Achill (Acaill Oileán Acla in Irish Gaelic) is an island located off the west coast of Ireland. Its size (24 km by 19 km) makes it the widest and largest island in all of Ireland. Famous for its numerous archaeological sites, the island has been marked by the construction of many megalithic and Roman sites, as well as numerous forts. Add to that impressive landscapes, majestic wild spaces, diverse fauna and flora, and you’ll know the island is truly worth a little visit!
History of Achill Island
First inhabitants
Keem beach – © Stefano Viola
According to archaeologists, Achill Island welcomed its first inhabitants 5,000 years ago. From that time, the population left its mark on the island: cereal cultivation, construction of forts (now considered real tourist attractions), etc.
In the 5th century, Achill Island did not escape Christianization: the population then erected 2 churches: one at Kildavnet, and the other at Slievemore. Today, only a few remains of these two buildings remain.
Achill Island: a land to flee Cromwell
Much later, Achill Island was successively controlled by many families and clans, the most famous being the O’Malley, the O’Donnell, and the Gallagher.
In the 17th century, the massive expulsions by the English Cromwell in the north and east of Ireland led the Irish population to leave their lands to settle further west. Among this “fleeing” population, many Ulster families then decided to settle on Achill.
Today, many cultural traces testify to this exodus, and Achill Island is still inhabited by many Ulster residents, so that there are two different Gaelic dialects on the island: the original dialect and that of Ulster.
Visiting Achill Island
An island with breathtaking landscapes and a culture rooted in Gaelic traditions
Achill Island – © Cristi
Achill Island offers fabulous landscapes: its rugged coast, its beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean (minus the water temperature), its deserted moorland, its greenish hills, and its bare mountains tending towards brown are simply sensational sights.
The island, still inhabited, is a superb spot for travelers craving vast wild spaces. It must be said that the island has been particularly preserved and offers many activities to its tourists.
Starting with the Atlantic Drive, a route to take by car that overlooks the ocean. Many Irish agree that it is one of the most beautiful circuits in Ireland! The road winds along the coastline, between land and sea: the panoramas are fabulous and really worth making regular stops to admire and take some photos!
The island has many incredible sites: it is loved for its desolate landscapes, its steep cliffs (those of Croaghaun are incredible), its turquoise waters beaches (like Keem Beach), and the fort of Grace O’Malley, a renowned Irish pirate who notably lived on the island!
Achill island beach – © Evaldas
Achill Island also has the advantage of being a superb meeting place for budding hikers. You can easily walk around the island, take trails, explore its vast spaces… with the assurance of meeting few people! It must be said that some areas of Achill Island are really worth the detour but are still little known to the public: a major advantage for travelers wishing to enjoy a change of scenery while isolating themselves!
Do not hesitate to equip yourself with a specific walking map (the Discovery Series 30 (at 1/50,000), which lists all the island’s hiking trails! Enough to delight you and plunge into the heart of Irish wild nature!
Finally, do not miss the discovery of Dooagh beach, an Achill Island beach that disappeared for more than 33 years and resurfaced in 2017! A direct consequence of a storm dating back to 1984 which then swept away the beach! In 2017, Dooagh beach naturally reformed, following climatic conditions and wind, carrying sand back to the site of the forgotten beach. A phenomenon that created fascination worldwide!
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