Zoos & Aquariums 2. Situated on sandy shores, this will be a stay not soon forgotten! Downpatrick Head is up North of Achill Island close to Ballycastle Village. Grab a picnic and a good book and find yourself a little patch of paradise on this Achill Island beach. This local watering hole offers authenticity through-and-through, as well as some fantastic local fare and free-flowing creamy pints of Guinness. I snapped this after managing to pull in at a tiny little gap at the side of the road on … Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre Things to Do in Achill Island, County Mayo: See Tripadvisor's 1,814 reviews & photos of 26 Achill Island attractions. Bound to be one of the highlights of your trip, this four-star family-camping park is perfect for an overnight stay or summer vacation. Visit the Deserted Village. En route, you will see... Get on your bike! It is truly one of the top places to see. With dramatic mountains hugging sandy shores, this beach makes for one of the more cinematic settings you’re likely to find on Achill Island. Another of the top places to see is Kildavnet Castle. Chances are, you can find her drinking coffee in some hidden gem cafe in Dublin, planning her next big trip. And, with so many highlights, places to see, and things to do on Achill Island, it comes as no surprise why so many travellers are adding it to their bucket list these days. There are remains of up to a hundred different buildings, mostly cottages, that have long since been abandoned. Top 10 things to do on Achill Island Achill has some of the best quality beaches in Ireland, winning several Blue Flag & Green Coast awards every year. Keem Bay Beach Tucked away at the far west of the island, Keem Bay is Achill's most remote Blue Flag beach. Keem from afar. On every Irish travel itinerary there must be a rainy-day back-up plan – an activity that’s success does not depend on good weather. Attached to the mainland by a bridge, accessing this little pocket of paradise is more than manageable. Keel Beach Address: Cashel, Achill, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Stroll the cliff walk which towers above the Atlantic Ocean for the ultimate experience of Keel Beach. We’re happy to help our guests with their trip to Croagh Patrick . 184 reviews. Address: Derreens, Achill Sound, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Today, an Achill Island holiday offers a chance to visit ruins of castles and abandoned villages once controlled by the mighty O'Malley clan, for centuries the island's protector from foreign invaders. It is also a café and venue, depending on the day in question and what is on the entertainment schedule, meaning there’s a little something for everyone. Book Wild Grande - 14 Day Tour + Chieftains Coastline - 7 Days Of Whiskey And Sightseeing tours. Take the scenic drive through Ballycroy National Park from the island. Things to do in Ireland Check out the Great Western Greenway. Achill is joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound and about half of the island is a Gaeltacht region. The loop walk bears Ghrainne Mhaol’s name because it offers stunning panoramic views on her sea kingdom: Blacksod, Clare Island, Clew Bay, Croagh Patrick and the mountains of Connemara and her castle at Kildownet is visible all way long too. Address: Crumpaun, Keel East, Achill, Co. Mayo, F28 TX49, Ireland. Adventurous Things to do on Achill Island: Attractions, things to see, places to visit Kitesurfing Achill is home to some of the best conditions for kitesurfing in Ireland , with fairly strong, consistent wind blowing in off the Atlantic and a mix of waves and flat water. For those of you craving a peek into the past, check out the Deserted Village – undoubtedly one of the highlights on Achill Island. We highlight the most inspiring experiences Ireland has to offer. She has travelled Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australia and still claims that wanderlust tempts her daily. Not only is this Mayo’s only aquarium, but it offers visitors a chance to explore island life, both past and present, making it an enjoyable and educational experience. "This worth a visit for a hour or two.We were there on a lovely sunny … Located an hour from Westport, Achill Island is the perfect spot for a day trip. Island hopping. As the largest of the Irish isles, Achill Island sees many visitors each year. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. It is noted for its associations with Grace O'Malley, along with the larger Rockfleet Castle in Newport. 