At the western edge of County Mayo, Achill Island is a landscape of mountains, peat bogs and Atlantic-battered cliffs. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Ireland’s largest island can be reached without taking a ferry and is one of the most dramatic stops along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Its landscape ranges from pale sandy beaches and isolated villages to scenic roads and the remains of historic communities. Achill, Acaill in Irish, is equally well suited to leisurely walks, surfing, cycling and more demanding hikes.
Visiting Achill Island
A wild island in County Mayo
Achill Island covers about 146 km². Despite being an island, it is accessible by car via the Michael Davitt Bridge across Achill Sound. From the first few kilometres, the landscape is marked by peat bogs, dark hills and small houses scattered along the Atlantic coast.
Two peaks dominate the island: Slievemore, which rises to 671 metres, and Croaghaun, at about 668 metres. Croaghaun’s northern face drops almost directly into the Atlantic, forming Ireland’s highest sea cliffs. This coastline remains difficult to reach and should only be explored with suitable preparation.
The weather changes quickly on Achill. A sunlit bay can disappear behind mist within minutes, only for the sun to break through the clouds again. These shifting patterns of light have long attracted painters, photographers and writers, including Paul Henry and Heinrich Böll.
What to see on Achill Island
Keem Bay, Keel Beach and the island’s sweeping strands
Keem Bay is Achill Island’s best-known landscape. A narrow road descends towards this horseshoe-shaped bay, sheltered by Croaghaun and Benmore. Its pale beach and turquoise water contrast sharply with the rugged surrounding mountains.
The bay is very busy during the summer, and parking spaces fill quickly. It is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Keem Bay was also used as a filming location for The Banshees of Inisherin, which was partly shot on Achill Island.
Near the village of Keel, Keel Beach, also known as Trawmore Strand, stretches for more than three kilometres beneath the Minaun cliffs. More exposed to Atlantic winds, it is particularly popular with surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Dugort, Golden Strand and Dooega offer further opportunities for walking or swimming. Even when conditions appear calm, the ocean can produce strong currents. Choose supervised areas where possible and follow the safety information displayed on the beaches.
Achill’s must-see landscapes
Atlantic Drive and the Minaun cliffs
The Atlantic Drive is a scenic loop of about 40 kilometres around the south-east of the island. The road passes rocky bays, beaches, peat bogs and the waters of Clew Bay. It also runs close to Kildavnet Tower, a 15th-century tower house associated with the renowned clan chief Grace O’Malley.
The roads are narrow in places and often lined with sheep. Allow more time than the distance might suggest, and stop only where you can park without obstructing traffic.
The Minaun Heights offer one of the island’s broadest panoramas. From the heights, the view takes in Keel Beach, the peat bogs, Slievemore, Clare Island and part of the Mayo coastline. A particularly steep and narrow road climbs towards the masts. It can be difficult in bad weather or poor visibility.
Discovering the history of Achill Island
The Deserted Village at Slievemore
At the foot of Slievemore, the Deserted Village contains the remains of 80 to 100 small dry-stone houses. Extending for nearly two kilometres, these ruins reflect a historic farming system and the difficult living conditions once faced in the west of Ireland.
The village is often said to have been abandoned during the Great Famine of the 19th century. Its history is more complex, however. Some houses continued to be used as summer dwellings as part of booleying, a form of seasonal migration in which young residents took livestock to upland pastures. The practice continued locally until the 1940s.
The Slievemore Heritage Trail now offers a route of about three kilometres through this historic landscape. It passes through the deserted village and several archaeological sites, including megalithic tombs. The ground is uneven and can be waterlogged, so walking boots are essential.
Things to do on Achill Island
Hiking, surfing and cycling beside the Atlantic
Achill Island is particularly popular for outdoor activities. Keel Beach hosts several water sports, while the more sheltered waters of some bays are suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding when conditions allow.
Walkers can choose from coastal trails and mountain routes of varying difficulty. The ascent of Slievemore and exploration of the Croaghaun cliffs should, however, be attempted only by properly equipped hikers. Fog, wind, peat bogs and unprotected cliff edges make these areas dangerous when the weather deteriorates.
Cyclists can reach the island via the Great Western Greenway. This converted former railway line runs for about 49 kilometres from Westport to Achill, passing through Newport and Mulranny and along the shores of Clew Bay. A five-kilometre extension now continues from Achill Sound to Cashel.
How long should you spend on Achill Island?
Two days to see the main landscapes
A day trip gives you time to drive the Atlantic Drive, visit Keem Bay and stop at the Deserted Village. It is a busy itinerary, however, particularly if you are travelling from Westport or farther afield in Mayo.
Two or three days are preferable if you want to explore the island at a relaxed pace. This leaves time for a hike, a water-based activity or a day of cycling, while allowing some flexibility for the weather.
Keel is a convenient base for the western beaches, Keem Bay and Slievemore. Achill Sound provides easier access to the mainland, while Dugort offers a quieter setting on the north coast.
Planning a trip to Achill Island
Getting there, weather and practical information
Getting there: Achill Island is connected to the mainland by a toll-free bridge at Achill Sound. No ferry or booking is required. From Westport, follow the N59 and then the R319 towards Mulranny and Achill.
Journey time: allow about one hour to drive from Westport to Achill Sound, followed by another 30 to 45 minutes to reach Keel or Keem Bay, depending on traffic.
Getting around: a car remains the most practical way to explore the island. Coaches run to Achill from the mainland, but services are limited and do not always provide easy access to the more remote sites.
Best time to visit: from May to September, the days are longer and more seasonal activities are available. Achill can nevertheless be visited throughout the year, provided you bring waterproof clothing and check the weather before setting out on a hike.
Accommodation: the island has hotels, B&Bs, holiday homes, hostels and campsites. Availability is limited, so booking several weeks ahead is recommended for July, August and bank holiday weekends.
Services: the main shops, pubs and restaurants are concentrated around Achill Sound, Keel and a few other villages. Opening hours may be reduced outside the main season, so stock up on fuel, water and food before travelling to the most remote areas.
Below you will find beaches, natural attractions, activities and accommodation on Achill Island and in the surrounding area.
Tourist attractions
Irish Restaurants and Pubs
Partner Accommodations
Campgrounds and Lodging
