
The Yawl can be seen during the summer months on the seas around Achill. In recent years the annual The Yawl Races has led to a renewal of the ancient traditions of this wooden sailing craft. The Achill Yawl has a long tradition of being the working fisherman’s boat. The Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery in Tóin ré Gaoth offers a range of painting experiences and courses. Painters such as Paul Henry, Derek Hill, Charles Lamb and the American Robert Henri have all been inspired by Achill’s unusual and dramatic land and seascapes. Its old-world character has attracted many famous writers down the years including the German Nobel Prize winner Heinrick Boll. Achill Island has been a favourite retreat of artists and photographers. On Achill’s south coast, too, are the strangely architectural Cathedral Rocks, while Croaghaun tumbles spectacularly down a 2,000 foot precipice to the sea. On the southern tip of Achill Sound and looking out on Achillbeg Island is Kildawnit Castle, a stately fifteenth century tower house and once a stronghold of the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. With over 70 abandoned homesteads, it is a haunting reminder of hard times. One of the great attractions of the island is the deserted village situated on the slopes of Slievemore Mountain.

Sea Angling, diving, golf, archaeology and other outdoor activities are common on the island but the peace and quiet is all pervasive.

The western end of the island is dominated by the majestic 668m Croaghaun Mountain and two other mountains on the island are Slievemore, the highest at 671m and Minaun at 466m. The sea cliffs in Achill are the highest in Ireland and provide an epic backdrop to your holidayĪchill is dotted with small villages and magnificent sandy blue flag beaches.Achill forms part of the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland.Achill is one of the Irish Times ‘Five Best Places to Holiday in Ireland’.Keem Bay in Achill has been named ‘Best Wild Swimming Spot in UK & Ireland’.
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The Banshees of Inisherin movie was filmed extensively on location on Achill Island.It is approximately 2 hours drive from Galway to Achill in Co. The island has some of the highest and most spectacular sheer cliff faces in Europe, which seem to stand guard before Achill’s heather clad hills as they hurry towards the Atlantic Ocean. Achill is joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound and about half of the island is a Gaeltacht region.
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Irelands largest offshore island is Achill with its golden beaches, unspoiled beauty and great island skies full of ever changing cloudscapes, continually caressing its peaks and valleys. With its 120 meters high cliffs, its mountains whitewashed by winter snowfall and surrounded by the blue and rough sea, it offers one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.An island of exceptional natural beauty on the Wild Atlantic Way In the evening, dinner is a set menu depending on seasonal availability, daily local catch or the best cuts recommended by the local butcher.Īlong with the evening dinner, Clare Island Lighthouse offers a wide selection of European wines.Īfter a quiet and peaceful night, you will be ready to explore the rich natural and historical heritage of the island of Clare, on foot or by bicycle. Guests receive a rich home-cooked breakfast that prepares them for the activities of the chosen day. The goal of the lighthouse kitchen is to prepare locally sourced foods, full of freshness and flavor, served in a simple and delicious way. Guests enjoy socializing and socializing in the welcoming warmth of the kitchen, lounge and library.

The lighthouse was dismantled in 1965 because, ironically, it is so high with its height of 118 m it was often wrapped in the mist of the cliffs.Īfter 4 years of complete restoration, the Clare Island lighthouse was opened as a historic home in May 2013 offering accommodation for 12 people in 6 separate rooms with private bathrooms designed and carefully furnished individually, some in the main building and others in the outbuildings. The lighthouse was erected in 1806 by the Marquis of Sligo and did his duty for 7 years, until a fire in September 1813 destroyed the lantern and most of the tower. Clare Island Lighthouse is a historic home located on the northernmost point of the pristine island of Clare in County Mayo.
