Achill Surf Activity Centre

The Colony Tour is a two hour walking tour around the historic ruins of the Achill Mission in Dugort, Achill Island, County Mayo. The tour is approximately one mile in distance and the terrain gentle to moderate. Good footwear is advisable as the ground is rough in a couple of places. The weather in Achill is always changeable so rain gear or an umbrella is also advisable. The tour begins at the Dugort Beach car park directly outside the Strand Hotel. Parking is usually available. Eircode for the start location is F28 NY97, and co-ordinates are: 54.011118,-10.0288153. Online booking for the tour is recommended, and is available via The Colony Tour website. The Colony Tour is ranked as Achill’s number one walking tour on Tripadvisor. It is led by Kevin Toolis, BAFTA winning writer, bardic poet and Achill Islander who is the world’s foremost expert on the history of the Achill Colony. A passionate storyteller, Kevin has reported on famines, plagues and wars for the New York Times and the Guardian and made over 20 documentary and drama films for the BBC, Channel 4 and Discovery in the USA. He is the author of three books including Rebel Hearts, My Father’s Wake and Nine Rules to Conquer Death. Signed copies of all three books are available to buy on the Colony Tour.

Boat tours to view Croaghaun Sea Cliffs, the highest in western Europe. Also trips to the deserted islands of Inishkea. Departs Dugort Pier. Available to charter for fishing trips. All sailings are weather dependent.

Wild West Boat Tours (formerly Geraghty Charters) offer tours to Croaghan Cliffs and Innishkea Island from Dugort Pier in Achill. We also offer sea angling trips. Booking is essential and all trips are weather dependent. Follow us on facebook! April to Oct. Pets allowed by appointment.

Get to know yourself and your environment more deeply this summer! Whether you would like to gain more confidence to explore the reef, safely learn the meditative world of breath-hold, source your food more sustainably, or try a new experience – there is something for everyone. Join 7 x Irish Freediving National Record Holder Dave McGowan and AIDA Instructor Charlie Gray for a wet ‘n’ wild experience along the lush coasts of Achill Island! FREEDIVING & SNORKELLING From Intro to Freediving Courses and Taster Days, to Coaching for Experienced Divers, we have something for all ages, levels and abilities! Our courses emphasise safety, skill, and sustainability. We also offer safe and enjoyable Snorkelling Tours on Achill Island! COASTAL FORAGING & SPEARFISHING Have you ever wanted a closer connection to your food? Spearfishing and Coastal Foraging is an incredible way to become in tune with your environment, embrace the interconnectedness of our eco-systems, and sustainably source your food! Emerald Freediving operates seasonally. In order to teach all year round, we are based in The Red Sea during winters (check out our site for freediving vacation options). Join us for courses, coaching, workshops and tours! For bookings or enquiries message us on WhatsApp (+353 89 494 0399) or through our website, email or social media to book.

Equestrian centre that also offers Homestay Horse Riding & Language Holidays where students come, stay with a local family on full board and horse ride every day. 2023 Season – Opening July – Pre-booking is essential. Credit cards accepted.

VISITOR EXPERIENCE, GIFT SHOP & COFFEE TRUCK Achill Island Sea Salt was founded by the O’ Malley Family in 2013, an idea inspired by the long forgotten tradition of salt production on Achill Island. In the time-honoured style, we began producing sea salt in our family kitchen. Growing demand however, saw us move to a new facility on the Island in September 2016. Achill Island Sea Salt is hand harvested from the Wild Atlantic waters which surrounds the Island. The fresh water that runs off the island’s mountains, together with the wild Atlantic waters combine to create this pure and natural, award winning sea salt.

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.

Bike hire including kid’s bikes, tag-alongs, three-wheeled bikes, tandems and electric bikes. Shuttle service offered between Achill and Westport – pre-booking is required. Dep. Achill: 10.50am & 12.50pm Dep. Westport: 10.00am & 12 noon. Located directly opposite the GAA pitch at Polranny, right at the start of the Greenway.

Visit the magical woodland Faerie Trail at The Valley House, Achill! Come explore this beautiful woodland walk with Irish folk tales, faerie villages, faerie rings, leprechauns and much more. The Faerie Trail is open from June to September, from 11am-7pm. Gift shop with Faerie items, artwork, T-shirts and Treats. Trail entrance fee €3, family discounts.

