Achill Island

Achill Island is the largest inhabited island off the coast of Ireland (24 km x 19 km). Lying off the west coast of Mayo, it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The first hotel was built on the island in 1839 and tourists have been visiting ever since. Soon Achill became a fashionable stop for travel writers visiting Ireland and it featured regularly in travel accounts. The reasons for this are quite understandable for Achill has much to offer. The island boasts interesting villages in Dooagh and Dooega, complemented by beautiful sandy beaches as well as wonderful cliffs. It's not surprising that many visitors to Achill keep returning.

Achill has remained beautifully unspoilt and with its clear waters and five European Blue Flag beaches, the island is the perfect place to enjoy a range of watersports. Diving is superb with a range of exciting sites to visit such as Saddle Head in the North of the Island, Achill Head at its most westerly point, the Dysaghy rocks near Keem Bay and the Bills Rocks off shore in beautiful Clew Bay. For trainee divers, introductory dives will take place in the sheltered inlet of Purteen Harbour and in beautiful Keem Bay.

There are numerous hotels, bars and restaurants on the Island and an increasing number of gift shops, potteries and craft shops for those who require retail therapy. A visit to the "Amethyst quarry" near Keem bay is a must for those who fancy a bit of amateur prospecting.

Getting to Achill
Suggested Route: Belfast – Eniskillen – Sligo –Tobercurry- Charlestown –
Castlebar – Newport – Achill ( Allow 5 – 6 hours plus stops)
When on Achill Island follow the signs for Keel. As you approach this town you will pass a large lake to your right with the sea on your left. Drive through the town (it is very small). Our cottages are about half a mile outside the town. They are in a large cluster of about 20 houses on a slope on the right hand side and overlooking the sea. We call them the "Toblerone houses" – you will see why!

Keem Bay – we will do a lot of the training dives here – beautiful!

For those members who will be coming down for only a few days there are numerous B&Bs on the Island. You should arrange your own accommodation in advance. I found this B&B on the internet – located in the centre of Keel village. B&B from £20.00 to £27.00 TEL: 098-43400 FAX: 098-43400

Please note:

I would ask each house to settle their own accommodation account. A "diving deposit" of £20 is payable in advance by each diving member. This goes towards club funds / wear and tear of equipment etc. A further payment will be necessary to cover the diving costs of the trip ( eg re-imbursement for people towing, fuel costs etc. Members using club gear should arrange transport for this themselves. I hope everyone has a great holiday and wonderful diving!

Kieran