Achill Island-Mini Break Guided Holiday
Achill Island (24km x 19km) is the largest island in the Country and is accessible from the mainland by bridge. Its magnificent sandy beaches, sea cliffs and warm hospitality bring visitors back again and again for holidays.
Visit the beautiful villages of Dooagh and Keel, the high cliffs at the Achill Head, the magnificent beaches at Keel and Keem, and Slievemore and Minaun, the highest mountains on the island.
Trip Outline
Day 1 Arrive at our B&B in Achill. The secluded valley of Keem and its sandy beach on the Western tip of Achill is only a short walk away. Keem Bay is an idyllic spot tucked between the Croaghaun Mountain in the North and spectacular cliffs in the West. When we return home, we will have an evening meal together and a general chat about the coming day’s walks. Overnight in our accommodation in Dooagh.
Distance: 4 km Height: 50m Walking Time: 1 hour
Day 2 After breakfast we walk past an old quartz quarry, walk up to an old Signal Tower overlooking the island, then onward towards the ‘Deserted Village’ at the foot of the majestic Slievemore Mountain. Three villages of about 80 abandoned stone cottages make up the settlement and are linked by an old pathway on which we will walk to get an insight into life on Achill in the past. After snack lunch in one of the old houses we will return home via Keel, the biggest village on the island with its 3km of sandy beach.
Distance: 12 km / 8 km (pick-up in Keel possible) Height: insignificant
Walking Time: 4 hours / 3 hours
Day 3 Today we will walk up the “Coffin Trail” to a lookout point at the Minaun Heights. The walk will lead us past one of Achill’s children’s cemeteries where in the past un-baptised children were buried. The trail ends at a hill-top viewing point, giving a breathtaking panoramic view of Achill Island. Continuing our walk to the other side of the cliffs, we will be collected and returned to our B&B.
Distance: 6 km Height: 460 m Walking Time: 4 hours
Day 4 On today’s walk we will go towards Lough Acorrymore, a lake created by glacial erosion and which today is a water supply for the entire island. North of it lies the corrie lake of Corrynatawy at an unusually low elevation. We will walk down to it and then on to the sandy beach of Annagh Strand which is spectacularly located and usually deserted. After lunch at the beach we will start our way back to our B&B.
Distance: 12 km Height: 230 m Walking Time: 4.5 hours
Day 5 On the last day we follow the shoreline near our B&B and walk on the bank above the rocky shore until we get to Purteen Pier where once the sharks that were caught in Keem Bay were processed. Departure from Achill.
Distance: 5 km Height: insignificant Walking Time: 2.5 hours
Holiday Includes: 4 nights bed in room with private shower/bathroom. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Picnic lunches (on walking days only). 4 Evening Dinners, 4 Days walking with an expert Irish Walking Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday. Transport to/from each day’s walking locations. Luggage transfers.
* Souvenir book, “Ireland ---- a Travellers Guide.”
Not Included: Transfer to your first night’s accommodation, departure transfers, any boat trips, personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities. www.irishrail.ie www.buseireann.ie
Please make your own way to your first accommodation, where your guide will meet you at 17.00 hrs. for a Briefing Session followed by dinner with the group at 19.00 hrs. We can also arrange a meeting in Westport so please enquire at time of booking.
• Should you wish us to arrange transport to your first accommodation, we would be happy to do so at an additional cost.
• Should you require extra night’s accommodation before or after your holiday, please advise us at the time of booking.
Please note that Ireland can be a bit ‘damp’ both underfoot and overhead, with some liquid sunshine! Irish weather is unpredictable and the nature of walks can change quickly and dramatically because of the weather. This is one of the many pleasant aspects of walking in Ireland. SouthWestWalks Ireland reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.
Please refer to the accompanying “General Holiday Information” document to assist you in your holiday preparation.
2008 Tour Dates: May 13 - 17; Sept. 02 - 06
Difficulty of Walks: 1 Boot
