Achill Island & Wild Atlantic Mayo

Ireland's largest offshore island delivers some of the Atlantic coast's most dramatic scenery - towering sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and a landscape shaped by wind and wave. This route crosses the bridge to Achill and explores its wild Atlantic shores.

Why This Route?

Achill Island offers raw Atlantic drama:

• Keem Bay - Ireland's most beautiful beach
• Atlantic Drive - Cliff-edge coastal road
• Slievemore - Deserted village on the mountainside
• Wild Atlantic Way - Multiple signature points
• Basking sharks - Seasonal sightings (April-June)

Where to Stay

This 145-kilometre loop from Westport to Achill Island and back can be driven in a long day, but spreading it over two days lets you linger at Keem Bay and tackle the Croaghaun cliff walk without rushing. Either way, Westport is the natural base -- the route starts and finishes here, and the town has the widest range of accommodation in Mayo.

Westport

Award-winning Westport sits at the foot of Croagh Patrick with a lively restaurant and pub scene along the tree-lined Mall and down at the Quay. From here, Achill Sound is under an hour's drive, making it easy to head out early, spend the day exploring Keel Beach, the Atlantic Drive, and Slievemore Deserted Village, then return for dinner at Matt Molloy's or one of the town's seafood restaurants.

The Route

Starting from Westport

Begin in the award-winning heritage town (see Croagh Patrick route for Westport details).

Newport

A charming town on the Newport River:

• Seven-arch viaduct (now greenway)
• Good restaurants and pubs
• Gateway to north Mayo

Mulranny

Where the Wild Atlantic Way meets Clew Bay:

• Victorian-era hotel
• Causeway views
• Blue Flag beach
• Gateway to Achill

Achill Sound Bridge

The swing bridge connecting Ireland's largest island to the mainland.

Achill Sound Village

The first settlement on the island:

• Facilities and shops
• Traditional character
• Boat trips

The Atlantic Drive

The island's southern loop road:

• Single-track sections
• Cliff-edge driving
• Ashleam Bay views
• Abandoned village at Ashleam

Keel

The main village with:

• Blue Flag beach (3km strand)
• Surfing
• Restaurants and pubs
• Accommodation

Dooagh

Small village with:

• Beach that disappeared and returned (2017)
• Start point for walks
• Traditional atmosphere

Keem Bay

The island's crown jewel:

• Horseshoe bay beneath cliff walls
• Former basking shark fishery
• Crystal clear waters
• Best beach views in Ireland

Slievemore Deserted Village

On the mountain's southern slopes:

• 80+ ruined cottages
• Abandoned during the Famine
• Haunting atmosphere
• Accessible walk

Return via North Achill

Complete the island circuit through:

• Dugort village
• Golden Strand beach
• Seal caves (boat trips)

Keem Bay

Consistently rated Ireland's finest beach:

The Setting

A sheltered cove beneath 200m cliffs, accessible by a single winding road.

Swimming

• Clean, clear Atlantic water
• Sheltered from wind
• Lifeguard in summer
• Can be cold (wetsuits recommended)

Basking Sharks

The bay was once a basking shark fishery. Now they're protected, and April-June brings sightings.

Walking

Croaghaun Cliffs

Europe's highest sea cliffs (688m):

• Challenging walk from Keem
• Spectacular views
• Allow 4-5 hours
• Proper gear essential

Slievemore

• Deserted village accessible
• Summit options available
• Bog terrain

Minaun Heights

Easier peak with Atlantic views.

Great Western Greenway

Connects Westport to Achill (42km).

Surfing

Keel Beach

• Consistent waves
• Surf schools
• All levels catered for
• Equipment hire available

Conditions

• West-facing exposure
• Best: autumn swells
• Water temperature: 10-16°C

Practical Tips

1. Atlantic Drive - Single-track; take your time
2. Keem Bay - Car park fills quickly in summer
3. Weather - Can change rapidly; bring layers
4. Fuel - Fill up before the island
5. Greenway - Bike hire available in Westport

Before You Drive This Route

The Achill Island & Wild Atlantic Mayo is 167km and about 4 hours of driving, though 1-2 days is the honest figure once you factor in the stops. Visitors who have never driven on the left should start with driving on the left in Ireland; the Irish roundabout rules guide covers the other thing that catches people out. Coastal weather changes faster than the forecast admits — the all-season packing guide covers what to have in the boot year-round. Automatic or manual is the decision that catches most visitors out — manual versus automatic has the honest answer for Irish roads. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Mayo page, and the Croagh Patrick & Clew Bay pairs naturally with this one.