On the north side of Achill Island, nestled in the shadow of Croaghaun mountain (668m) and accessible only on foot or by boat, is Annagh. This local beauty spot is protected on three sides by steep cliffs, while the fourth side looks out onto Blacksod Bay. The freshwater lake at Annagh is Lough Nakeeroge East which, at just 16m above sea level, is the lowest corrie lake in Ireland. The strand at Annagh is mainly rocky, but a grey sandy beach is exposed at low tide at the eastern end of the strand. Also at this end of the bay is a megalithic tomb, evidence of former habitation in this, one of the most remote parts of Achill Island. At the western end of Annagh is the remains of a booley village, including one remaining circular – or ‘beehive’ – stone building.

On the north side of Achill Island, the shoreline around the village of Dugort boasts two Blue Flag beaches – the Silver Strand and the Golden Strand. Both of these beaches face Blacksod Bay and the Belmullet Peninsula. The most westerly of the beaches in Dugort, Pollawaddy, is sheltered in the shadow the the magnificent Slievemore mountain, while further east the beach known as Barnyagappul Strend derives its name from the Irish Trá Bhearna na gCapall. This translates as ‘the strand of the gap of the horses’ and refers to the practice in former times of using horses to carry seaweed from the shore to be used as fertiliser in the fields. The Blueway kayak trail is located here. Paddle from Silver Strand to Golden Strand, past the seal caves and the bird colonies.

Begin your tour of Achill’s blue flag beaches in Keem Bay, at the western tip of Achill Island. This beautiful Blue Flag beach is nestled in the valley between the slopes of Croaghaun mountain and Moyteoge Head. Accessible via a cliff-top road (not for the faint-hearted!), Keem Bay is a perfect horseshoe bay and its Atlantic waters are perfect for bathing on a hot summer’s day.

Blásta Bikes at Ted’s Pub, Cashel, Achill Island. Brand new electric bikes & mountain bikes for children & adults. Follow us on instagram for updates!

Achill Bikes offers you a great cycling experience on Achill Island. Hire adults' and children's standard and electric bicycles, kiddie trailers, tag-a-longs, child seats, and even doggie trailers, to enjoy Achill's (non-Greenway) cycle routes. Our top-of-the-range European-built electric bikes take the hills out of Achill and give you a range of up to 100km. Achill Bikes’ 12 years of experience, route advice, maps, helmets and hi-viz vests are all included.

On the south side of Achill Island, along the spectacular Atlantic Drive, is the island’s fifth Blue Flag beach at Dooega. Located on the other side of Minaun (466m) to Trawmore Strand, Dooega is a picturesque fishing village with south-facing views across the Atlantic waters to Clare Island and beyond. The beach here is also known as Camport Bay and the area surrounding it is rich in history, with the remains of two promontory forts located further west of the bay and field systems to the north that are thought to be prehistoric in origin.

Opened in 1989, the gallery is on the Sandybanks at Keel, Achill Island. Exhibitions feature the largest collection of images of Achill Island including paintings, giclée prints, photography & sculptures. We open all year and provide a wide range of services including mailing worldwide, gift vouchers and payment plans. We exhibit a large range of photographic work by photographer and giclée printer Sean Cannon. Assuring you of a warm welcome at our gallery. Wheelchair accessible. Credit cards accepted.

In 1894, the Westport – Newport railway line was extended to Achill Sound by the Great Western Rail Company. The train provided a great service to Achill, but it also fulfilled an ancient prophecy. Brian Rua O’ Cearbhain, a prophet from Erris who lived in the 17th Century – long before trains had been invented – had prophesied that ‘fire carts on iron wheels’ would carry bodies into Achill on their first and last journey. In 1894, the first train on the Achill railway carried the bodies of victims of the Clew Bay Drowning. This tragedy occurred when a boat overturned in Clew Bay, drowning thirty two young Achill people. They had been going to meet the steamer which would take them to Scotland for potato picking. Although the train line was closed in early 1937, The Kirkintilloch Burning Disaster in September 1937 fulfilled the second part of the prophecy, when the bodies of ten victims were carried by rail to Achill. These people had died in a fire in a ‘bothy’. This term referred to the temporary accommodation provided for those who went to Scotland to pick potatoes. It was very common for young people from Achill to spend their summers work in Scotland.

