13 Things to do on Achill Island (With Map)

There are endless things to do in Achill Island in Mayo, however, people tend to just head for Keem Bay and overlook everything else.

Then they return home and stumble upon photos of the view from up at Minaun (you can drive to it) or Golden Strand and they kick themselves for missing them.

Located on the west coast of Ireland, Achill Island is Ireland’s largest offshore island, connected to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound.

In this guide, you’ll find a map detailing what to do on Achill Island along with a 1/2-day road trip itinerary that you can follow.

The best things to do in Achill Island

Located a stone’s throw from Mulranny, Newport and Westport, Achill Island is home to walks, hikes and some of the finest beaches in Mayo.

Although the more time you have the better, you can see a good chunk of the island over half a day. Here’s some spots to check out!

1. The Atlantic Drive (or cycle)

If you’re looking to see as much of the island as possible in one big swoop, follow our guide to the Atlantic Drive.

The official route starts in Westport, but you can easily adjust it to start from where ever you are on the island.

You’ll want at least 4 to 5 hours for this one, as it takes you right the way around the island, taking it cliffs, bendy roads, castles and many of the most popular things to see on Achill.

2. The Croaghaun Cliffs

Standing 688 metres (2,257 feet) above the wild Atlantic waves, Croaghaun Mountain boasts the highest sea cliffs in Ireland, which incidentally are also the third highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Inaccessible by road, you can reach the Cliffs of Croaghaun from the car park at Keem Bay.

This is a strenuous, 5km/2-3 hour walk that’s very steep in places and best suited to the more experienced hill walkers (here’s a guide to the climb).

If you fancy a more gentle trail, try the nearby Dooagh Loop Walk.

3. The Great Western Greenway

One of the legs of the Great Western Greenway is from Achill Island to Westport, a scenic 43.5km on a waymarked off-road cycle and walking trail.

It goes through Mulranny and Newport (good places to take a break) and is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.

It’s do-able in one day by bike (4 to 5 hours) but hikers should allow at least 10 hours for the total route, plus stops.

4. Minaun Heights

A spin up to Minaun Heights is one of the more overlooked things to do in Achill Island.

It sits more or less in the centre of Achill and there’s a narrow road that leads right up to a little parking area.

From the car park, you’re a short walk away from the view in the photos above.

One a clear day, there are few places along the Wild Atlantic Way that offer scenery that rivals Minaun Heights.

It can be busy during fine days, especially in the summer. However, if you visit during the off-season you’ll likely have it all to yourself.

5. The road to Keem

The road that winds around Achill Island is at it’s most impressive when you drive up over the hill that leads to Keem Bay.

It’s hard to put into words how magnificent the views from here are.

Now, a warning – a visit to Keem is one of the most popular things to do on Achill Island, which means this road can get busy with traffic.

Add to this the fact that there are little-to-no pull-in areas and you’ll see why you’re arguably best off driving along this road very early in the morning or late in the evening.

6. Keem Bay

You’ll find a parking area just in front of Keem Bay. As it’s one of the more popular Achill Island beaches, it packs out fast on good days, but you’ll often find it empty during the off-season.

The gorgeous clear emerald water contrasts beautifully with the brights white sand to make Keem a postcard-perfect spot.

Sheltered by the surrounding cliffs and hills, this east-facing beach has its own warm microclimate.

Keem Bay was once the hub for a basking shark fishery and sharks and larger sea mammals still feed in the area. In recent years, basking sharks have been seen drifting through the water here.

Stroll along at sunset and you’ll see why it’s one of our unforgettable things to do on Achill Island. And yes, this is where Colm’s cottage was in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin‘.

7. Achill Experience Acquarium

If you’re looking for things to do on Achill Island with lods, head to Achill Experience Aquarium (you’ll find it just past Keel Beach).

Achill Experience Aquarium is the island’s first all weather visitor centre and it’s home to plenty to see and do.

During your visit, you’ll see everything from Clown Fish and Pacific Blue Tang to lobsters and a selection of tropical fish from around the world.

8. Surfing at Keel Beach

Keel Beach is long, flat, sandy and is a surfer’s paradise.

Keel boasts stunning cliff views and it’s a nice spot for a ramble.

However, if you’re looking for unique things to do in Achill Island, book in with either Achill Surf or Blackfield Watersports.

You can try everything from stand up paddle boarding and surfing to kayaking and plenty more. These are two solid options if you’re wondering what to do on Achill with a large group!

9. More sandy stretches

There’s plenty of beaches on Achill that are worth sauntering along.

Another very popular sandy spot is Golden Strand on the northern coast of Achill near Dugort.

Another to check out is the Blue Flag Dooega Beach.

Or, if you fancy heading away from the island, the stunning Mulranny Beach is just a 35-minute drive away.

10. The White Cliffs of Ashleam

Ashleam Bay is one of the landmark Discovery Points of the Wild Atlantic Way.

This pebbly cove, sometimes known as Portnahally, is surrounded by cliffs rising 30 metres.

It occasionally has a pebble beach when tides carry it in (and out again!).

The clifftop viewpoint offers panoramic views in all directions and is one of the most memorable things to do in Achill Island.

11. Grace O’Malley’s Castle

You’ll find Grace O’Malley’s Castle (the Pirate Queen) on the south east of the island, where it’s stood proudly since the 15th century.

The tower, which is one of the lesser-known Irish castles, stands at around 40 feet in height and it’s believed to have been built by the O’Malley Clan around 1429.

There’s a little bit of parking right next to it. You likely won’t spend long here, but it offers a nice bit of respite at the beginning of your Achill adventure.

12. The deserted village at Slievemore

A visit to the deserted village is one of the more popular things to do in Mayo amongst visiting tourists, as it offers an insight into the island’s past.

You’ll find the deserted village on the southern side of Slievemore Mountain.

It’s here that the ruins of 80 to 100 cottages still stand.

Many who inhabited these cottages left during the Famine while others were forced out due to an inability to pay their rent.

13. Food and pubs

There’s some excellent restaurants on Achill Island for those of you in need of a post-walk feed!

Our favourite spots for a bite are the Amethyst Bar (especially good if you’re a fan of fish!), Mastersons and Beehive Coffee Shop!

Another goof place for grub if you fancy something hearty is the brilliant Ted’s in Cashel (the photos above will give you a sense of what to expect!).

Related read: Looking for a place to stay close to the action? Hop into our Achill Island accommodation guide