Ireland Vacation

Achill Island Vacation Rentals

Bring your family to Achill Island, West Ireland—explore sandy beaches, gentle bike trails, and fresh sea air for unforgettable days together by the Atlantic.

Achill Island Vacation Rentals

Tips on renting in Achill Island

Getting Around

When you visit Achill Island in West Ireland, Keem Bay is a must-see for families seeking a pristine beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water—perfect for picnics, paddling, and building sandcastles with your kids. The bay’s gentle waves and lifeguard presence in summer make it a relaxing spot for parents, while older children will love spotting dolphins or hiking the scenic cliffs. Don’t miss the Great Western Greenway, a family-friendly cycling and walking trail that winds through Achill Island’s lush landscapes, offering unforgettable views and plenty of picnic stops along the way.

What to Pack

Pack your bags for an unforgettable family adventure to Achill Island, nestled in the heart of West Ireland. Bring cozy layers for the brisk Atlantic breezes, waterproof jackets for exploring Keem Beach’s golden sands, and sturdy shoes for rambles along the Great Western Greenway. In summer, don’t forget swimsuits, sun hats, and sandcastle tools for the kids. Tech gadgets like cameras and tablets keep everyone entertained during downtime. Achill Island’s ever-changing weather means packing a little extra, ensuring comfort as you discover this breathtaking Irish gem together.

Must-Try Activities

Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland, offers families a wealth of activities to create lasting memories. Explore the island's rugged beauty with guided walks on Slievemore Mountain, where trails wind through ancient stone dwellings of the Deserted Village, providing a glimpse into the past. For cycling enthusiasts, the Great Western Greenway offers a scenic 42km off-road trail, perfect for all ages. Water sports abound, with Keel Lake ideal for beginners in stand-up paddleboarding, and the Atlantic waters offering surfing and kayaking adventures. Families can also enjoy horse riding along the beach or through the hills, and visit the Achill Experience Aquarium to discover local marine life. With its blend of adventure and relaxation, Achill Island is a perfect destination for a family getaway.

Smart Spending Tips

Budgeting for a vacation to Achill Island in West Ireland is simple, with a daily budget of €200 per person or €700 for a family of four, ensuring comfort and plenty of fun. Explore the island’s windswept beaches and emerald hills together, then book the "Achill Experience Tour" with Achill Island Tours for €45 per adult and €25 per child, discovering ancient ruins and hidden coves. After a day of adventure, savor fresh seafood at The Amethyst Bar, where a family dinner averages €120, making every evening memorable.Budgeting for a vacation to Achill Island in West Ireland is simple, with a daily budget of €200 per person or €700 for a family of four, ensuring comfort and plenty of fun. Explore the island’s windswept beaches and emerald hills together, then book the "Achill Experience Tour" with Achill Island Tours for €45 per adult and €25 per child, discovering ancient ruins and hidden coves. After a day of adventure, savor fresh seafood at The Amethyst Bar, where a family dinner averages €120, making every evening memorable.

Achill Island, nestled in County Mayo on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is a haven for family adventurers. Begin your journey at Keem Bay, a pristine Blue Flag beach ideal for swimming and picnics, with panoramic views perfect for family photos. Visit the Achill Experience Aquarium & Visitor Centre, where children can learn about local marine life and touch starfish in interactive tanks. For a scenic drive, the Atlantic Drive offers breathtaking coastal views and plenty of spots to stop for a family hike or picnic.

For active families, Achill Outdoor Education & Adventure Centre organizes kayaking, surfing, and cycling tours suitable for all ages. Explore the Great Western Greenway, a traffic-free cycling and walking trail connecting Achill to Westport, with bike hire available from Achill Bikes. Don’t miss the Deserted Village at Slievemore, a mysterious site with over 80 ruined stone cottages, where kids can imagine life in ancient Ireland.

For something unique, ask a local about the hidden Lough Acorrymore, a tranquil mountain lake rarely visited by tourists. Pack a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, often shared only with sheep and soaring birds. Before leaving, stop at The Beehive for homemade cakes and a taste of Achill’s famous seafood chowder, perfect for ending a day of exploration.

Ireland Vacation

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to see what Achill Island has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Achill Island in County Mayo offers a rare blend of rugged Atlantic beauty and authentic Irish culture. Visitors can hike the dramatic cliffs of Slievemore, explore the haunting Deserted Village, and surf the wild waves at Keel Beach. The island’s windswept boglands and shimmering Blue Flag beaches create a sense of untamed freedom, while cozy pubs in Dooagh and Achill Sound promise evenings filled with traditional music and fresh seafood straight from the ocean.

  • Keel is a fantastic family-friendly neighborhood on Achill Island, offering a wide sandy beach perfect for swimming and sandcastle building, as well as proximity to the Achill Aquarium and the lively Achill Island Golf Club. Dugort is another excellent choice, with its Blue Flag beaches and gentle waves ideal for younger children, plus easy access to the scenic Slievemore Mountain and the atmospheric Deserted Village, where families can explore local history together.

  • Absolutely, Achill Island offers several pet-friendly rentals, especially cottages and holiday homes that feature fenced yards ideal for dogs. Many properties are located close to the Great Western Greenway, a scenic walking and cycling trail perfect for daily strolls with your furry friend. You’ll find accommodations near Keel Beach, where pets can enjoy the fresh Atlantic air, and some rentals provide direct access to safe, open spaces for your pet to roam freely.

  • For a memorable 3-day trip to Achill Island, start with the dramatic cliffs of Keem Bay, where turquoise waters meet sweeping golden sands, perfect for a scenic walk or a swim. Explore the haunting ruins of the Deserted Village at Slievemore, offering a glimpse into the island’s history. Don’t miss cycling along the Great Western Greenway, which provides stunning coastal views. Wrap up your visit with fresh seafood in a local pub while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.

  • Keel Beach is a fantastic spot near Achill Island for sun tanning or a peaceful beach day. This expansive Blue Flag beach stretches along the Atlantic coast, offering soft golden sand and breathtaking views of the Minaun Cliffs. The tranquil atmosphere is perfect for relaxing in the sun, and the clear waters are inviting for a refreshing dip. With the dramatic backdrop of Slievemore Mountain, Keel Beach provides a serene escape surrounded by Achill’s raw natural beauty.

  • Achill Island, located off the west coast of County Mayo in Ireland, is renowned for its dramatic Atlantic scenery and rugged landscapes, but it is not typically known for cross-country skiing trails. The island’s mild, maritime climate rarely sees enough consistent snowfall for skiing. Instead, visitors can explore the Great Western Greenway, a scenic walking and cycling route that offers breathtaking views of Clew Bay and the Nephin Beg mountains, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in any season.

  • On Achill Island, you can expect hotel prices to range from around €80 to €180 per night, depending on the season and the level of comfort you desire. Vacation rentals, such as charming seaside cottages or modern apartments near Keel Beach, often start at about €100 per night and can go higher for premium locations with Atlantic Ocean views. Prices tend to rise in summer, especially near popular spots like the Great Western Greenway or Slievemore Mountain.

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