CYCLING. Achill Island has three looped cycle routes as part of the Achill Cycle Hub. The Cottage is located on one of these loops.
Achill Island is at the scenic end of the awarding-winning 42km long Great Western Greenway off-road cycle and walking track,
ANGLING and FISHING. Achill Island's location in Atlantic waters makes it an ideal base for shore and deep sea angling. 34 species of fish have been caught in Achill waters. Boat tours and fishing equipment hire are available.
GOLF. Achill boasts a challenging 9 hole links course in a spectacular setting in Keel, as well as a pitch and putt course. It is also ideally located for Championship courses at Westport and Belmullet (Carne).
HILLWALKING. Covering an area of 57sq km, Achill Island offers a range of mountain, clifftop, lakeside and beach walks to suit walkers of all abilities. The two highest peaks are Slievemore (671m) and Croaghaun (668m), with other significant hilltops at Minaun (466m) and Knockmore (337m). The clifftop path from Moyteoge Head to Achill Head, at the western tip of Achill Island, is one of the most spectacular in Europe. An ascent of Croaghaun should reward the walker with superb views of two corrie lakes, respectively the highest and lowest corrie lakes in Ireland. Slievemore mountain can be scaled from either the north-eastern aspect, starting at the beautiful Blue Flag beach in Dugort, or from the south-west at points above the haunting Deserted Village. For a more gentle walk, there is the 3km Blue Flag beach at Keel, and of course the Great Western Greenway - which starts at Achill Sound - offers up to 42km of off-road track through magnificent coastal scenery all the way to Westport.
HILL WALKING Achill Island boasts five Blue Flag beaches, of which the 3km long strand at Keel is very popular with surfers. This south-facing beach has Atlantic waves crashing ashore, and a number of suppliers in Keel offer surf board and wetsuit hire. Other watersports equipment and activities available at Keel include windsurfing and sea kayaking. Keel also has a large, shallow, freshwater lake which is perfect for windsurfing, sailboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking and canoeing. Achill's other beaches are popular for snorkeling, with a wide range of sea life visible.
ACHILL NEWEST ATTRACTION
Achill’s first all-weather visitor Centre and Mayo’s only Aquarium.
The Achill Experience encapsulates many aspects of Island life both present and past.
Achill Experience lets us help you to explore and learn about many the different species of sea creatures from around the waters of Achill Island and from the World beyond.
We display many fascinating stories of Achill’s rich and sometimes tragic history.
We also house the first edition prints of the famous American artist Robert Henri, who lived in Achill during the 1920’s and painted local Children from Pollagh & Dooagh. They are amazing prints and the colours really bring the children to life. PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE!!