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Achill Island Walks - Valley Loop

5.28 miles (8.5 km)

Open Streetmap This circular walk explores a beautiful part of Achill Island in County Mayo.
The waymarked trail follows the Valley Loop around the north eastern part of the island for a distance of about 8.5km. It's a fairly flat hike with wonderful views over the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Slievemore mountain. There's also a nice sandy beach and a series of pretty lakes.
You can continue your walking on the island by heading west to the Dooagh Loop Walk. There's more great views over the horseshoe-shaped Keem Bay, the Dingle peninsula and the surrounding Achill mountains on this trail.

Achill Island Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the Minaun Heights Walk there's a visit to the lovely Keel Beach and a climb to another fine viewpoint on the island.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Barneynagappul Strand - geograph.org.uk - 3263448

Barneynagappul Strand. Although an island, Achill is easily accessible by road via the Michael Davitt Bridge. It’s a strong Irish-speaking region with breathtaking scenery, beaches and villages.

Foreshore beside Blacksod Bay - geograph.org.uk - 5115113

Foreshore beside Blacksod Bay. Characterised by its rugged mountains and expansive peat bogs, the island is renowned for its towering sea cliffs and pristine beaches. Its windswept coastline attracts enthusiasts of various water sports. The picturesque Keem Bay, with its sweeping strand, has captivated visiting writers such as Heinrich Böll and Graham Greene. Additionally, the main village of Keel boasts a sandy beach popular among surfers.

Peat Trench in Bogland near Valley Achill Island - geograph.org.uk - 4679312

Peat Trench in Bogland near Valley Achill Island

Sliabhmor

Sliabhmor

Sign at Tra Drumha Goirt (Barnynagappul Strand), Achill Island - geograph.org.uk - 5220491

Sign at Tra Drumha Goirt (Barnynagappul Strand), Achill Island

Grazing by the shore at Doogort East - geograph.org.uk - 5114151

Grazing by the shore at Doogort East

GPS Files

GPX File

Achill Island.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)