Achill

Achill Island has been ranked 8th in the world in a prestigious list of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Islands published by global travel site Big 7 Travel. The 2025 list places Achill in the company of international icons like the Seychelles, Madeira, the Galápagos, and Sri Lanka – a remarkable achievement that shines a global spotlight on this much-loved corner of County Mayo.

Describing Achill as “an island that likes to show off,” the guide praises its ever-changing colours, from soft pink sunrises and fiery Atlantic sunsets, to turquoise seas and moss-green hills. The editors also singled out Keem Bay as a world-class beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters that often attract basking sharks, known as “Ireland’s gentle giants.”

But Keem is just the beginning. Achill is Ireland’s largest island, covering some 57 square miles (146 km²) of unspoilt terrain. Visitors are drawn to its four Blue Flag beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and rugged mountain peaks – including Croaghaun (688m), home to the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland, and Slievemore (671m), which rises above the hauntingly atmospheric Deserted Village, a collection of over 80 ruined stone cottages from a bygone era.

Not to be missed is Minaun Heights (466m), accessible by a steep service road that rewards drivers and hikers with an unforgettable 360-degree panorama of Achill, Clew Bay, the Currane Peninsula and the Nephin Beg range.

Achill’s natural beauty is matched by its rich cultural heritage. The island was once a stronghold of Gráinne Uaile (Grace O’Malley), the legendary 16th-century pirate queen, and has long served as a retreat and source of inspiration for artists and writers including Paul Henry, Robert Henri, Heinrich Böll, and Graham Greene. The historic Colony settlement near Dugort also offers a glimpse into Achill’s fascinating past.

For those drawn to the outdoors, Achill is a true adventurer’s paradise. Popular activities include surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, sea swimming, hillwalking, horseriding, golf, and cycling. The Great Western Greenway, one of Ireland’s most celebrated walking and cycling routes, now extends 5km onto the island, with a total stretch of 47km all the way to Westport.

This international recognition from Big 7 Travel is a proud moment for the Achill community and all who love the island. It reaffirms what locals have always known: Achill is not just one of Ireland’s treasures – it’s one of the world’s most breathtaking places to visit.

Achill Island Named One of the World’s 10 Most Beautiful Islands

DOWNLOAD AND XPLORE