Achill Island Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Achill Island with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and where to stay on your trip to this stunning island in County Mayo, Ireland.


Introduction to Achill Island

Achill Island is the largest island off the coast of Ireland, located in County Mayo on the west coast of the country. This beautiful and rugged island is renowned for its stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. Whether you are looking to relax, explore nature, or indulge in adventure sports, Achill Island has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the must-visit places on Achill Island and provide practical tips on how to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Achill Island

Achill Island boasts a wide range of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Here is a list of the must-visit places on Achill Island:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Achill Island Heritage Centre
  • Grace O’Malley Castle
  • Kildamhnait Castle
  • Deserted Village at Slievemore

Natural Attractions of Achill Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Keem Bay Beach
  • Keel Beach
  • Croaghaun Mountain
  • The Great Western Greenway
  • Slievemore Mountain

Hiking/Biking Routes of Achill Island

Achill Island offers some of the best hiking trails and biking routes in Ireland. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • The Silver Strand
  • The Western Greenway
  • The Great Western Loop

Best Things to Do in Achill Island: Activities and Tours

From surfing to horse-riding, there are endless activities to enjoy on Achill Island. Here are some of the must-do activities:

  • Surfing at Keel Beach
  • Horse-riding at the Achill Riding Centre
  • Sea kayaking with Achill Kayak Tours
  • Stand-up paddleboarding at Keem Bay
  • Fishing with Achill Anglers

Week-Long Itinerary for Achill Island

A week on Achill Island will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities. Here is a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive on Achill Island, explore the Achill Island Heritage Centre, and visit Grace O’Malley’s Castle. Day 2: Hike up Croaghaun Mountain and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Day 3: Relax on Keem Bay Beach and try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding. Day 4: Take the Great Western Greenway cycling path and explore the surrounding countryside. Day 5: Go horse-riding at the Achill Riding Centre and explore the Deserted Village at Slievemore. Day 6: Go sea kayaking with Achill Kayak Tours and spend the afternoon fishing with Achill Anglers. Day 7: Take a scenic drive around Achill Island and stop at Kildamhnait Castle and the Silver Strand.

Food and Drink Scene of Achill Island

No visit to Achill Island is complete without exploring its vibrant food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Achill Island Seafood Chowder
  • Achill Island Oysters
  • Irish Breakfast at Pure Magic Lodge
  • Achill Island Smoked Salmon

Local Beverages

  • Achill Island Brewery
  • Achill Island Gin

Where to Stay in Achill Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Achill Island offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Pure Magic Lodge
  • Achill Cliff House Hotel
  • The Strand Hotel
  • Achill Guest House

What to Buy in Achill Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Achill Island is known for its handmade crafts and locally produced products. Here are some of the best souvenirs to bring back:

  • Achill Island Pottery
  • Achill Island Beeswax Candles
  • Achill Island Wool Products

Local Culture and Customs of Achill Island

Achill Island has a rich culture and customs that are strongly rooted in its history and landscapes. Some of the unique customs include:

  • Annual Maybank holiday
  • Traditional Irish music sessions
  • Local knitting and weaving traditions

Best Time to Visit Achill Island

The best time to visit Achill Island is from May to September when the weather is warm and dry, and the island is bustling with tourists. However, if you are looking for a quieter experience, visiting during the off-season will offer more solitude and a chance to experience the authentic island life.

Do’s and Don’ts of Achill Island

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their customs
  • Take time to explore the island’s natural beauty
  • Embrace the local food and drink scene

Don’t:

  • Leave litter or damage the natural environment
  • Ignore safety warnings or weather advisories
  • Disrespect the locals or their customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Achill Island

Achill Island is a relatively safe destination with low rates of crime and theft. However, it’s always best to exercise common sense and take basic safety precautions such as locking your car and securing your valuables.

Health in Achill Island

Achill Island has a good healthcare system with local hospitals and clinics available for emergencies. If you are travelling from outside the EU, it’s essential to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Achill Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Achill Island is located off the west coast of Ireland and can be reached by car, bus, or bike. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Achill Island

  • Ireland West Airport Knock

Bus Stations Near Achill Island

  • Westport Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car rentals are available in Westport and other nearby towns.

How to Get Around in Achill Island

Achill Island is best explored by car, bike, or foot. There are also several local tour companies that offer guided tours of the island.

Where to Go Next from Achill Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time to explore the area, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting:

  • Connemara National Park
  • Westport
  • Clifden

Conclusion

Achill Island is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and relaxation. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan an unforgettable trip to this stunning island that will immerse you in the best the region has to offer.

Abandoned cottage at Slievemore Abandoned cottage at Slievemore Sea cliffs of Croaghaun Sea cliffs of Croaghaun Do your main shopping at Westport Do your main shopping at Westport Kildavnet Castle Kildavnet Castle