ACHILL - A NATURAL
TREASURE
Achill, Ireland's largest island is situated off the west
coast of County Mayo, Ireland. The island (140sq.kms) is
home to 3000 people, many of whom are engaged in
sheep-farming, or fishing.
Access is by means of the Micheal Davitt Swivel Bridge at
Achill Sound, offering the motorised visitor all the
attractions of an island holiday, without having to arrange
a sea-crossing.
Slievemore mountain towering over Keel
Village
Achill's wild mountains, undulating open moorland and
dramatic cliff scenery is unequalled anywhere. The entire
island is a hill walking paradise! All of Achill's beaches
are 'Blue Flag' beaches confirming their quality and status.
Along the south coast of the island runs the famous Atlantic
Drive with its unparalleled views of dramatic coastline.
VARIED
GEOGRAPHY.........
The varied geography of Achill makes it distinct in many
ways.
The western end of the island is dominated by the
majestic 668m. high Croaghaun Mountain, to the north of
which are the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The highest
mountain on the island is Slievemore at 672m., while Minaun
Mountain measures 466m. The terrain is ideal for hill
walking and outdoor pursuits.
ACHILL..... STEEPED IN
HISTORY!
The Megalithic Tombs testify to human settlement as far
back as the New Stone Age around 4,000 BC. Grainne Uaile's
Castle at Kildownet was built by the O'Malley Clan and is an
excellent example of a 15th century Irish tower-house. In
the 1830's the proselytising Rev. Edward Nangle founded the
'Achill Mission' at Dugort. The 'Mission' built the
settlement known as the 'Colony', established a hospital,
and school and published a newspaper.
One of the great attractions of the island is the
Deserted Village situated on the slopes of Slievemore
Mountain. With over 70 abandoned homesteads, it is a
haunting reminder of hard times.
ACHILL..... A PAINTER'S
PARADISE!
The island has always been a favourite retreat of artists
and photographers. Its old-world character has attracted
many famous writers down the years including the German
Nobel Prize winner Heinrich Böll.
Gráinne Uaile's Castle on the Atlantic
Drive
The artist Paul Henry did much to introduce the world to
the natural beauty of Achill. His pictures of Achill are to
be found in art galleries worldwide.
Painters such as Derek Hill, Charles Lamb and the
American Robert Henri have also been inspired by Achill's
unusual and dramatic land and seascapes.
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