207 reviews Towering over the waters of Achill on its south-eastern shore lies Kildavnet Castle. See Tripadvisor's 1,815 traveller reviews and photos of Achill Island honeymoon attractions See Tripadvisor's 3,475 traveller reviews and photos of Achill Island rainy day attractions The Great Western Greenway is a 42-kilometre (26-mile) trail that begins in Westport and ends on Achill Island, County Mayo. The local tourist office (achilltourism.com) or loveachill.com is providing lots of information about available activities on achill. Wonder no more what to do on Achill Island, this list has all the answers. Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre Wondering what to do on Achill Island? Address: Bal of Dookinelly (Calvy), Co. Mayo, Ireland. Top Attractions in Achill Island 1. Address: Keel West, Keem, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Keel Beach is one of the most stunning sights on all of the island. Types of Things to Do in Achill Island Nature & Parks (9) Outdoor Activities (7) Tours (6) Sights & Landmarks (6) Shopping (3) Museums (3) Nightlife (2) Spas & Wellness (2) Boat Tours & Water Sports (2) Food & Drink (1) Classes & Workshops (1) Zoos & Aquariums (1) Traveller Resources (1) Commonly Searched For in Achill Island Address: Keel East, Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland. The top attractions to visit in Achill Island are: What are the best outdoor activities in Achill Island? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For those looking to stretch their legs on Irish soil, one of the best things to do in Achill Island is to walk Slí Grainne Mhaol. Achill is an island jutting off the coast of County Mayo, on the west coast of the Emerald Isle. Reaching over 1,500-feet (466-metres), this panoramic bird’s-eye viewpoint over Achill Island is bound to make you weak at the knees. Swim on the stunning beach at Keem Bay, a beautiful, secluded valley located at the very western … Activities Achill Island is a true haven for adventure seekers…dive into a surf lesson at the beautiful Blueflag Keel beach, launch your kayak on the Blueway at Dugort, explore the underwater world with a snorkel session at Keem Bay, signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Achill Island: The top indoor things to do in Achill Island. Drive to Keem Bay and chill on Keem Beach. Scroll down for a calendar of major events happening on Achill Island and the surrounding areas. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, How to plan a trip to Ireland (in 9 steps), Irish boy names that nobody can pronounce. Achill beg (meaning little Achill) is a deserted island with a lovely beach only a stone’s throw from the cottage and you may wish to arrange a visit by boat. Saying that she believes Ireland - her homeland - is the most enchanting place she has ever been and is passionate about documenting the Emerald Isle. Sitting at the base of the Slievemore mountain, this abandoned settlement gives an eerie insight into the remote and primitive existence of villagers during the Anglo-Norman period of the 12th-century. Home to three of Ireland's most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, Achill Island is one of the largest of Ireland's isles. Just don’t forget the camera! The best outdoor activities in Achill Island according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in Achill Island with kids? Highly rated activities for Achill Island Honeymoon: The top things to do for honeymoon in Achill Island. The majestic Atlantic Drive is a must-do, providing over 40km of spectacular coastal scenery. Achill Island is home to five picture postcard Blue Flag beaches, some of Europe's highest cliffs and large tracts of blanket bog sweeping over the island's two peaks and down to the shore. Keel Beach is one of the … Keem Bay is a Blue Flag beach on Achill Island, and one of its highlights, without a doubt. Top Attractions in Achill Island 1. What are the top attractions to visit in Achill Island? Achill Island is the largest island in the Country (24km x 19km) and is accessible from the mainland by bridge. Achill Island really comes to life in Spring and Summer with many festivals taking place celebrating everything from Irish traditional music, arts and culture to extreme sports, walking, sailing and seafood. Hop into your car and check out Minaun, one of the best highlights and things to do on Achill Island. Plan your vacation with our Ireland trip maker tool and discover the best things to do in Achill Island. Museums 2. Or, as some may call it, Grace O’Malley’s Castle. Park at the Pattens Bar, and you can get going from there – it also makes for a great place to enjoy a pint after a nice walk! Deserted Village. © Copyright 2019 - 2020 Ireland Before You Die | Trading under, The 10 best things to do on Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Celtic