Experience everything Achill Island has to offer
There’s lots to do on Achill such as swimming, walking, cycling, golf, angling, surfing, wind and kite surfing, kayaking, painting, photography, archaeological studies or simply appreciating the breathtaking scenery and the sites of local historical interest such as the Deserted Village and Slievemore and Grace O’Malley’s keep at Kildownet. Browse the various leaflets in the residents’ lounge and take the opportunity to try something you’ve never done before, or just switch off and absorb the rugged Atlantic scenery.
Breathtaking Scenery
There’s so much to see on Achill – cliffs, sea, beaches and mountains. My favourite places on Achille are Dooega Head, the Atlantic Drive above Ashleam Bay, Minaun Heights with its panoramic views, and the views from Mayteoge Head above Keem Bay – the short climb is worth it.
Swimming & Paddling on our Blue Flag Beaches
Achill Island has a great concentration of Blue Flag beaches than anywhere else in Ireland – 5 in total. They’re all within 20 minutes of Lavelle’s Seaside House and Mickey’s Bar, and they all have something different to offer. We think our little Blue Flag beach in Dooega, just a short stroll away from us, is a gem. Other Blue Flag beaches are Keel beach, the internationally renowned Keem Bay and the Silver and Golden Strands at Dugort.
Walks & Hill Climbing
Lavelle’s Seaside House and Mickey’s Bar is an ideal centre for walking and hill climbing holidays. Locally we have Knockmore and the Minaun Heights and there are also numerous walks nearby and across the Island to suit all types of walkers from flat strolls along the beach and headlands to the moderately strenuous walks along the stunning Atlantic Drive and west towards Dooega Head. For the serious hill climbers there are the Croaghaun and Slievemore peaks to conquer, both over 2,000 feet.
Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Learn to windsurf and kitesurf on Keel Lake or if you are an old hand test your skills during an Achill gale. Across the sand dunes the Atlantic rollers onto Keel beach attract more and more surfers each year.
Golf
Achill Golf Club and Mulranny Golf Club both 9-hole links courses are within a 20-minute drive away. If your taste is for something more challenging a one-hour drive will take you to Belmullet Golf Club – the ultimate 18-hole links challenge. Alternatively, Westport Golf Club – the venue for the Irish Close Championship in June 2005 – is a 50 minutes’ drive.
Sailing
Cruinniu Badoiri Acla – Achill Yawl Sailing Festival.
Achill may not have its own yachting marina but it does have the Achill Yawl Festival from July to September each year, with races taking place at weekends and in the evenings (when tides allow). An exciting spectator sport, the races are keenly contested by local teams from the Achill and Mulranny areas.The festival promotes the tradition of Yawl sailing in the Achill area.
Sea & Rock Angling
We regularly cater for anglers at Lavelle’s Seaside House & Mickey’s Bar. Sea angling and rock angling are both on your doorstep. The sea off Achill is rich in mackerel, cod, conger eel, ray, shark, pollock, coalfish, ling, and turbot. Angling groups are welcome.
Splash