Embark on a sea safari adventure with Achill Seascape RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) Tours and delve into the rich heritage, breathtaking scenery, and diverse wildlife of the Wild Atlantic Way. Setting sail from Cloghmore, Ce Bheag, and Dugort, Achill Seascape offers eco-friendly guided boat tours around Achill Island. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and wildlife, venturing off the beaten path to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Achill and its surrounding waters. As you cruise aboard our open commercial rib with a maximum of nine passengers, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the historic Clare Island Lighthouse, birthplace of Granuaile. Throughout the journey, be captivated by a diverse range of seabirds, dramatic rock formations, enchanting sea caves, and the possibility of spotting dolphins, whales and basking sharks. Experience the thrill of discovery as you explore hidden treasures like the secluded beach at Annagh or the Achill Beg Lighthouse. Achill Seascape is dedicated to showcasing the spectacular beauty and wildlife of the surrounding waters, unveiling many hidden gems accessible only from the ocean. Feel the sea breeze on your face and the wind in your hair as you embark on this exhilarating open rib experience, destined to be a highlight of your holiday. Choose from our 1 - 2 hour sea safari tours or opt for a private charter to tailor your adventure to your preferences.

Ashleam Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful stops along the Achill coastline and the Atlantic Drive. It is surrounded by tall white cliffs which make for an impressive sight, in good weather and in bad. The beach is rocky/pebbly, although sand appears every seven years or so when the conditions are right. It's a great place to stop and enjoy the sound of the waves on a clear day.

Achill’s newest family attraction! Completely refurbished and re-opened in 2018, Achill Island’s Crazy Golf course. Located next to The Chalet, Keel. Open 11am – 7pm, every day (last entry 6pm) Clubs, balls and scorecard available in Achill Tourism information office, next to The Chalet restaurant.

Keem Bay, home to one of Ireland’s most popular beaches, is the location for the home of Brendan Gleeson’s character Colm Doherty. The beach at Keem is also the setting for the final scene of the move. The building used in the movie was made over by the crew. This is a private building and not open to the public. Note also that the interior scenes were filmed in a set, not within this building.

Gerard leads leisurely walks to all of Achill’s hidden sights, such as Ireland’s highest Sea Cliffs, Annagh Beach, Promontory Forts along the seashore or to the tops of Achill’s highest hills. Or listen to a narrated tour through Achill’s haunting Deserted Village at Slievemore. Open all year. Awards:- Failte Ireland Marine & Countryside Guide, National Tour Guide, Get Ireland Walking leader, Dip Archaeology & History, member association of Tour Guides in Ireland.

For fishing enthusiasts, the Atlantic waters around Achill provide one of the best sea angling grounds in Europe. Achill sea angling offers a large variety and size of species and the area has provided Ireland’s two shark records as well as many specimen claims. No fewer than 34 species of fish have been caught in Achill waters, including cod, ling, conger, pollock, wrasse, mackerel, skate, dogfish, ray, blue shark, thresher, and porbeagle sharks. In 1932 Dr. O’Donnel-Brown caught a record 365lb porbeagle shark off Achill, while in 1959 a record 206lb blue shark was caught locally by J. McMonagle. Other notable captures in recent years include a 17lb coalfish, 112lb blue shark, and 12lb pollack. Sea shore and beach angling can be carried out at various locations around Achill Island the the Curraun Peninsula. Maps showing the best shore fishing marks are available locally on Achill. Please note that life jackets should be worn when rock fishing as ocean swells can prove dangerous. Keel Lake, Lough Gall and Lough na Mbreac in the Valley are suitable for fishing for trout. A license is required for fresh water fishing on Achill, and these can be purchased from the Valley House at reasonable rates.

Croaghaun sea cliffs (688 meters or 2,257 ft), the highest in Ireland and the third highest in Europe are located at the western end of Achill Island, Co. Mayo in the northwest of Ireland and on the Wild Atlantic Way scenic tourist route. It is hard to get much wilder than this exposed, scenic, remote, and peaceful spot.