Regions: where the Celts come from and have lived for 3,000+ years, Top 10 Irish cultural traditions, customs, and their origins, Top 5 reasons why international women love Irish men, The Irish Republic of 1798: the year Connacht was independent, Dublin named one of the ‘25 best Christmas destinations in the world’, New York Irish pub creates Christmas tree out of Jameson bottles, The 10 best things to do in Cavan, Ireland (County Guide), ‘Is this Normal?’: Irish teen’s portrait of masked sister wins major art prize, Top 10 unique Airbnbs that are perfect for you and your mates. They flock to its serene shores of emerald green and crystal blue in search of stunning sights. One of the best-known things to do in Achill is visiting the Deserted Village on the lower slopes of Slievemore mountain. Discover 2020's top Achill Island attractions. This now-tourist attraction was first built by the Ó Máille clan in the 15th century, before being reigned by Gráinne Ní Mháille, the famous “pirate queen.”, Address: Unnamed Rd, Co., Co. Mayo, Ireland. This loop walk is around five kilometres (3.10-miles) in total and an easily accessible trail for most. Fishing, surfing, windsurfing, diving and kayaking are also a big draw along with the various craft shops and art galleries. For a look into the island’s past, check out the Deserted Village. Plan visits to Keem Bay, Deserted Village + Keel Beach. From a young age, nomadic parents placed a strong emphasis on education in real experience and the outdoors - a trait which has carried through her life and into her career. more. With sparkling blue waters and dreamy surroundings, this is the perfect place to seek serenity on a sunny day in Mayo. The most popular things to do in Achill Island with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Hotels near Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre, Hotels near Lavelle's Golden Strand Caravan & Camping Park, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Achill Island, Fishing Charters & Tours in Achill Island, Historical & Heritage Tours in Achill Island, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Achill Island, Boat Tours & Water Sports in Achill Island, Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre: Tickets & Tours‎, Lavelle's Golden Strand Caravan & Camping Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Kildownet Old Cemetery Headstones: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (NOC) Knock Intl Airport, Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre, Lavelle's Golden Strand Caravan & Camping Park, See all attractions in Achill Island on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Achill Island on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Achill Island on Tripadvisor. In Summer 2015 new scenic walking trail was officially opened on Achill Island: the ‘Slí Ghráinne Mhaol’ loop walk. Paris Donnatella is an avid writer and traveller. It is indeed a magestic site jutting out into the ocean and if you walk a little ahead of the Blow hole, you’ll see the sea stacks right in front of you. The items listed below may be subject to revision depending on … When visiting this western island, the Achill Experience, Aquarium and Visitor Centre is just the ticket. Please note, due to COVID-19 many events have been cancelled for this year. Should you be craving an overnight stay on the island, we suggest you embrace the outdoors at Keel Sandybanks. Its magnificent sandy beaches, sea cliffs and warm hospitality bring visitors back again and again for … Address: Achill Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland. 207 reviews If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Highly rated activities with free entry in Achill Island: The top things to do for free. See Tripadvisor's 1,846 traveler reviews and photos of Achill Island free attractions Achill Island Calendar of Events. Keel Beach If you’re wondering what to do on Achill Island, we suggest a trip to Ted’s Pub. Keel Beach – for blissful beach walks and one of the best places to see. The most popular things to do in Achill Island with kids according to Tripadvisor travellers are: Keem Bay; Keel Beach; Achill Experience, Aquarium & Visitor Centre; Blackfield Surf School; Achill Surf; See all kid friendly things to do in Achill Island on Tripadvisor ₹ Through remote towns and past breathtaking backdrops, this cycle track is one of the most enchanting in all of Ireland. There is … Imagine a white sand beach that looks like it belongs … Achill Island also has a coast road along the south of the Island with some beautiful cliff views. It is located in Cloughmore, on the south of Achill Island. 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