Escape to western Ireland

Western Ireland is known for its tranquillity, beauty and friendly people, and Achill island is no exception.

The biggest island off the Irish coast, Achill, remains largely unspoilt and traditional.

Achill's natural beauty is characterised by steep cliffs, mountains and open moorland, and its beaches make good vantage points to see dolphins and porpoises surfacing near to the shoreline.

Holiday activities on the island include water sports, hill walking and as the island benefits from the mild Gulf Stream weather, the outdoors can be enjoyed all year round.

Achill has a wide range of accommodation, including guesthouses, hostels, hotels, apartments and camping & caravan sites.

The Achill Head Hotel has home-cooked food made with locally sourced fresh produce and rates starting from €32 per person per night. Alternatively, the Achill Sound hotel, based in a good location for exploring the island, costs €40 per person.

There are also a number of self-catering cottages on the island, which are ideal if you are arriving by car, or have hired one on the mainland.

For a drive with ocean views, there is the Atlantic Drive, which has 40km of coastal scenery, though if you are feeling fit you can also enjoy it by bicycle.

One of the stops to make on the drive is at the remains of a 16th century Irish tower at Kildavnet, which legend has it was used by the pirate queen Granuaile, also known as Grace O'Malley.

Two beaches worth making trips to are Keem Bay, which is by a secluded valley at the island's western tip, and the more remote beach at Annagh, which is only accessible by navigating hills or by boat.

Holidaymakers who enjoy walking may also wish to visit the island during the Achill Walks festival, which takes place in the days preceding St. Patrick's day (March 17th).

On the final day of the event walkers will be able join in St. Patrick's day celebrations by following the Achill pipe bands on their traditional parade.

Linked to the mainland by a swing-bridge, the island can be reached from Knock in Mayo, Dublin or Shannon airports, by train or bus from Westport.

There are also regular bus services from Castlebar, Galway and other west Ireland towns.

For more information about Achill see www.achilltourism.com.
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