Achillbeg IslandAchillbeg Island at a Glance
About Achillbeg Island
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.
Nearby Attractions to Achillbeg Island
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 135 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 2° | 88 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 97 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 5° | 58 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 65 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 68 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 74 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 96 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 111 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 8° - 13° | 11° | 132 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 131 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 131 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
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.