Slievemore is an impressive ruined village on Achill Island in County Mayo. Considered a pure example of a traditional stone village, the site dates back to the 12th century and was gradually abandoned following the Great Irish Famine. The site is very popular, and is one of the island’s must-sees!
Slievemore – © teddiviscious
Built on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain, the village consists of over a hundred dry-stone cottages, lined up on a rather surprising north-south axis.
Stretching over a length of 2km, this ghost village would have developed over several centuries, from the Anglo-Norman period (12th century) to the 19th century, when the village saw its crops contaminated by mildew (a parasite that renders potatoes unfit for consumption).
It was at this time that the inhabitants abandoned the village. (Although the ocean is close by, the inhabitants didn’t fish, which jeopardized their livelihoods and forced them to leave).
Nevertheless, Slievemore was intermittently inhabited until the 20th century. Towards the end, the houses were only used by shepherds during summer transhumance periods.
Today, the village stands silently, and has a serious charm due to the beauty of the surroundings. Accessible free of charge, you’ll discover wonderful relics, as well as traditional architecture that has finally been lost to time.
A summer archaeological camp is organized every year to learn more about Slievemore. So don’t be surprised if you come across researchers on site during the summer months.
Other attractions include a dolmen dating back to 400 BC not far from the village. A great way to extend your visit!
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