![]() ![]() Painters such as Paul Henry, Derek Hill, Charles Lamb and the American Robert Henri have all been inspired by Achill’s unusual and dramatic land and seascapes. Its old-world character has attracted many famous writers down the years including the German Nobel Prize winner Heinrick Boll. Achill Island has been a favourite retreat of artists and photographers. On Achill’s south coast, too, are the strangely architectural Cathedral Rocks, while Croaghaun tumbles spectacularly down a 2,000 foot precipice to the sea. On the southern tip of Achill Sound and looking out on Achillbeg Island is Kildawnit Castle, a stately fifteenth century tower house and once a stronghold of the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. With over 70 abandoned homesteads, it is a haunting reminder of hard times. One of the great attractions of the island is the deserted village situated on the slopes of Slievemore Mountain. Sea Angling, diving, golf, archaeology and other outdoor activities are common on the island but the peace and quiet is all pervasive. The western end of the island is dominated by the majestic 668m Croaghaun Mountain and two other mountains on the island are Slievemore, the highest at 671m and Minaun at 466m. The sea cliffs in Achill are the highest in Ireland and provide an epic backdrop to your holidayĪchill is dotted with small villages and magnificent sandy blue flag beaches.Achill forms part of the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland.Achill is one of the Irish Times ‘Five Best Places to Holiday in Ireland’.Keem Bay in Achill has been named ‘Best Wild Swimming Spot in UK & Ireland’.The Banshees of Inisherin movie was filmed extensively on location on Achill Island.It is approximately 2 hours drive from Galway to Achill in Co. The island has some of the highest and most spectacular sheer cliff faces in Europe, which seem to stand guard before Achill’s heather clad hills as they hurry towards the Atlantic Ocean. Achill is joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound and about half of the island is a Gaeltacht region. Irelands largest offshore island is Achill with its golden beaches, unspoiled beauty and great island skies full of ever changing cloudscapes, continually caressing its peaks and valleys. Clare Island is the largest island in Clew Bay.An island of exceptional natural beauty on the Wild Atlantic Way It comprises 4,053 acres, is 5 miles long and 3 miles wide. It is dominated by 2 hills, Croaghmore (1520 feet) and Glen Hill (729 feet).Īs you arrive into the harbour on Clare Island, the first thing that will strike you is the beautiful sandy beach to your right, which makes an ideal playground for children and provides for safe swimming. On the rocky headland at the harbour is the square tower which served as Grace O’ Malley’s (Granuaile’s) castle. Clare Island was the stronghold of this remarkable 16th century O’ Malley clan chieftain who lived by her family trade of piracy and plunder. So widely feared was “ Granuaile” (as she was known) that she was received with full honours at the Tudor Court of Elizabeth 1st. She maintained her dominance into old age, died in her seventies in 1603 and was buried in the abbey on Clare Island. ![]() (Visit Ann Chambers’ website at for more information.) An ornate stone plaque in the abbey is believed to mark her burial place. The 12th century Cistercian abbey contains a remarkable series of medieval wall and ceiling paintings. The paintings, which once covered the entire ceiling in a kaleidoscope of colour, depict mythical human and animal figures including dragons, a cockerel, stags, men on foot and on horseback, a harper, birds and trees. Only four other such paintwork examples still exist in Ireland & Clare Island’s is the most intriguing and best preserved. The remains of a 19th century Napoleonic signal toweris situated at the western tip of the island. This site enjoys superb views of Inishturk and Inishbofin islands. The lighthouse is a distinctive landmark on Clare Island. It is perched on top of cliffs at the northern end of the island, but its walls can be seen in the distance on the approach to the island harbour. The lighthouse is now out of operation having been replaced by one to the north on the mainland. The sea cliffs here are among the most dramatic on Ireland’s north west coast. They provide suitable nest sites for thousands of sea birds during the summer months. ![]()
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