Croaghaun, Mountain summit on Achill Island, Ireland.
Croaghaun is the highest peak on Achill Island in County Mayo, rising to 688 meters above sea level. The mountain features steep slopes and open vistas across the island and the surrounding Atlantic waters.
The name originates from the Irish word Cruachán, meaning 'little stack', reflecting its geological shape. The mountain's rock formations date back roughly 600 million years in the Earth's geological history.
Local children once gathered berries on the last Sunday of July in a tradition called Garlic Sunday, stemming from a misunderstanding of the word 'garland'. The practice reflects how the island community connected with the mountain and its seasonal rhythms.
Several hiking trails lead to the summit from Keem Strand or Lough Acorrymore, and hikers should bring proper gear for mountain conditions. Weather can change quickly at this height, so checking forecasts and being prepared for wind and rain is important.
The northern face drops into some of Europe's tallest sea cliffs, ranking third on the continent after Hornelen in Norway and Cape Enniberg in the Faroe Islands. These walls of rock plunge directly into the ocean and create a striking landscape feature.
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