Achill Sound and Corraun Peninsula | Mayo

Overview

Achill Sound (Gob an Choire) is a small Gaeltacht village on the east coast of Achill Island, County Mayo, with a population of 265 (2022). Perched on the narrow waterway that separates the island from the mainland, the settlement feels like a quiet harbour town but sits at a strategic crossroads: the Michael Davitt Bridge links the island to the Corraun Peninsula. The bridge, a swing‑bridge opened in 1887 and rebuilt in 2008, frames spectacular views of the sound and the surrounding Atlantic coastline.

The Corraun Peninsula (Currane) is a narrow, almost‑island spur of the mainland that stretches westward toward Achill. It is home to 726 people (2016) and retains a strong Gaeltacht identity, with Irish spoken daily by a significant minority. The landscape is dominated by two peaks – Knockletragh (452 m) to the north and the more imposing Corraun Hill (524 m) – and a patchwork of bog, forest and fourteen glacial lakes.

Both areas lie on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Great Western Greenway, making them natural bases for exploring County Mayo’s rugged western seaboard.

History & Heritage

Achill Sound

Carrickkildavnet Castle – A 15th‑century Anglo‑Norman tower that guarded the southern entrance to the sound. Though closed to the public, its stone silhouette recalls the maritime heritage linked to the legendary pirate queen Grace O’Malley.
Railway legacy – In the early 20th century Achill Sound was the terminus of a short‑lived railway line that closed in 1937. The former station building now operates as a hostel for walkers and cyclists.
Fishing heritage – In the 1850s Scottish entrepreneur Alexander Hector introduced a commercial salmon‑fishing industry to the area. His “bag‑net” technique required ice‑houses to preserve the catch; the ruins of one such ice‑house survive on the Corraun coast near Dooaghbeg (see Marine Heritage section).
Spanish Armada wreck – Local tradition records that a ship from the 1588 Spanish Armada, the San Nicolas de Prodaneli, was wrecked at a spot known as Tourglass on the Corraun shoreline. The site is marked by a viewpoint and occasional archaeological surveys.
Napoleonic signal tower – A ruined stone tower on the summit of Corraun Hill once formed part of a British coastal telegraph network (early‑19th century), signalling between Clew and Blacksod Bays.

Corraun Peninsula

The Michael Davitt Bridge, named after the 19th‑century land‑reformer, has long been the lifeline between the peninsula and Achill Island, carrying cars, buses and pedestrians across the sound.

Small villages such as Tornragee, Polranny, Belfarsad, Corraun (Currane) and Dogh Beg dot the coastline, each preserving traditional Irish language and customs.

Corraun Hill

A modest rectangular church built between 1854‑1856 by Rev. James Henry once stood near the shoreline; its ruin, visible from the road, was finally closed in 1960.
The summit hosts a stone cairn and a historic trigonometric pillar, popular with peak‑baggers and photographers. Scattered cairns across the plateau hint at ancient human activity.
Geologically the hill is formed of Dalradian bedrock, contrasting with the Lower Carboniferous Old Red Sandstone of neighbouring Slieve Aghkerane, giving the landscape its distinctive red‑pink hues.

Marine Heritage & Diving

The waters around Achill Sound and the Corraun Peninsula are a hotspot for marine wildlife and maritime archaeology. In summer, pods of dolphins are frequently seen playing near Dooagh Bay, while a seal colony at the mouth of Clew Bay can be spotted from boat tours. The Keem Bay area is known for seasonal basking sharks and occasional great‑white sightings, making it a favourite spot for snorkellers and wildlife photographers.

Local divers and heritage groups regularly record the traditional curragh fishing boats that line Dooagh pier, and the iron‑band mast‑collar salvaged from an old ship‑fitting now serves as a tie‑down for a curragh berth. Recent fieldwork by the Institute of Maritime History has documented a 20‑pen curragh layout at the pier and noted a pod of dolphins feeding on sand eels there.

Two historic wrecks are of particular interest to divers:

The Sceptre (1841) – an anchor stock recovered from this wreck lies in the Maritime History archive.
The “Train Wreck” – an early‑20th century vessel lying at ~90 ft (27 m) depth under the Clare Island lighthouse, loaded with railway parts. The site is accessible from a launch at Kildavnet pier and is a popular dive for experienced recreational divers.

A third wreck, the Norwegian bark Jenny (sank 1894), rests off Achill Beg Island and is occasionally visited by local dive groups.

Ice‑house and 19th‑century Fishing

Alexander Hector’s salmon‑fishing venture left a tangible mark on the landscape. Besides the bag‑net system, his operation required ice‑houses to keep the catch fresh before transport to the curing station at Achill Sound. The most intact example is the semi‑subterranean ice‑house at Dooaghbeg, where two stone gables protrude from the ground. Inside, mortices indicate a second‑storey floor that may have stored casks. Ice was traditionally harvested from the frozen surface of Keel Lake in winter – a practice that ceased as the lake no longer freezes, a clear sign of climate change.

The ice‑house is a regular stop for the Achill Archaeological Field School, which uses the site to illustrate 19th‑century maritime industry and to discuss the broader ecological history of the peninsula.

