Is Achill Island free to visit?

Yes — entry to Achill Island is free.

How long does a visit to Achill Island take?

Allow Full day for a comfortable visit. Arriving early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid the busiest periods in summer.

When is Achill Island open?

Open landscape — accessible year-round

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

All Attractions

Coastal

Achill Island

Name: Achill Island
Address: Keel, Mayo, IE
Price range: Free

Co. Mayo · Full day

Achill Island is the largest island off the Irish coast and is connected to the mainland by a road bridge at Achill Sound — so no ferry is needed. The island covers 148 km² and has a permanent population of around 2,600. The landscape is Atlantic-facing mountain and bog on one side, beaches and sea cliffs on the other. The highest point is Croaghaun (688 m), which has some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe on its western face — higher than the Cliffs of Moher, though far less visited.

Keem Bay, at the western end of the island, is the most spectacular beach in Mayo and one of the best in Ireland. The horseshoe bay is sheltered by towering headlands on three sides, with clear blue-green water and a white sand beach. The drive to it from Keel village follows a winding mountain road with increasingly dramatic views. The bay had a former shark fishery — basking sharks were hunted here in large numbers through the mid-20th century. Today basking sharks still return to the bay in summer.

Keel Beach, on the south coast, is longer, more accessible and Blue Flag. It's the practical choice for swimming. The deserted village at Slievemore on the north side of the island is worth the detour — around 80 stone cottage ruins arranged on the hillside, abandoned during and after the Great Famine.

Highlights

Keem Bay — a horseshoe beach enclosed by sea cliffs, with the clearest water in Mayo and basking sharks in summer
Croaghaun's western face has sea cliffs over 600 m high — among the tallest in Europe and almost unknown
Keel Beach is 3 km long, Blue Flag, and has good surf when the Atlantic swell is running
Slievemore deserted village — around 80 famine-era cottage ruins on the mountainside, intact but uninhabited since the 1840s
The only island of this size accessible without a ferry — the bridge at Achill Sound makes it a practical full-day stop

Good to know

→The road to Keem Bay is narrow and steep — take it slowly and use the passing places. Coaches can't make it, which keeps it quieter.
→Basking sharks are seen in Keem Bay from May to September — scan the water from the headland above the beach.
→Achill has several good surf spots. Keel Beach and Silver Strand get consistent Atlantic swell.
→Accommodation on the island books out well in advance in July and August. Plan ahead.
→Grace O'Malley (Granuaile), the 16th-century pirate queen, was born near Achill. Rockfleet Castle on the mainland nearby is her stronghold.

Best Time to Visit

Jun–Aug for swimming at Keel beach and Keem Bay at its best. Sep–Oct for dramatic Atlantic light and near-empty roads. Keem Bay is tucked away under cliffs — arrive before 11 am in July to get a parking spot.

Getting There

NOCIreland West Airport Knock

1 hr drive

DUBDublin Airport

3 hr 15 min drive

SNNShannon Airport

2 hr 30 min drive

Common questions

How do I get to Achill Island?

Achill Island is connected to County Mayo by the Michael Davitt Bridge — you drive across from Achill Sound without needing a ferry. From Westport it is about 45 minutes; from Galway about 2.5 hours. Bus Éireann operates a service from Westport. A car is strongly recommended for exploring the island's beaches and cliff roads.

What is Keem Bay and how do I visit it?

Keem Bay is a horseshoe-shaped beach at the remote western tip of Achill Island, reached by a narrow cliff road with dramatic sea views. The road to Keem is not suitable for large vehicles — in peak summer it is one-way and very busy. Arrive before 9am or after 5pm to avoid the worst congestion. The beach itself is one of the most beautiful in Ireland.

What is the best thing to do on Achill Island?

Keem Bay beach and the Croaghaun sea cliffs above it are the highlights. Keel Beach (Blue Flag, 3km long) is good for swimming. The deserted village of Slievemore — a famine ghost town on the hillside — is one of the most evocative sites in Mayo. The road around the island past the Minaun Cliffs offers outstanding views with virtually no crowds.

How long should I spend on Achill Island?

A full day is the minimum to see the main sights: Keem Bay, Keel Beach, Slievemore deserted village and the cliff road. An overnight stay transforms the experience — Achill at dusk after the day-trippers have left is completely different. Accommodation options are limited so book ahead.