Visit Achill Island and join us on the Wild Atlantic Way with Achill’s original watersports centre! We run our surf and kitesurfing school on Keel beach during the months of June, July and August from our specially equipped double decker bus – it’s an absolute must visit location when visiting Achill Island! We love watersports and so that’s what we do. Our team of instructors are all local and have been surfing, kitesurfing and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) around the island for many years. They are highly qualified and enthusiastic with decades of teaching experience between them. We are qualified to teach at the highest level and our staff have coached right up to national level. All instructors are Garda vetted, have attended child protection and welfare courses and are first aid qualified. We are also the ONLY Irish Surfing Association approved surf school on the Island. In July and August from Mon-Fri, we run a morning surf camp for children aged 8-16. This can be pre-booked by the day, but most of our campers book into us for the week. You can see how past customers regard us on our Trip advisor review page. We also run lessons throughout the summer for adults as well as offering surfboard, wetsuit and bodyboard rentals. Our kitesurfing school offers lessons right through from beginner to advanced coaching – we keep our instructor to student ratios extremely low so that lessons can be tailored to the needs of each individual. For a unique way to experience Achill Island’s stunning coastline, we offer SUP excursions to various different locations, depending on the conditions. Call us for a chat about surfing, kitesurfing, SUP, the sea or anything to do with having fun in the water! Approved by the Irish Surfing Association. Member of Failte Ireland. Credit cards accepted.

One of Achill’s most famous historical sites is that of the Achill Mission or ‘the Colony’ at Dugort. In 1831 the Protestant Reverend Edward Nangle founded a proselytising mission at Dugort. The Mission included schools, cottages, an orphanage, a small hospital and a hotel (the former Slievemore Hotel). The ‘Colony’ was very successful for a time and regularly produced a newspaper called the ‘Achill Missionary Herald’. The Reverend Nangle expanded his mission into Mweelin, where a ‘school’ was built. The Achill Mission began to decline slowly after Nangle was moved from Achill and was finally closed in the 1880’s. Edward Nangle died in 1883.

Achill Island Alpacas is a unique trekking experience offered at The Golden Strand beach, Dugort, on the northern coast of Achill Island. We have two amazing alpacas so placid and inquisitive, with very different personalities. Why not try something different and give it a go?

In 1852, Dr. John McHale, Archbishop of Tuam set aside land in Bunnacurry for the building of a monastery. A Franciscan Monastery was built which, for many years provided an education for local children. The ruins of this monastery are still to be seen in Bunnacurry today.

The Tower at Kildavnet, in the south-east corner of Achill Island, is a perfect example of a 15th century Irish tower house. The Gaelic Chiefs of the time copied a Norman design and constructed many such tower houses. The tower at Kildavnet is thought to have been constructed by the Clan O’Malley in about 1429, but is associated locally with a descendant of the original builders, Grace O’Malley or Granuaile. This legendary pirate queen is thought to have been born around 1530 and died in about 1603. The Tower at Kildavnet is one of a series of such strongholds that Granuaile established along the western seaboard (she is said to be buried in a similar tower on Clare Island) as she dominated the waters during the 16th century. The Tower House at Kildavnet, known locally as Grace O’Malley’s Castle, is some 40ft (12m) in height and has three storeys. The strategic importance of its location, at the mouth of Achill Sound and protecting the passage that connects Clew Bay with Blacksod Bay, is underlined by the fact that the present-day Achill lifeboat station is situated close by. Another neighbour to the Tower, and an historic feature worth a visit in its own right, is the ancient church and cemetery at Kildavnet. The church itself is thought to date from at least the 12th century, though subsequent building has made it difficult to date. Some claims put the original construction as early as the 8th century. The adjacent graveyard contains early Medieval gravestones alongside more recent (18th century onwards) graves. This cemetery also contains monuments to two of Achill’s greatest tragedies, the Clew Bay Drowning of 1894 and the Kirkintilloch Fire of 1937.

Situated at the foot of Slievemore Mountain and overlooking Keel Lake, Pure Magic Achill is in one of the best-kept secrets in Ireland. It is hard not to fall in love with this wonderful place, though you do not have to take our word for it, come and discover it for yourself and experience the Pure Magic of Achill Island. - Pizzas, Paddling and Pillows...Pure Magic! Open every day! - Watersports centre - Lodge - Restaurant open 7 days, 5pm-9pm - Chill out Heaven