Watch Out for Magical Things to Happen! and other Achill Island, Ireland Things to Do Tips

I have never seen a rainbow like this one which appeared one evening above Trawmore Bay. It seems to have been caused by a low isolated shower cloud being lit by the setting sun. The second rainbow to the right seems to be a reflection.

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Kildavnet Castle is probably a watchtower dwelling guarding the waters of Achill Sound. It is attributed to the 16th century pirate queen Grace O'Malley (Granuaile) who had her operational base on nearby Clare Island. The whole stretch of road from Achill Sound to Kildavnet is very scenic indeed! There's not just this tower but also Kildavnet Pier and a scenic partly derelict graveyard. Parking provided at the pier.

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Address: Atlantic Drive
Directions: about 5 km south of Achill Sound
Website: http://www.achilltourism.com/granuaile.html

When the weather is fine, this is a drive not to be missed. The road starts in Cashel and after having passed some peat bog badlands, you must make a right hand turn up the hill (otherwise you'll end up in Dooega -- not a bad place to visit either :-) It is steep but good and with sufficient passing places.

There are excellent views in every direction ranging from the very best scenery of Acill Island to Blacksod Bay and the unspoilt Belmullet peninsula to parts of Clew Bay and the Connemara Mountains.

This is a good place for watching the sunset -- on your own or in romantic company. If you don't have somebody to keep you warm, bring a fleece sweater -- Minaun being quite an exposed hill, it will be often chilly up here, even in fine summer weather!

Please listen to Uncle Winfred's advice and don't drive up the mountain in bad weather.

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Address: road to TV masts on Minaun Mountain
Directions: Take access road from Cashel (brown sign)

The Atlantic Drive is a signposted route leading you to Achill's best coastal scenery and many interesting places along the way.

The picture takes in the scenery across Clew Bay with Clare Island and the Mweelrea and Connemara Mountains in the background.

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Website: http://www.achilltourism.com/atlanticdrive.html

In spite of the ongoing, not always sensitive development, Keel still offers some atmospheric corners, especially its lower part between the main road and the beach. With the sun shining on the white cottages, it's possible to enjoy some almost Mediterranean impressions!

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Trawmore is one of Achill's five Blue Flag beaches and also the Island's largest one (Trà Mhor -- Irish Gaelic for "big strand"). Its southerly direction and shallow turqoise waters should increase your chances on bearable water temperatures, but except for very rare long lasting high pressure weather conditions, the water will hardly top the 16 °C mark. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful and easily accessible place, also for wheelchair users (accessible loo on camping ground across the driveway)

Access from Keel village, next to the camping ground. Lifeguard surveillance in summer months. The eastern parts of the bay beneath Minaun are unsafe for bathing due to rip currents.

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Pictures and words can only render an approximation -- this place has to be seen to believed. Simply stunning. That lunatic swimming in the 14 °C cold water is my dad BTW!

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Given the terrific beauty of this place, I hope you'll forgive me for repeating myself on recommending Keem Strand. This picture emphasizes the cove-like nature of Keem Bay. And the sheep and the bleak boggy slope should provide some evidence it's Ireland and not the Carribean! :-)

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Kildavnet Graveyard is an atmospheric spot on the Atlantic drive close to Kildavnet Tower. The cemetery has been used since mediaeval times, and given the appropriate light conditions, there definitely is something transcendental about the place.

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Website: http://www.achillcliff.com/history.html

Apart from Minaun Heights and the Northern Coastline, Keel Lough is probably the best spot for watching the sun set. In addition to its scenic value, Keel Lough provides some good fishing. It's not very deep which makes it also a good place for learning wind surfing and kayaking. There are several places renting out the relevant equipment and offering courses.

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