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Achill Island is Ireland's largest island. Located
off the west coast of County Mayo at approximately 10 degrees
west, it covers some 57sq miles of spectacular scenery. This unforgettable
landscape ranges from soaring mountains and dramatic cliffs to
seascapes, beautiful sandy beaches and rugged bogland terrain.
Achill boasts no fewer than five Blue Flag beaches and the highest
sea cliffs in Europe. Its two highest mountains, Slievemore and
Croaghaun, stand at 672m and 688m respectively.
Places to See on Achill Island »
Achill has attracted a number of interesting people
throughout its history, and its famous characters range from pirate
queens to notorious landlords, martyred priests to renowned artists
and writers. The Irish landscape artist Paul Henry spent his formulative
years on Achill, while the American painter Robert Henri was a
frequent visitor in the 1920s.
Famous People on Achill Island »
With settlement on the island dating from at least
the 5th century BC, Achill boasts a wealth of historical and archaeological
remnants. From promontory forts to ancient field systems, deserted
villages to magical Gaelic placenames, Achill offers a direct
link to the past.
Achill Island History & Culture »
Achill Island offers an almost unrivalled range
of outdoor activities. On land, these include hillwalking, orienteering,
fishing, bicycling, kiting, and horse-riding. In the water these
include surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming and sea angling.
There are a number of local providers offering tuition and/or
equipment hire for many of these activities.
Activities on Achill Island » |
Keel, Achill Island
Keem Bay, Achill Island
Granuaille's Tower, Achill Island
Surfing at Keel, Achill Island |
