Discover Achill Island: What to do, See, And Explore
Achill Island is the largest offshore island of Ireland. The island offers beautiful views, full of natural beauty and golden beaches. It is located on the west coast of County Mayo.
Explore the beaches, Achill Sound village, the best places to stay, and all the top things to do. You will also get tips to discover the island’s prominent spots, beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
The guide will give you the detailed accommodation options suiting your budget and choices. Whether you are visiting for adventure, relaxation or picturesque photography, this guide will be of immense help. You will know which places to discover and how to find suitable accommodation to spend a stress-free time.
What makes Achill Island stand out?
Achill Island is known for its long beaches, dramatic cliffs, and scenic routes around the coast. It has small villages, peaceful outdoor areas, and a steady flow of visitors all year. The island connects to the mainland by a bridge, so you can drive directly without needing a ferry.
Known as the largest island of Ireland, Achill Island has wide spaces, rugged landscapes, and constantly changing views. Located off County Mayo on the Wild Atlantic Way, the island is easy to access while giving a feeling of being remote too.
Visitors are mesmerised by Achill Island and the number of places to explore. With beautiful beaches, mountains and headlands, the island offers plenty to explore.
It serves as a gateway to the local life of the area with numerous cafes and shop options. Although the place is rich in natural beauty, the population remains small. A smaller population adds to the serene charm of the place. Visitors come here for coastal drives, photography spots, and to discover a mix of mountain and sea.
Explore the list of the best things to do in Mayo!
How to reach Achill Island from major towns
Let’s explore how you can reach Achill Island from the major towns of Ireland.
Achill Island to Westport
Visitors often prefer to take the Achill Island to Westport route because it is one of the most common routes. You have to follow the N59 and R319 route to get there. It has a drive time of 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the weather and traffic conditions. Westport, Ireland, can be a good stop for you with a lot of activities and cafe options. Discover the things to do in Westport, Ireland.
Getting to Achill by Car
New visitors often wonder if they can get to an island by car. Yes, it is easy to drive to Achill Island. The island is connected to the mainland through a network of roads and a bridge. Also, the clear signboards from Castle Bar, Newport and Mulberry make the navigation confusion-free.
Bus Routes and Bridge Access
There are also various bus services which operate to take you to Achill Island. These buses stop at main key points and take you through the Achill bridge to the island. This bridge serves as the entry point to the island. The option is completely reliable for those who do not want to drive.
Things to Do on Achill Island
Achill Island has a variety of views, including beaches, scenic landscapes, and activity stops. There are plenty of options which offer a long list of things to do during the trip.
Coastal Drives and Viewpoints
The Atlantic Drive route is one of the incredible experiences for visitors. It is a winding coastal road giving you glimpses of stone cottages, cliffs and different photo stops.
The key places to see are Minaun Heights and the road to Achill Head. Minaun Heights gives you sweeping views across the mountains. Achill Head serves as a meeting place between the open Atlantic and the Wild Atlantic.
Beaches and Outdoor Routes
Achill Island is known for having golden Achill beaches. When talking about beach beauty, Keem stands at the top. A place with white sand, sparkling waters and curved cliffs is known for its incredible beauty.
The outdoor trails lead you to explore the highest cliffs of Europe, Croaghaun Cliffs. The hike to the cliffs is challenging but rewarding with its panoramic views.
Watersports Options
Another top attraction of Achill Island is its watersports options. There are different surf schools at Keel Beach offering beginner to expert lessons about surfing. Paddling, kayaking, and kitesurfing are some of the popular activities to do, especially during summer.
Those who love calm and quiet adventure can have a guided session or rent a kayak to explore the hidden points.
Spots Linked to Film Shoots
Achill Island got global popularity after the movie The Banshees of Inisherin. Keem Bay, Poutine Harbour, and some parts of Atlantic Drive were used as filming locations. Since then, the place has become an attraction for visitors. People like to visit it to relive their cinematic moments.
These spots have become memorable due to their cinematic history and natural beauty.
Achill Island is a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history and coastline, giving the tourist an unforgettable memory.
Achill Sound: Main village and access point
The first point you come across while entering Achill Island is the Achill Sound Village. The place is an ideal location to see with its coastal views and comfortable stops. People love to stay at Achill Sound Village to plan their trip and experience local life.
Shops and Local Stops
Achill Sound has a series of local services, including shops, cafes, pubs and craft shops. There are also pharmacy and fuel station options. Tourists love to stay here for a while and pick up essentials for the trip and hiking.
Quick Facts About the Area
The village is located on the southern side of the island and serves as a central place for many activities. It has a cluster of accommodations located nearby and outdoor activity centres. Moreover, it has easy access to Atlantic Drive.
Accommodation options
There are a variety of accommodation options in Achill Island, from hotels to B&Bs and self-catering stays. Every tourist can find something depending on their budget and group size. If you are planning a stay in Achill, the following are some options.
Hotels
Hotel stays are best for those who want on-site dining, spacious rooms and quick access to main locations. Many hotels are located near Keel , Doughart, giving quick access to walking routes, beaches and cafes.
B&Bs
B&Bs are the most popular places to stay in Achill for those who want cosy local life. Hosts are welcoming and provide fresh breakfast, travel tips and insights into hidden places. You will find various B&Bs across Keel, Dugort, and Achill Sound village.
Self-Catering
Self-catering includes cottages and private apartments. This option is the most suitable for those who plan to stay longer and want a private, cosy space. Many options come with a kitchen, outdoor sitting and scenic Atlantic views. For those who want to set their own space beside exploring the island, this is a practical option.
Every option provides a different way to explore Achill Island.
Population, facts, and quick stats
Below are some stats about the population and size of the place.
Achill Island Population
Achill Island has a population of around 2400 people. This population is spread across Keel, Achill Sound and Cooagh villages. Despite its small population, its residents have maintained the Irish culture and traditions, serving as a welcoming place for tourists.
Area Size
Being the largest island of Ireland, Achill Island has an area of 146 square kilometres. This size encompasses beaches, mountain cliffs, and remote coves, giving visitors plenty of options in one trip.
Visitor numbers
The island welcomes a generous number of visitors year-round. The popular places Keem Bay, Croaghaun Cliffs and Atlantic Drive are the attractive places during summer. The easy access to the island through car, bus and cycling routes also supports the steady flow of tourists.
Short travel tips
Do not forget to follow the travel tips to make the most of your visit.
Weather
Considering the Achill weather tips before heading out is the best way to be prepared. Winds and rain are common even in summer. It is suggested to come in layers to avoid any unpleasant situation. Do check the weather forecast before heading to explore beaches, trails and coastal drives.
Driving conditions
Main Atlantic roads in Achill are well-maintained, but some small winding roads are narrow. Stay mindful while driving on narrow roads and watch for livestock near villages. Driving carefully can make the scenic journey smooth.
Best time to visit
The Achill guide suggests visiting the place between late spring and early autumn due to calmer seas and warm weather. The days are long and perfect for activities such as water sports, hiking and photography.
Conclusion
Achill Island provides a variety of options to make the trip an unforgettable experience. From scenic landscapes, stunning routes, to charming villages, you can find everything to enjoy.
- The key places to explore are Keem Bay, Achill Sound Village, and Croaghaun Cliffs.
- The accommodation options include hotels, B&Bs and self-catering stays, giving choice to everyone.
- The smaller population with a large area does not make you feel crowded.
- Follow the travel tips, weather predictions and driving conditions to make the most of your tour.
Plan your dates now and discover the Charming beauty of Achill Island!
