Saltwater Cottage

An open plan living, kitchen and dining area spans the front section of a triad. This is the original cottage from the end of the 19th century, and enjoys spectacular views across an infinitely variable seascape.

Sliding French doors separate the panoramic ten seater dining area from a broad paved terrace which adds a whole new understanding of al fresco lunching.

The inclusive kitchen backs up the dining area. With a long preparation island complete with sink, and premium appliances, inspired family banquets are anticipated.

At the opposing end of this ground floor space, the living room interior retains the original rough stone walls in part, with tasteful sculptured rendering curving around the chimney, window and door reveals.

A couple of classic sofas of the 1800’s style, bracket the inset turf-burning stove, and complement traditional, ornate cast iron heating radiators around the walls.

Sandwiched between the original cottage at the front and the sleeping accommodation on two levels at the rear, is a broad hallway. On one side is a cloakroom and utility storage, and the other steps down to a comfortable den – which is where you will find the flat screen TV with surround sound, an audio selection, and a variety of family games.

A scattering of Persian rugs soften the solid hardwood and limestone floors throughout.

Either side of the lower ground floor, there is a family bedroom. One with bunks and a double bed, and the second with a pair of stacked bunks that kids will love.

On the level above, and separated by a large landing with French doors to the back patio, are two double bedrooms, both with king size beds, and large picture windows facing onto the paddock at the rear.

All the bedrooms are carpeted and have stylish ensuite shower-rooms with underfloor heating and walk-in wardrobes.

A narrow road below the front lawn, separates the cottage from the rocky shoreline and adjoining beach; few roads have less traffic.
Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s sacred mountain clutter the skyline. The bird life is exceptional with resident pairs of curlews, herons, and even an otter.

There is large store house in the back with a fridge/freezer for drinks.

Kitchen Appliances

• La Cornue Gas range with oven and 5 rings
• Electric oven
• Microwave
• Fridge
• Under-counter freezer
• Dishwasher
• Toaster

Utility Appliances

• Washing machine-dryer
• Additional Fridge-freezer in external store-room
• Iron

Bedrooms

• Sizes – Two King-size and one double bed, three sets of bunks
• 3x Hairdryers
• Heated towel rails

Tech & Entertainment

• Wi-Fi Internet
• Flat-screen TV
• with Surround sound
• DVD player

Other

• Good selection of books & Board games
• Boogie boards x4
• Surf boards x2
• Croquet set
• Fishing rods x 2
• 2 sea Kayaks & life jackets x4

• Catch a wave at Keel
• Cycle along the Greenway
• Bake Turbot for tea
• Go for a dip at Keem Bay
• Race a marathon from Hy Breasal
• Brush up on your oils at Dánlann Yawl

• Sup a pint with some Trad at Lynott’s
• Love Achill lamb at Calvey’s
• Dive through a cave at Inisgalloon

Events

Achill International Harp Festival last week in October
Achill Marathons in July & August

The nearest large towns are Westport at 40K and Castlebar 50k but there is a supermarket in Keel, and a great butchers shop, and a large supermarket which you will have passed, in Achill Sound 10km distant.

Achill is the largest off-shore island of Ireland, and Achill Head is the closest geographical point of Europe to the US – Hamlet in Maine is 4,021 km. Since 1887 it has been connected to the mainland by a short bridge over the sound.

About 85% of the island is peat bog, but has five blue flag beaches; Dooega being one.
The lake at Keel offers a flatter surface for kitesurfing and windsurfing starters.

Battered by huge Atlantic storms, the landscape is a testimony to the power of the elements.
The northern side of Croaghaun Mountain has the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Stretching 1.2km in length and 600m high, they are three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs can only be approached by foot or from the sea.

Click here to find out more…

Don Allum was the first man to row to America and back, making landfall at Dooagh beach in September of 1987.

Constructed in 1429 by the forefathers of Grace O’Malley, the legendary pirate queen who was born and buried on Clare Island, the 12 meter high Tower at Kildavnet is well worth a visit as you cycle around Achill.

At 42 km, the Great Western Greenway, constructed on the route of the redundant Westport to Achill railway, is the longest dedicated walking and cycling trail in Ireland. It is a magnificent way to experience this part of Mayo.

The name Achill is possibly derived from Eagle – although none have been seen here for well over a hundred years.
If you’re into raptors though, you might spot the fastest animal on earth, the peregrine falcon, instructing it’s young to fly along these cliffs in the autumn.

Basking sharks, dolphins and orcas are regular visitors to these waters, and large pods of porpoises are frequently sighted.

It is a Gaeltacht, or Irish language speaking region.
The island’s current population of just under 3,000 is about half of what it was before the Great potato famine of the mid 1800’s.

A Deserted Village at the base of Slievemore mountain has the remains of over eighty dry stone cottages that are a bleak reminder of the famine times.
The houses are aligned north-south, and would have been originally thatched. An entire family together with livestock would inhabit the single, windowless, main room, utilising beds of heather and rushes.