here is convenient. You can Call them to make your bookings.
- Ferndale B&B
This is a luxury B&B located in Keel. They are open all year round and you can make your bookings here. You can also call them to book your stay, the staff is always available.
- Claggan Island Luxury Pods
These pods are not located on the island itself, they are about an hour drive away in Bellmullet. If I could I would have loved staying here, however they were booked for my dates. I would highly recommend staying here as it is conveniently located between Achill Island and Downpatrick Head. You need to email them to ask for availability.
Things to do in Mayo County!
- Keel Beach
Keel Beach falls on the way towards Keem Bay. The beach facing the open sea has magnificent view of the Minaun Cliffs and is also a perfect spot for a pleasant sunset! Park your car and enjoy a nice walk with a stunning view.
- Keem Bay
The drive to this deserted Bay is dreamy and definitely not for faint hearted. My heart was pumping with fear from driving on the edge, these lovely sheep calmed me down! It is the farthest point in the village and very secluded. It is also famously called as the deserted beach of Ireland as it is separated from the island by a cliff.
- Minaun Heights for a view of the Island
You can see the cliffs right after you enter keel. The Keel Golf Club has the best view of the cliffs and of the entire Village. Minaun Heights is just before you enter Keel on the left. A windy and steep road takes you up the cliff from where you can see the entire island. Park your car on the side and walk ahead to see the whole of Island!
- Sunset by the Strand
Right after some evening coffee at Geilty’s, the strand is a perfect place to get an uninterrupted view of the sea and sunset. The view of the village from here is something you cannot miss!
- Lunch or coffee at Geilty’s
- Drive to Downpatrick head
Downpatrick Head is up North of Achill Island close to Ballycastle Village. Take the scenic drive through Ballycroy National Park from the island. It is indeed a magestic site jutting out into the ocean and if you walk a little ahead of the Blow hole, you’ll see the sea stacks right in front of you. The sea stack look extremely glorious standing tall in the ocean. The area is pretty isolated and has no security, so I would suggest being careful walking on the cliff. It is a must visit if in Mayo County and only an hour drive away from Achill Island.
It was very cloudy when I got here but after spending a couple minutes the clouds cleared!
- A calming walk by the Portacloy Beach
Portacloy beach is located in the North Mayo Coast is a very scenic village with traditional cottages. You will not find a single pub or shop in this village, it is unadulterated by any modernity. However, you will see signs for food served daily in the houses while driving. It has a beautiful beach and cliff walk loop trails to enjoy the stunning backdrops of the northern headlands.
- An outstanding Claggan Mountain Coastal Walk
Claggan Mountain Coastal walk falls on your way to North Mayo while driving through Ballycroy National Park. On a nice day the view of Claggan mountain along the coastal trail is incredible. Park your car in the designated parking area and enjoy the panoramic sight to your east to the National Park mountains, south towards Claggan Mountain and west, across the inlet, to Achill Island.
- Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ballycroy National Park
If I were staying here for a couple more days, I would just go on a drive in the National Park to make the most of the stunning mountains, landscape and the Wild Atlantic experience. It is one of the most picturesque and placating drive.
- Carrowteige Loop Walk
This place is famous for its loop walk especially during summer with a profusion of precipitous cliffs, crags, caves, chasms and islands along the remote North Mayo coast starting from Glenamoy on the highway between Belmullet and Ballycastle Village. You can find more information about the loop walks here.
- Doohoma Head
Doohoma Head also known Ceann Ramhar is one of the hidden gems of Erris. Driving through the charming village of Doohoma which is located to the east of Blacksod Bay in a very isolated area welcoming you to the unimaginable views of Achill Island and the mullet Peninsula. Definitely a good place for a good photo opportunity!
- Deserted Village of Slievemore
The deserted village now comprises of stone cottages which were occupied as summer booley homes back in the days. Sheltered under the slopes of Slievemore and hidden from the 21st century, this tranquil corner of a remote island is a perfect place for quiet reflection and remembrance.
Let know how your stay on the Island goes!!
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