Spanish Armada & Signal Tower

The Spanish Armada Viewpoint marks the presumed wreck site of the San Nicolas de Prodaneli at Tourglass. Interpretive signage explains the 1588 disaster that saw several Spanish ships driven ashore by a storm in Clew Bay. The viewpoint offers sweeping panoramas of the bay, Clare Island and the Corraun hills.

At the summit of Corraun Hill stands the Napoleonic signal tower, a rectangular stone structure built in the early 1800s as part of a British coastal telegraph line. From its platform visitors can see both Clew and Blacksod Bays, the island of Achill, and on clear days the distant silhouette of Croagh Patrick.

Archaeology and Field School

The Achill Archaeological Field School runs seasonal field trips that explore sites such as the Dooaghbeg ice‑house, Mesolithic shell‑middens, and the Napoleonic tower. Students also investigate the Spanish Armada wreck site and the signal tower on Corraun Hill, providing hands‑on experience in maritime and landscape archaeology. More information is available at /achill-archaeological-field-school/.

Scenic Drives & Routes

The Atlantic Drive is a 55 km coastal loop that starts in Mulranny, follows the Curraun (Corraun) Peninsula, crosses the Michael Davitt Bridge and continues onto Achill Island. Highlights include:

Mulranny Beach – a Blue Flag beach with ample parking and a café.
Dumhach Bheag viewpoint – panoramic outlook over Clew Bay and Corraun Hill.
Spanish Armada Viewpoint – marks the historic wreck site of the 1588 fleet.
Grace O’Malley’s Towerhouse (Kildavnet Castle) – the 15th‑century tower associated with the pirate queen.
Cloughmore viewpoint – dramatic boulder‑strewn landscape with sea views.
White Cliffs of Ashleam – striking limestone cliffs battered by the Atlantic.
Keem Bay and Minaun Heights – iconic beach and high‑point stop with sweeping vistas of the island and surrounding seas.

The drive can be completed in 4–5 hours, allowing plenty of time for short walks, photography or a coffee break at the village cafés.

Wildlife & Marine Life

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Guided Walks & Tours

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Cycling

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What to See & Do

Michael Davitt Bridge – Watch the swing bridge open for passing vessels; a favourite photographic subject. The bridge operates continuously throughout the year.
Great Western Greenway – Cycle or walk the traffic‑free trail through coastal scenery.
Hillwalking on the Corraun Peninsula – see the detailed ridge‑walk descriptions above.
Summit Views from Corraun Hill – Panoramas across Achill Sound, the bridge, the islands of Clare and Achillbeg, and the Mullet Peninsula. On clear days Croagh Patrick is visible beyond the north‑facing cliffs of Slieve Aghkerane.
Carrickkildavnet Castle ruins – Exterior provides a dramatic backdrop for history enthusiasts.
Local culture – Visit the Gaeltacht villages for Irish‑language signage, traditional music sessions and craft shops that showcase the region’s living heritage.
Wildlife watching – Join a boat trip from Achill Sound to see dolphins, seals and, in summer, sharks.
Ice‑house visit – Stop at the Dooaghbeg ice‑house on a guided field‑school walk to learn about 19th‑century salmon fishing.
Spanish Armada viewpoint – Learn the story of the 1588 wrecks.
Napoleonic signal tower – Climb to the top for unrivalled coastal panoramas.
Scenic drive stops – Use the Atlantic Drive guide above to break up a day‑trip with viewpoints and historic sites.

Practical Information

Getting there: Achill Sound lies on the R319 regional road. It is reachable by car from Westport (≈ 45 km) or Ballina (≈ 70 km). Bus Éireann route 450 (Dooagh‑Westport‑Louisburgh) stops in the village several times daily.
Parking & facilities: Small car parks are available near the bridge, at the start of the Greenway and at Mulranny Beach. Public toilets and a café are situated in the village centre.
Cycling: Bike hire is available in Mulranny and Achill Sound; the Greenway is sign‑posted and the surface is suitable for all ages.
Walking considerations: The ridge walks are of moderate to strenuous difficulty; proper waterproof footwear, layers and a map or GPS are essential. Weather can change rapidly on the Atlantic fringe.
Bridge operation: The Michael Davitt swing‑bridge is open year‑round and operates on demand for marine traffic.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers the most reliable weather for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting, and the longest daylight hours for photographing the bridge and mountain panoramas.
Accommodation: A range of B&Bs, guesthouses and self‑catering cottages are scattered around Achill Sound and the Corraun villages, many of which offer Irish‑language hospitality.
Guided tours: Book a walk with Achill Isle Walks or join an archaeological field‑school day trip for deeper insight into the area’s history.

Seasonal Highlights

May‑June – Prime time for dolphin sightings and the start of the seal breeding season.
July‑August – Basking sharks frequent Keem Bay; the Atlantic Drive is at its greenest.
September – Autumn colours on the Corraun plateau and quieter roads for cyclists.

Nearby Attractions

Ballycroy National Park – A short drive north offers expansive bogland walks and birdwatching.
Ballycroy Village – Traditional pubs and craft shops make a pleasant stop on the way back to the mainland.
Mullranny – The gateway village for the Atlantic Drive, with cafés, a beach and the Mulranny Causeway walk.

Whether drawn by the swing‑bridge’s mechanical charm, the historic ruins, the sweeping mountain vistas or the chance to spot dolphins and sharks, visitors to Achill Sound and the Corraun Peninsula discover a compact yet richly layered corner of Ireland’s western coast.