A week at Achill
The house is through an agency, Imagine Ireland, however owned by Máire who was very helpful when we got in touch to collect keys. Máire is right, Dugort is one of the most beautiful beaches and is Blue Flag with lifeguards.
The House:
We arrived to a welcome pack of milk, bread and butter and the fire set in case it was cold. The kitchen was stocked with all the basics so there was no need to find a shop for cooking oil etc. The sitting area has comfy sofas, the beds high quality mattresses, a bathroom and 2 ensuites if you fill the house and plenty of games to entertain kids, a lot of chess was played in the evenings. Wifi kept everyone entertained.
Activities:
We went snorkeling at Dugrot Pier, the best I’ve ever had in Ireland, we sat in a shoal of sprat like something from a wildlife documentary, also seeing shoals of sandeel, herring, pollock and plenty ballan and corkwing wrasse and common blenny. The pier is also a great spot for jumping at high tide.
We went snorkeling at the Blueway at Keem, not as spectacular life wise although there were sea urchins.
We have our own kayaks and because of wind direction left Dugort Pier and headed West finding sea stacks and a spectacular cave. I went kayak fishing from the pier, catching mackerel, pollock, dogs, pin whiting and a grey gurnard.
The best surf while we were there was a Keel beach so a couple of hours were spent surfing and bodyboarding.
There are many walks in the area and Máire has left a copy of the local walking map in the house. Having dogs limited our options as there are sheep everywhere so you need to keep them on a lead and some of the walks are signposted “No dogs”. You can drive to Minaun Heights and get spectacular views of the islands and surrounds while a short walk to a cairn southwest is not challenging and the views better.
On a day with poor weather a drive around the island will burn up a few hours and the local community through the Fisheries Local Action Group funding have erected information signs at key locations with other spots like Grace O’Malleys Tower House, Purteen Pier and the Deserted Village are worth visiting. The aquarium (between the house and Keel) has guided tours, a decent history section, and a well stocked gift shop.
The weirdest stop was Achill Henge, don’t believe the sign, it’s no 650m from the main road, it’s 1,050. You need to park the car and walk about 750m unless offroading is your hobby.
Groceries:
Best grocery shopping on the island is Sweeneys Supervalu at the bridge, it’s 16 minutes from the house, the XL shop in Keel is 10 minutes with a much smaller selection and higher prices.
Good Food:
Roisins mobile pizza at Dugort Beach
Blásta at Teds Bar next to the Circle K filling station
Pure Magic Achill lodge (between the house and Keel)