At LoveAchill, we get customers calling in to us looking for information on places to see on their day trip to the Island, unfortunately these visitors are normally staying in accomodation off Achill but have decided to do a little tour from their base off the Island. So we thought we would put together an example tour of Achill to make sure visitors get to experiance more of Achill rather then a simple drive on, drive off.
We would start by recommending The Atlantic Drive from Mulranny around the Currane coast to Achill Sound, this allows superb views of Clare Island and Achill Beg. After crossing the Micheal Davitt bridge onto Achill Island continue to follow the signpost for The Atlantic Drive to the left and journey out past the Grace O'Malley (Pirate Queen) stronghold tower towards Achill Beg and then keeping the coast on your left, drive towards the scenic Ashleam bay. This amazing drive will bring you into the Blue Flag Beach village of Dooega, follow the road back to the main road at Cashel turning left towards Bunnacurry. You are now driving towards Keel and the road goes between Keel lake on your right and Achill Island Golf Club on the left, you can turn to the left and visit the largest beach on the Island, Keel beach. Continuing on through the village of Keel you can drive to the end of the Island to the Wild Atlantic Way viewing point in Keem Bay, with Croaghaun mountain on the right. As this is the end of the road you will turn around and come back into keel and then turn left following the sign for the deserted village, which is definately worth a visit. You can then follow the road around the North side of the Island past the Heinrich Boll Cottage, the Silver Strand and the Golden Strand, both in Dugort, you will eventually arrive at a small crossroads, turning right here will bring you back to the main road at Bunnacurry, however a left turn will bring you to the very interesting Valley House, well worth a look. Once you return to the junction with the main road at Bunnacurry turn left going towards the bridge. After you pass the Topaz service station on the left watch out for your right turn with a signpost to "Bharr na Mhionnan" this road will bring you to a carpark on top of Minaun Heights, which on a clear day will give you amazing views around the Island. Reurning the way you came you will arrive back at the main road and turning right will bring you through Achill Sound and back to the Micheal Davitt bridge.
An approx time for this drive would be 5 hours from Mulranny, it depends of course on the amount of stops you make, another option would be to start your tour at The Atlantic Drive on Achill Island rather than Mulranny and this should leave the time at approx 4 hours. These timings are based on the presumption that you will be using your own motor vehicle, not walking or cycling !!