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Achill Island boasts an unrivalled range of outdoor
activities, from hillwalking and angling to all manner of watersports.
 Surfing
at Keel, Achill Island
Achill's rugged landscape, with soaring mountains
and lush green valleys, is perfect for hillwalkers of all abilities.
A guide book, produced by Achill Tourism, is available locally
offering detail of 14 walks on Achill. Please ask at reception
for availability of this guide book.
 Sunset
stroll on Keel beach
Achill's rocky coastline and inland lakes provide
a range of challenges for anglers of all abilities. Sea angling
off rocks can yield mackerel, pollack, gunard and a wide variety
of other fish. No fewer than 34 species of fish have been caught
in waters around Achill, including blue shark and borbeagle shark.
A number of boats are available for hire for sea angling from
Achill - please ask at reception for details.
Watersports are hugely popular on Achill, with Keel
strand offering excellent surfing. Board and suit hire are available
locally. Inland, Keel lake is a large, shallow freshwater lake
that is perfect for windsurfing. Tuition and equipment hire can
be arranged for windsurfing. Two scuba dive schools also operate
from Achill.
Golfers will enjoy the 9 hole links course on the
Sandybanks at Keel. This golf course, located within minutes of
Achill Cliff House, offers very reasonable green fees and welcomes
visitors of all abilities. |
NEW FOR
2010
Achill
Cycle Hub
Click
for Map Link
The West Mayo Cycle Network, with the Island of Achill as its
hub offers three routes varying in distance from 12km to 44km
with numerous shorter alternatives. Each cycle offers breath taking
views off the west coast off Mayo and Achill Island . Numerous
picnic stops are dotted along the route as well as a number of
local pubic houses and restaurants.
Wild, windy and stunningly beautiful, Achill has numerous historic
sites and excellent facilities and activities. The island has
a long history of human settlement with megalithic tombs and promontory
forts dating back 5,000 years. There’s also a 15th century
fortifield tower house, Kildamhnait Castle , the 19th century
Acaill Mission, and the poignant deserted villages at Slievemore
and Ailt. The Acaill landscape is also a major draw with picture
postcard Blue Flag beaches, some of Europe’s highest cliffs
and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island’s
two peaks and down to the shore. Walking and cycling along the
quiet lanes and trails is a wonderful way to discover the islands
interior.
Trail Description
Loop 1
Start / Trailhead: An Caol – Keel
Distance: 44 km
Estimated Time: 3-4 Hours
Terrain: Some Moderate Climbs & a Steep descent/ascent. Spectacular
sea cliff scenery along the
Traffic: Generally light but can get busy during holiday Season
To Suit: Suitable for people with medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, Bike, Mobile Phone, Fluid, Snacks &
Waterproofs
Services: Services are available throughout the Island
Loop 2
Start / Trailhead: An Caol – Keel
Distance: 28 km
Estimated Time: 2-3 Hours
Terrain: Quiet Roads & Bog Tracks.
Traffic: Generally light but can get busy during holiday Season
To Suit: Suitable for people with medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, Bike, Mobile Phone, Fluid, Snacks &
Waterproofs
Services: Services are available throughout the Island
Loop 3
Start / Trailhead: An Caol – Keel
Distance: 12 km
Estimated Time: 1-1.30 Hours
Terrain: Moderate Climbs and some wonderful views of the Atlantic
Traffic: Generally light but can get busy during holiday Season
To Suit: Suitable for people with medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, Bike, Mobile Phone, Fluid, Snacks &
Waterproofs
Services: Services are available throughout the Island |
