What is the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic coastal drive, walk or cycle along Ireland’s Atlantic Coastline. It stretches 2,750 km (1,700 miles) along the west coast from Kinsale in Co. Cork in the south to Co. Donegal in the north.

The Wild Atlantic Way is can be enjoyed over a few days to several weeks, with over 1,000 Attractions, over 2,500 activities including walking, cycling, kayaking, surfing, fishing and more, over 50 Blue Flag beaches, nearly 20 long distance walks, over 120 Golf courses and over 500 festivals and events to enjoy during each year.

Along the route there are 15 iconic "Discovery Points" that embody the Atlantic coast of Ireland, and one of these is Keem Bay on Achill Island. It is proposed that a viewing platform be built at Keem Bay as part of the Wild Atlantic Way development plan.

All over the west coast, the route has been signposted with this signage (although be a little bit careful as it's not always signposted correctly -North is sometimes South and vice versa!) .

You can view and download the Wild Atlantic Way map here

Located on the North of Achill Island, Dugort has two sandy Blue Flag beaches. The smaller of the two is located at the foot of Slievemore and is known as The Silver Strand, it is popular with swimmers, families and walkers. There are the remains of a now submerged forest at the end of beach nearest Slievemore. Every New Years Day there is an annual swim or quick dip in the ocean! The location is rich in flora and fauna and the beach is within a Special Area of Conservation. There is car parking and picnic tables. There are lifeguards stationed there during the summer season.   

One Of two Dugort Blue Flag beaches, The Golden Strand can be found approximately 3km east of Dugort Village. It looks out onto Blacksod Bay. There is car parking, but the beach is not wheelchair-accessible.  It is the location of The Blueway Kayak Trail. Sightings of bottlenose dolphins and seals are possible along this trail.

Keel is a sandy, gently curving, south facing beach.  It is a famous stretch of strand for most water sport activities especially surfing. Located beside Keel village, it is approximately 3km's in length. Very popular with Locals and tourists alike, it starts from a rocky outcrop at Keel village to the base of the magnificent Minaun cliffs, which tower 466m's above the beach. Excellent for walkers, joggers and dog walkers. There is also plenty of parking available along the beach.  It is also where the famous Blackfield "Surf Bus" is located, make sure to get a coffee, hot chocolate, hire surf equipment or just get your photo taken beside this Ex-Dublin Bus double decker, now living a far more chilled out life. Lifeguards are stationed on the beach during the summer season. 

Dooega blue flag beach is just 8 kilometres from Achill Sound in a small coastal inlet, at Dooega village. The beach is on the Atlantic Drive, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean along the southern edge of Achill island.  Parking is available, and there is an access ramp, as well as life-saving equipment on the beach, but no lifeguard.  Dooega is an old fishing village and the sheltered south facing beach is perfect for summer swimming and sunbathing.

Keem Bay is a blue flag beach located as far west as you can go by car on Achill Island.  The bay was used for hunting basking sharks which were then towed by boat to Purteen harbour. There are numerous viewing points on the drive down to the beach with a selection of car parking places.  There is an old British army lookout post on the top of the hill to the bay's south. To the north stands Croaghaun, with Europe's highest sea cliffs. Keem Beach is located in a beautiful horseshoe bay and is a sheltered, sandy strand surrounded by high cliffs.  The beach is very popular for water sports, especially snorkeling which has a Blueway Trail.  The beach has lifeguards stationed there during the summer season.

If you are a  tourism or service provider who constantly brings  visitors to the island, we want you to show them what we have to offer!

Here's how it works.

Register with us.(click on: Create an account)

Drop in and collect your custom made "Local Hero" token.

Bring your visitors to our building for a look around and if you both decide to stay for a coffee or tea..

Show us your token and your americano or tea will be on us!

Register now and get our custom made wooden token!

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.

Our shop will be live very soon...!

Achill Island is a great place to go exploring.From quiet villages to bustling bars.The landscape lends itself to discovery whether by foot,on bike, by car or almost any other form of transport.The seascape is particularly beautiful, featuring the highest sea cliffs in Europe,sea stacks,caves,arches and hidden beaches.Thanks to Chris for the video below which shows a small journey by sea kayak around Keel and Inisgaloon and Minaun cliffs.Let this be the starting point for your expedition.

Achill Island is a great place to go exploring.From quiet villages to bustling bars.The landscape lends itself to discovery whether by foot,on bike, by car or almost any other form of transport.The seascape is particularly beautiful, featuring the highest sea cliffs in Europe,sea stacks,caves,arches and hidden beaches.Thanks to Chris for the video below which shows a small journey by sea kayak around Keel and Inisgaloon and Minaun cliffs.Let this be the starting point for your expedition.

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.

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!