CroaghaunCroaghaun at a Glance
About Croaghaun
Croaghaun is a mountain on the western side of Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland, notable for its extremely steep coastal slopes that form some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The summit area towers above the Atlantic and provides expansive coastal views.
The terrain is remote and rugged, with steep approaches along the ridge and cliff edges. Hikes in the area are challenging and require good fitness and navigation skills, with routes that traverse high, exposed ground.
Geologically and geographically the mountain is part of Achill Island’s mountainous spine and has long been a landmark for mariners and island residents. It is prized for its dramatic coastal scenery rather than for extensive visitor infrastructure.
Croaghaun sits on Achill Island facing the Atlantic Ocean, on Ireland’s rugged west coast, and is reached from the island’s road network and hill tracks.
- Sea cliffs: Hosts some of Ireland’s highest continuous sea cliffs, where steep coastal slopes fall directly to the Atlantic.
Best Time to Visit Croaghaun
Best in summer for safer access and longer days; always prepare for Atlantic weather even in summer.
Weather & Climate near Croaghaun
Croaghaun's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1721 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 0° | 194 mm | overcast | 86% | 10.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 7° | -1° | 135 mm | overcast | 86% | 10.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 147 mm | overcast | 85% | 9.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 2° | 94 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 98 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 98 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Poor | 10° - 15° | 12° | 104 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Poor | 10° - 15° | 12° | 134 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.6h |
| September | Poor | 9° - 14° | 11° | 153 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 11° | 5° | 191 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 185 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 8° | 1° | 188 mm | overcast | 86% | 9.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Croaghaun
Croaghaun is on Achill Island off the west coast of Ireland. The island is reached by road from the mainland via Michael Davitt Bridge; the nearest larger towns with services are Westport and Newport. Allow time for rural driving and variable weather.
Tips for Visiting Croaghaun
- Bring windproof and waterproof clothing - the western Irish coast is famously changeable.
- For the best light and smaller crowds, aim for a late-afternoon visit in summer.
- Respect cliff-edge warnings and stay on marked paths; sections around Croaghaun include sheer drops and unstable ground.