The Joy of Walking in Achill...

 

PLEASE NOTE : Whilst, on this page we suggest some of the famous walks of the Achill area, we recommend that walkers should read the excellent new publication,

 

"A Bi-Lingual Guide to Walking on Achill"

 

This pamphlet, which describes fourteen walks in detail, can be obtained from the Achill Tourism office in Cashel. The walks, described hereunder, have been experienced by the writer, who regularly runs these tracks.

Circular trail from Dooagh via the old Amethyst Quarry.

The Deserted Village, the very old graveyard at Slievemore, back through Crumpaun to Keel, then Pollagh and return to Dooagh. Distance is approximately eight miles or thirteen kilometres.

 

Beach walk at Keel.

This is a straightforward walk from Keel to under the towering Minaun, almost all on sand. The distance is 5.6 miles in total (9km.). It is particularly exhilarating in the early morning. (Check the tide times)

 

Dooagh Lough Acorrymore.

Start at Shore road in Dooagh and, where the road ends, continue along the track beside the seaside. There are spectacular cliff views here. Climb back up to the main road and turn at the sign for Lough Acorrymore. You will pass the dammed area, which supplies water for the entire island. Continue on to the Lough, and then to two consecutive heights, where you can see the superb views of Dooagh, the Minaun Heights, Slievemore, Croaghaun, and across Blacksod to the Mullet Peninsula in the north. From here head for the gravel road, and follow it back to Dooagh. Although the distance is only in the region of eight miles (thirteen kilometres), there are some moderate inclines but these are worthwhile just to experience the views.

 

Cashel to Achill Sound & Return.

I begin this one from Ted Lavelle's Pub car park. This is mainly on road/gravel track and is one of the easier tracks. Take the road behind Ted Lavelle. s Pub and follow along beside the sea. There is one area of open ground over Saula Hill (not a difficult rise). From the summit, you can see the islands of Innisbiggle and Annagh. Turning right at the bottom, I head back through Saula to the main road at Achill Sound. I then take the main road back to Cashel. It is advisable to be particularly cautious at the beginning of this last section, as traffic can be busy during the summer. There is however an alternative and safer route back through Saula. (Again, I would refer the visitor to the publication mentioned above.)