Surf lessons on Achill Island, Ireland

Blackfield Surf School is Achill Islands only Irish Surfing Association approved surf school.

In summertime we operate from  Keel beach and we run lessons for children and adults .In July and August our kids surf camp is a unique surfing experience for children aged 8-16  years.

Kids Surf Camp.In July and August (and weekends in June) from 10.30am until 12.45, we run a daily summer camp for kids aged 8-16.Our aim is to provide a safe, fun learning environment where we work hard to ensure all the kids taking part have the opportunity to learn, practise and develop their skills.The camp runs from Monday-Friday inclusive and can be booked on a weekly or daily basis (we can't guarantee that there will always be space to take in kids day to day especially in the busy weeks but we do try!) We believe that water safety,wave and beach knowledge are fundamental building blocks to lifelong enjoyment of the sport, so we include all these topics informally throughout the week.

Lessons for All. For older kids and adults, we run classes on Keel beach all year around.These are suitable for individuals or groups wishing to learn to surf, whether for the first time, or to build upon previous lessons and experience.We can look after you whether you are by yourself or part of a larger group.We can help with accommodation and offer you a good rate on surfboard and wetsuit hire if you fancy taking your newly acquired skills back onto the water.

Gerry has been surfing for over 20 years and has worked as a lifeguard on beaches from north Mayo to Kerry including six summers on Keel beach.He is still a currently qualified beach lifeguard and an Irish Surfing Association qualified coach.The surf school is the original Irish Surfing Association approved school on the island, and one of only a small number in Mayo.Approval means that we meet or exceed the industry standard on issues of safety,equipment, tuition,child protection etc, and the ISA routinely inspects us to ensure that these standards are maintained.Gerry is usually around to help you with advice and a fair smattering of local knowledge

Surf Lessons usually last around an hour and a half of actual water-time.You need to leave up to two and a half hours for geting changed and on-shore instruction.We provide all the equipment, you just need to bring your swimming costume and towel and lots of enthusiasm!

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We also rent surfboards and wetsuits-in summertime from  Keel beach.

Contact us on 089 4221553 or click here

Surf lessons on Achill Island, Ireland

Blackfield Surf School is Achill Islands only Irish Surfing Association approved surf school.

In summertime we operate from our double decker bus on Keel beach and the rest of the year we work from the LoveAchill building on the main road just one mile from Keel beach.We run lessons for children and adults and in July and August our kids surf camp is a unique surfing experience for children aged 8-16  years.

Kids Surf Camp.In July and August (and weekends in June) from 10.30am until 12.45, we run a daily summer camp for kids aged 8-16.Our aim is to provide a safe, fun learning environment where we work hard to ensure all the kids taking part have the opportunity to learn, practise and develop their skills.The camp runs from Monday-Friday inclusive and can be booked on a weekly or daily basis (we can't guarantee that there will always be space to take in kids day to day especially in the busy weeks but we do try!) We believe that water safety,wave and beach knowledge are fundamental building blocks to lifelong enjoyment of the sport, so we include all these topics informally throughout the week.

Lessons for All. For older kids and adults, we run classes on Keel beach all year around.These are suitable for individuals or groups wishing to learn to surf, whether for the first time, or to build upon previous lessons and experience.We can look after you whether you are by yourself or part of a larger group.We can help with accommodation and offer you a good rate on surfboard and wetsuit hire if you fancy taking your newly acquired skills back onto the water.

Gerry has been surfing for over 20 years and has worked as a lifeguard on beaches from north Mayo to Kerry including six summers on Keel beach.He is still a currently qualified beach lifeguard and an Irish Surfing Association qualified coach.The surf school is the original Irish Surfing Association approved school on the island, and one of only a small number in Mayo.Approval means that we meet or exceed the industry standard on issues of safety,equipment, tuition,child protection etc, and the ISA routinely inspects us to ensure that these standards are maintained.Gerry is usually around to help you with advice and a fair smattering of local knowledge

Surf Lessons usually last around an hour and a half of actual water-time.You need to leave up to two and a half hours for geting changed and on-shore instruction.We provide all the equipment, you just need to bring your swimming costume and towel and lots of enthusiasm!

Surf Shop

Our surf shop carries a range of wetsuits and bodyboards,shoes,rash vests,wax,repair kits,snorkelling sets, towels and beach robes-kites,beach toys and whatever else you might need to have fun on the 5 blue flag beaches on Achill Island.

We also rent surfboards and wetsuits-in summertime from the double decker bus on Keel beach and the rest of the season from our shop.

Contact us on 089 4221553 or click here

Achill is the largest of Ireland's Islands and has been connected to the mainland by bridge since 1887, so no need for you to worry about ferry times, just drive straight on to the island.

For those of you travelling by train, the closest stations are in Castlebar (65kms) from Achill, and Westport (45kms) from Achill.  

                      Bus Eireann Timetable

There is approximately 800 kms  of motorway in Ireland. So that means you will mainly be driving on a selection of primary and secondary national roads, we recommend you adjust your travel times to suit, in order to avoid disappointment.  Here are a selection of towns, distances and approximate driving times.

