Achill
Island in
County
Mayo
is the largest island off
Ireland
, and is situated off the west coast. It has a population
of 2700. Its area is 146 square kilometres. Achill is attached to the mainland
by
Michael
Davitt
Bridge
, between the villages of Achill Sound and Polranny, so it is
possible to drive onto the island. This is a swing bridge, which allows the
passage of small boats. A bridge was first completed here in 1886, and replaced
by the current structure after World War II. Other centres of population
include the villages of Keel, Dooagh, Dooega and Dugort.
Achill’s
stunning landscape and rich history offer visitors a wide range of scenic
attractions, beauty spots and places of interest. Perfect for exploring on a
weekend or short break,
Achill
always seems to have more places still to see on your next visit.
With no fewer than five Blue Flag beaches Achill offers some of
the best quality beaches in
Ireland
. These include the strand at
Keem
Bay, a beautiful, secluded
valley located at the western tip of
Achill
Island
. Even more remote is Annagh, a beauty spot featuring a
beach and the lowest corrie lake in
Ireland
, and which is accessible only to hill walkers or sailors.
The
Atlantic Drive
comprises over 40km of breathtaking coastal scenery that is ideal for touring
in a car, and even better by bicycle! On route for the
Atlantic
Drive
is the Tower at Kildavnet, the remains of a 16th century
Irish tower house that was used by the legendary pirate queen Granuaile (Grace
O’Malley).
The
Deserted
Village
at Slievemore is a haunting reminder of times past. Comprising some 80 stone
cottages located at the foot of the majestic
Slievemore
Mountain, the
Deserted
Village
offers a fascinating insight into life on
Achill
in former centuries. Two books have been published offering detailed
information about the
Deserted
Village
at Slievemore, and an archaeological summer school is run annually at the
location.
Achill is an ideal base from which to explore
Westport
(44 kms from Achill Sound) and Castlebar, Mayo’s principal town (50 kms from
Achill Sound). The Connemara region, Kylemore Abbey, the Ceide Fields, Foxford
Woollen Mills, the Marian Shrine at Knock, Mayo Abbey, Ballintubber Abbey and
Galway City are all within a comfortable day’s outing from Achill. And at
the end of each day’s touring you return to the restful and relaxed island
ambience to recharge the batteries for the next adventure
Eating out in
Achill:
From teashops and cafes to bar food, a wide selection of local run
restaurants and hotel dining,
Achill
offers a full wide range of options for eating out. Seafood
is a speciality in
Achill’s restaurants, where fresh salmon,
lobster, mussels and trout can be found on most menus. Achill
lamb is another mouth-watering dish served in most restaurants.
Achill’s restaurants offer fine
cuisine with local produce in comfortable surroundings.
A list of some local restaurants and hotels are listed below,
please contact them directly for reservations:
The Beehive Craft & Coffee Shop
Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
Contact: Patricia Joyce
Telephone: 098 43134
Traditional home baking
Blackfield Coffee Shop
Closhreid, Dookinella,
Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Telephone: 098-43590
Great coffee and food
Ferndale
Restaurant
Crumpaun, Keel, Achill Island, co. Mayo
Contact: Jon Fratschoel
Telephone: 098 43908
Fine dining
McDowell’s Hotel & Activity Centre
Dugort, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
Contact: Richard and Tina O’Hara
Tel: 098 43148
Seafood/Bar food
Chalet
Seafood Restaurant
Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
Contact:
Julie
Hassett
Tel: 098 43157
Seafood Specialists
Achill Sound Hotel
Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Tel: 098 45245
Family run hotel
Pubs and Bars
Annexe Bar
Keel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Tel: 098 43268
Traditional session nightly in peak season
Lavelles Bar
Achill Sound, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
Tel: 098 45187
Mastersons Golden Strand Bar & Anchor Restaurant
Dugort, Achill Island, Co. Mayo.
Tel: 098 47216
Home cooking – Bar food
McDowells Hotel
Dugort, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Contact: Richard and Tina O Hare
Tel: 098 43148
Bar food/Seafood
Ted Lavelle’s
Cashel, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Tel: 098 47234
Irish pub
