Achill Island, Island in County Mayo, Ireland
Achill Island is an island off the west coast in County Mayo, linked to the mainland by a bridge. It stretches across cliffs, beaches and mountains crossed by a single coastal road.
The bridge of 1887 ended the old reliance on boats and opened the island to new connections. During the 19th century many residents left their homes, especially during the great famine.
The eastern part belongs to the Gaeltacht, where Irish is still spoken daily and visitors hear it on signs and in conversation. This area keeps the old language alive as part of everyday life.
The approach follows a road reachable in about an hour from Westport and two hours from Galway. Wind and rain are common, so waterproof clothing is helpful for walks along the coast or into the hills.
The deserted village near Dugort shows around eighty stone houses abandoned in the 19th century. You can walk through empty lanes and see the foundations of old dwellings.
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