Activities

There's loads to do on Achill such as swimming, walking, golf, angling, board and wind surfing, painting holidays, archaeological studies or simply appreciating the breathtaking scenery and the sites of local historical interest such as the Deserted Village at Slievemore.

Breathtaking scenery.
There’s so much to see on Achill – cliffs, sea, beaches and mountains. My favourite Achill places are Dooega Head, the Atlantic Drive above Ashleam Bay and above Keem Bay looking towards Achill Head – the short climb is worth it.

Swimming/Paddling - Blue Flag Beaches
Achill Island has a greater concentration of Blue Flag beaches than anywhere else in Ireland – 5 in total. They’re all within 20 minutes of Lavelle’s Seaside House and they all have something different to offer from Keel Beach which is c.3 miles long, sheltered Keem Bay and the Golden Strand at Dugort. However we think our little Blue Flag beach in Dooega is a gem.

Walks/Hill Climbing
There are numerous walks on Achill to suit all types of walkers from flat strolls along Keel beach to the moderately strenuous along the Atlantic Drive and west towards Dooega Head. For the serious hill climbers there are Croaghan and Slievemore peaks both over 2,000feet.

Surfing and Windsurfing.
Learn to windsurf on Keel Lake or if you are an old hand test your skills during an Achill gale. Across the sand dunes the Atlantic rollers onto Keel beach attract more and more surfers each year.

Golf
Achill Golf Club and Mulranny Golf Club both 9-hole links courses are within a 20-minute drive of Dooega. If your taste is for something more challenging a one-hour drive will take you to Belmullet Golf Club – the ultimate 18-hole links challenge. Alternatively Westport Golf Club - the venue for the Irish Close Championship in June 2005 - is a 50 minutes drive.

Sailing – Cruinniu Badoiri Acla - Achill Yawl Sailing Festival.
Achill may not have its own yachting marina but it does have the Achill Yawl Sailing Festival [June- September]. The festival promotes the tradition of Yawl sailing in the Achill area. Approx 22 yawls take part in a series of competitive races during the summer months. Races are staged at least once per week and more frequently at holiday weekends.

Sea and Rock Angling
We regularly cater for anglers at Seaside House. Sea angling and rock angling are both on your doorstep. The sea off Achill is rich in mackerel, cod, conger eel, ray, shark, pollock, coalfish, ling, and turbot
Sea angling trips can be arranged with John Johnston owner and skipper of the “Lady Clare”, a modern registered angling boat. John has amassed a lifetime’s knowledge of the rich fishing waters around Achill, Clew Bay, Clare Island and Inishbofin. Angling groups are welcome.

Sub Aqua Diving
Achill’s clear blue waters have been attracting sub aqua divers for generations. Diving clubs are welcome.

Culture
Scoil Acla is the oldest and longest established summer school in Ireland, which promotes and develops traditional Irish music, culture, language and writing.

Painting Workshops with the O’Dalaigh School of Painting
Learn to paint and develop your own style under the direction of experienced professional artist Seosamh O’Dalaigh.