I mentioned the Pulitzer Prize writer Heinrich Boll. He had a place on Achill Island, Mayo, so now I'm curious. Wiki says it is now connected to the mainland by a bridge, and that it's 87% peat bog. It is still supposed to be a refuge for writers, artists, etc. Has anyone been there?
-- Edited by bronxbomber on Sunday 17th of January 2010 12:14:56 AM
I adore Achill Island. It is so otherworldly. Atlantic Drive is spectacular but if you make it all the way out to Keem Bay where the sheep are clinging to the cliffs with their toenails the water is almost tropical. They used to fish for basking sharks there. There is a bit of a debate about the highest cliffs in Ireland. Some say Donegal, others say Achill Island.
We were there for a day trip last August. As Bob mentioned, you do need to watch your step as my wife tripped on a loose rock and broke her arm and shoulder. We were poking around the little stone houses in the Deserted Village, near the center of the island. We drove out to the beach on the far west side, and it was beautiful despite the fog which shrouded some of the tallest cliffs in Europe. We were advised by our B&B host in Westport to take the "Atlantic drive" We took the first one off the main road, and my are they narrow and winding. If you took all these small roads snaking along the coast of the island, it probably couldn't be done in a full day. It is just spectacular coastal scenery around every bend in the road. And the sheep were amazing, the way they cling to the sides of the steep hills and valleys. They must be extremely sure-footed, as it looked down right dangerous from our vantage point.
If you have the time, an overnight there would be good...otherwise definitely plan a day-trip but start early! Dan
I was just on Achill Island last October, and I loved it. If you go, I would highly recommend driving out to Keem Bay. It felt like the edge of the world with endless ocean stretched out before you. Achill has an "off the beaten path" feel that I really liked too.