Achillbeg Island
Island Small offshore Irish island, formerly inhabited
Achillbeg, off County Mayo, contains an abandoned village and coastal paths; visitors arrive by boat for ruined cottages, seabird life and remote shoreline walking.
Achillbeg is a small island off the southern coast of Achill Island in County Mayo, Connacht. It was permanently inhabited until a mid-20th century relocation.
The island is compact and sparsely developed, with visible ruins of former cottages and simple stone field walls. People visiting typically come for short boat trips, coastal walking and sea-bird watching rather than facilities or services.
A small rural community lived on the island until residents were relocated in 1965. Since then it has been largely uninhabited and used only for seasonal visits.
Sitting off the southern shore of Achill Island in County Mayo, the island is reached by private boat or local charter from Achill during the summer months.
- Access: Visits are by private boat or local summer charters; there are no regular public transport services.
- Evacuation: The island's last permanent residents left in 1965 during a government relocation programme.
What to See #
- Abandoned village: Remains of the small seasonal settlement include stone cottages and low walls; there are no public facilities on the island.
How to Get to Achillbeg Island #
Achillbeg is reached by private boat from Achill Island (near Achill Sound). Small charter operators can arrange landings when weather permits.
Tips for Visiting Achillbeg Island #
- Boat access is required; private charters from Achill Sound are common.
- Bring a waterproof jacket - Atlantic weather is unpredictable, even in summer.
- Look for traces of old field walls and a solitary cottage ruin; these human details tell the island's evacuation history.
Best Time to Visit Achillbeg Island #
Best in summer for boat access and calm seas; spring and autumn can be pleasant but more weather-dependent.
Weather & Climate near Achillbeg Island #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1186 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