View Larger Map

If you would like to see how the island looks right now, view our live streaming camera in Keel

LoveAchill.com are happy to bring you this live streaming webcam in association with Westnet.ie and Ferndale Luxury Bed & Breakfast.The view is looking East over Keel beach on the Mayo Wild Atlantic Way, with Minaun cliffs in the background.The view changes to a close up of the surf after 30 seconds.

The Cafe is closed this summer 2017

Our Cafe is situated in the LoveAchill information centre, easily recognizable by the unique pink and blue colour scheme, and provides sit in or take away Lavazza coffee, teas and hot chocolate. We serve cookies and some snacks, however we don't serve lunches or other food. Free WIFI is available, and we have a range of souviners and gift items in our LoveAchill shop. The cafe is also the base for our surf school and surf shop. Call in for a coffee and a chat, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about touring around Achill and the services available on The Island.

We are open from 10.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 5pm on Sundays. Sometimes we open a little later and close a little earlier if there's surf to be had, so please work with us on that one!

There are lots of reasons to visit Achill Island. We could talk about our 5 blue flag beaches or the dramatic scenery, including the highest sea cliffs in Europe, or maybe we should mention the variety of outdoor activities that you can enjoy within such a small area. When you arrive on Achill Island you will find yourself surrounded by stunning scenery, right on the westerly edge of Europe and bang in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way. We pride ourselves on excellent walking and hiking trails and all forms of water sports, especially surfing for beginner or intermediate level surfers. Horse riding, golf, pitch & putt and fishing are all also available on The Island.

Since 2016,Achill has also had it's own aquarium and cultural centre- the Achill Experience.There is a fairy trail at the Valley House , and Achill even has it's own beer, brewed in the Achill brewery!

Achill Island, Ireland from Aerial.ie on Vimeo.

Welcome to the LoveAchill shop.We produce a range of items from T-shirts to custom made signage.You can purchase some of our products online here. We hope that you enjoy our unique products and we will be growing this section of our site constantly, so check back soon for more original Achill Island gifts.

Loveachill.com is a complete listing of business activity within the Achill area. Our comprehensive site offers opportunities for business to avail of the platform to promote their activities.

We offer advanced listings  including graphics, photographs, video and translation into German and French as well as banner ads, e-mail campaigns and other web based promotions on the loveachill.com site. We are happy to design a  campaign to match the needs of your business.

We recommend that business's and service providers drop in to us, any leaflets, cards and literature they have for distribution to the public. Also if any changes are needed to your listing or if you have been accidentally missed, please contact us immediately. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We also offer user friendly website design to put you in control of your own website, as well as training on all aspects of setting up and managing your own online resources.

Contact us by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., via our contact page or chat with us live onlline to see how we can help to promote your business.

All Year Round

"From New York to Corrymore". An exhibition with a selection of prints on the work by the artist Robert Henri. Showing at CFAA, Crumpaun, Keel, Achill Island. 2 to 4 Monday to Friday

1^st June and throughout the summer

Island Life. An exhibition by artist Padraig McCaul at The Western Light Gallery, Padraig also runs painting workshops from June to August. www.padraigmccaul.com

June, July & August 

The Kirkintilloch Tragedy. An exhibition on the full chain of events surrounding the tragic deaths of ten young potato pickers or "tattie hawkers" from Achill in a fire at Kirkintilloch, Scotland. Showing at CFAA, Crumpaun, Keel, Achill Island. 10 to 4 Monday to Friday. 

June to September

Achill Country Market. We are open every Friday June-Sept 11am to 1pm. We also attend other markets in Achill over the year like The Achill Sheep Show etc also every Easter Saturday. Strict guidelines ensure high quality food & craft are produced. Located at Ted Lavelles, Cashel, Achill Island. See our Facebook Page.

June to August

Mounts Funfair  is a family run fairground catering for all events festivals through out Ireland consisting of top class machines, no venue to small or to big. Based for the summer season in Keel, beside the beach.

14/15^th June

The Achill Island "Give it a go" Weekend. Our outdoor providers offer special rates for the weekend to people who wish to try something new, this weekend includes a Blueway open day at Keem Beach.

21^st June

Summer Solstice Walks. One guided walk to watch the sunrise and one to watch the sunset, contact Gerard Mangan 086 8439683

5^th July

The Famous Achill Island Half Marathon and 10k Run. www.achillmarathon.com

18/20^th July

The Festival of the Sea. A unique chance to taste and experience to seafood available from the sea and shore around Achill. Cookery demonstrations, markets and BBQ's.

26^th July to 2^nd August

Scoil Acla. A week of classes in traditional music, singing, writing, language and dancing. all organised by "Scoil Acla". 

6^th September

The Achill Roar Adventure Race offers runners a choice of three distances 18km, 31km or 63km and includes kayaking or swimming with running and cycling. www.roar.ie

1^st January

New Years Day Swim The people of Achill invite you to the Island to wash the cares of 2014 away by jumping into the sea & embracing 2015! at Dugort Silver Strand Blue Flag Beach. Locals will be on hand with hot soup & there’s live music & craic in The Strand Hotel. Collection on the day will go Achill RNLI Lifeboat.