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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 |
