Achill IslandAbout Achill Island
Achill Island is a large island off the coast of County Mayo on Ireland’s west coast and is linked to the mainland by a bridge. It is known for a varied shoreline of beaches, bays and steep western cliffs, and for rural landscapes used for farming and recreation.
Coastal highlights include sheltered sandy bays that attract swimmers and family visitors, while the island’s western side offers steep cliffs and long-distance walking routes for experienced hikers. There are also archaeological sites and historic rural settlements that illustrate long-term habitation patterns.
The island has a history of human settlement extending back to prehistoric times and retains evidence of 19th- and early 20th-century rural communities, including abandoned villages and vernacular stone architecture. Cultural heritage and traditional land use remain visible across the island.
Achill lies off the west coast of County Mayo in Connacht, facing the Atlantic. The island’s road connection makes it accessible by car from nearby mainland towns and regional roads.
- Access: Vehicle access to the island is via a bridge from the mainland, making it one of the more easily reached large Irish islands for day visitors and longer stays.
- Best time to visit: Low-season weather can be changeable; summer months offer the most reliable conditions for coastal walking, swimming and cliff viewpoints.
What to See#
- Keem Bay: A horseshoe-shaped bay with a sandy beach and clear water that is one of the island’s most photographed coastal spots and a focus for swimming and scenic viewing.
- Croaghaun cliffs: A western coastal ridge with very high sea cliffs and steep slopes that provide dramatic viewpoints and walking routes along the island’s exposed edge.
- Slievemore Deserted Village: A cluster of stone cottages and archaeological remains on the lower slopes of Slievemore that document 19th- and early 20th-century rural settlement patterns and famine-era abandonment.
Nearby Attractions to Achill Island
Best Time to Visit Achill Island
Best visited in summer for sea activities; spring and autumn offer quieter walks and dramatic weather.
Weather & Climate near Achill Island
Achill Island's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1247 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 138 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 94 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 10° | 3° | 103 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 5° | 67 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 71 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 71 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 76 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 11° - 18° | 15° | 101 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 114 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 140 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 11° | 5° | 136 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 136 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Achill Island
Achill Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound (R319). Drive from Westport (about 1-1.5 hours) or take regional buses. Ferries are not required for the main island access.
Tips for Visiting Achill Island
- Drive the Atlantic Drive and stop at Keem Bay or the Blue Flag beaches for dramatic coastal views.
- Take a boat trip to see the island from the sea - cliffs and sea stacks are best appreciated offshore.
- Visit the deserted villages and old stone walls inland for quiet walks and the island's cultural remains.