Achill Island Tour
Achill Island is the largest island off the coast of Ireland
The remoteness and ruggedness of Achill has made it a popular tourist destination since the late 1800s’. The Island is twinned with the city of Cleveland, Ohio, due to the number of emigrants from here who emigrated there over many years.
- Up to 5 People
- 7.5 Hours
- Private Limo Tour
Cost: €675
Discover Achill Island
Achill Island was one of the main locations for the filming of The Banshees of Inisherin, winner of 3 Golden Globe awards and nominated for 9 Oscars!
We will visit some of the film locations during the tour. The Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so no need to travel by boat. However, you will encounter spectacular sea cliffs, beautiful beaches and vacant villages with their ruined houses.
You will experience the mystery and majesty of nature. The scenery on this tour is stunning and you will be amazed at how the locals survived on an island on the edge of Europe. If you have a specific itinerary in mind let me know and I can customise the tour for you.
Highlights of the Achill Island Tour
Grace O’Malley’s Castle
Built by the O’Malley’s in 1429 and occupied by a pirate queen known as Grainne Mhaol (1530-1603) during her prime. She also owned castles on Clare Island and at Carrigahowley near Newport. It was a perfect location for her protection with shelter, concealment and safe access through Achill Sound to Blacksod Bay.
It is thought that she commanded many small and mobile ships at the height of her power allowing her to ‘request’ payment from passing ships for safe passage.
Keem Bay
Located at the north end of a cliff-side drive, this magnificent beach was the location of Colm Doherty’s (Brendan Gleeson) house in the film The Banshees of Inisheerin. Surrounded by hills on three sides, the beach is very popular with locals and visitors alike.
It is a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. It features regularly in publicity for the island and is a ‘must see’ on any visit to the west of Ireland.
The Deserted Village
This consists of the remains of almost 100 houses set on either side of a pathway on the south facing slope of Slievemore (Gaelic for big mountain). The houses are almost all oriented in a north south direction extending for a distance of one mile. There is evidence that the settlement dates from the 12th century but with the presence nearby of a megalithic tomb maybe much earlier.
Recently the houses were used for ‘booleying’, the practice of minding cattle here during the summer before returning to Dooagh for the winter.
Ashleam Point
Location of some of the scenes from The Banshees of Inisheerin, you will see stunning scenery on this cliff-top drive along the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes us along Achill Sound to Cloughmore before heading north-west exposing the cliff-top scenery over the Atlantic Ocean.
The view from Ashleam Bay is always awe-inspiring whether on a calm or a stormy day. We continue to the isolated community of Dooega before rejoining the main road heading for the beaches of Keel and Keem.
Porteen
Build by the Congested Districts Board in the 1800’s for local fishermen who fished from hookers, yawls and curraghs. Salmon were caught using nets as long as 5km set at dusk and hauled at dawn. The nets were just 3m deep as the salmon swim near the surface to sense the fresh water from their birth river.
In the 1970’s, nets were restricted to 1.5km and could only be used in daytime during the week. Drift net fishing has since been banned in order to conserve stocks. Fish were canned here and exported throughout the world.
Minaun Mountain
The mountain accessed by a narrow road rises to a height of 466m. It offers the best vistas of Achill Island with superb 360 degree views north, south, east and west. Sheep and their lambs grazing on the roadside adds interest and excitement en route.
The view from the top will be the location of one of your most memorable photographs of your visit to Achill Island.
Achill Island Gallery
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Ready to Explore Achill Island?
Our full-day private tour of Achill Island offers an unforgettable journey through one of Ireland’s most dramatic and captivating landscapes. With your own expert driver-guide and luxury vehicle, you’ll explore stunning coastlines, intriguing history and film locations, all at a relaxed pace tailored to you.
Whether you’re drawn by nature, heritage, or cinema, this bespoke experience promises memories to last a lifetime. Book your Achill Island adventure today and embrace the brawny beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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