Features of the Island
Achill Sound
Achill Island is seperated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. This photograph shows Achill Sound before a bridge was built in 1887 to connect the island to the mainland.
Courtesy of Gary WynneAchill Sound
Courtesy of Gary Wynne
Courtesy of Gary Wynne
Achill Sound
Achill Island is seperated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. This photograph shows Achill Sound before a bridge was built in 1887 to connect the island to the mainland.
Courtesy of Gary WynneAchill is Ireland's largest island. It is seperated from the mainland by a narrow channel of water. The island can be reached by the Michael Davitt Bridge. The first bridge to the island was built in 1887. It was replaced by a wider bridge in 1948.
View of Achill
A view of Trawmore Strand, Keel Lake and Slievemore Mountain on Achill.
Courtesy of John McNamaraView of Achill
Courtesy of John McNamara
Courtesy of John McNamara
View of Achill
A view of Trawmore Strand, Keel Lake and Slievemore Mountain on Achill.
Courtesy of John McNamaraThere are two great mountains on the island as well as dramatic, high cliffs and long sandy beaches. The highest mountain is Slievemore (672m).
The island's longest beach, Trawmore, is 3km long. The largest of Achill's loughs and tarns is Keel. Click on the image to see all three.
The island is home to many species of birds. Colonies of gulls and white terns nest on the sea cliffs.
Saddle Head, Achill Island
Courtesy of John McNamara
Courtesy of John McNamara
Lapwings, snipe and oyster catchers are amongst the birds which feed and shelter on the shores of the island.
Walking Home From School, Achill
Children walking home from school on Achill in the mid-1900s.
Courtesy of Failte IrelandWalking Home From School, Achill
Courtesy of Failte Ireland
Courtesy of Failte Ireland
Walking Home From School, Achill
Children walking home from school on Achill in the mid-1900s.
Courtesy of Failte IrelandPopulation
In 1841 there were 4901 people living on Achill. In 2006 there were 2620.
There are a large number of holiday homes on the island and it is also popular with tourists. As Achill is a Gaeltacht area, many students come to Achill in the summer to learn Irish.
The population is spread across the island. Villages on the island include Achill Sound, Pollranny, Keel, Dooagh and Dooega.
There are a large number of holiday homes on the island and it is also popular with tourists. As Achill is a Gaeltacht area, many students come to Achill in the summer to learn Irish.
The population is spread across the island. Villages on the island include Achill Sound, Pollranny, Keel, Dooagh and Dooega.