Overview
Acaill Bheag – better known in English as Achillbeg – is a small, uninhabited island lying off the southern tip of Achill Island in County Mayo. The island forms part of a Gaeltacht area, so Irish is still the language of the surrounding community. Though only a few hectares in size, Achillbeg packs a punch of history, rugged scenery and a sense of timeless isolation that makes it a compelling side‑trip for anyone travelling the Wild Atlantic Way.
A ten‑minute ferry crossing from the small pier at Cé Mhór (Cloghmore) drops you onto a landscape of windswept hills, grassy paths and the stark silhouette of the Achillbeg Lighthouse perched on the southern cliff. With no permanent residents since 1965, the island feels like a living museum – the stone walls of the former village, a commemorative plaque for boxer Johnny Kilbane, and the occasional holiday cottage that sits empty for most of the year.
Geography & Size
Achillbeg (Irish: Acaill Bheag, “Little Achill”) covers 156.5 hectares (≈ 1.6 km²) and rises to about 30 m above sea level. The island is split by a narrow channel – the Blind Sound – which separates it from the southern tip of Achill Island. The shape is often described as two low hills linked by a shallow valley, giving the island a distinctive silhouette from the sea. Its coordinates are 53°51′57″ N, 9°57′12″ W.
History
Human presence on Achillbeg stretches back over 3,000 years, evidenced by archaeological finds that hint at early farming and fishing activity. The island supported a close‑knit community that survived on the Atlantic until the mid‑20th century. In 1965, the last families were evacuated; they relocated to the main Achill Island and the nearby mainland, largely because the island’s isolation made modern living increasingly difficult.
School and community life
In the early 1900s the island’s schoolteacher Francis Hugh Power – known locally as An Paorach – ran the tiny school and introduced music, chess and back‑gammon to the children. His influence left a lasting cultural imprint on the community.
Fishing and seasonal migration
Achillbeg had a strong fishing tradition, but the limited resources meant many islanders sought seasonal work abroad, especially potato picking in Scotland. Oral histories record long hours for meagre pay, a pattern that shaped the island’s demography.
Johnny Kilbane
The world‑lightweight boxing champion John Patrick Kilbane (born in Cleveland, Ohio, 1889) traced his roots to Achillbeg. A plaque erected in 2012 near the pier commemorates his 1912‑1923 reign – the longest unbroken feather‑weight title in history.
Archaeology & Heritage
Achillbeg is dotted with the remains of three Iron Age promontory forts – Dún Kilmore, Dún Beag and Dún Gurrough – that guard the island’s western and southern edges. Dún Kilmore, the largest, features a stone altar, a holy‑water font and a small burial ground (cillin). The fort’s walls were later reinforced in the Late Medieval period, evident from a drystone gatehouse and a surrounding fosse.
A further early‑medieval enclosure on the hillside includes a crude cross reminiscent of St Columcille’s stone on Iona, and a stone altar (leach). These sites are recorded by the Achill Archaeological Field School and are of interest to anyone keen on Ireland’s prehistoric landscape.
The Atlantic Drive viewpoint on Achill Island highlights the strategic importance of these forts, noting that the island once commanded a 360‑degree view over the Atlantic and Clew Bay.
Lighthouse
The Achillbeg Lighthouse was commissioned on 28 September 1965, replacing the older Clare Island light whose beam was often lost in fog. The square concrete tower is 9 m tall; the lantern sits 56 m above mean high water. Its characteristic flash – one white or red flash every five seconds – still guides vessels today, with a range of 16 nautical miles (white) and 18 nautical miles (intensified red). The light is unmanned, powered from the mainland and remotely monitored since 1991. A helicopter landing pad was added in 1998.
Wildlife & Landscape
The island’s heath and grassy slopes support seabirds such as gulls, razorbills and guillemots. A small flock of sheep grazes year‑round, adding movement to the otherwise wild scenery. The lack of human disturbance makes Achillbeg a quiet spot for bird‑watching and photography.
What to See & Do
Walk the historic village site
The former settlement sits in the island’s centre, bounded by low hills to the north and south. While the stone cottages are now roofless, the layout of the lanes and the remnants of field walls give a clear picture of how the community lived. Photographers love the contrast of weathered stone against the ever‑changing Atlantic sky.
Visit the lighthouse
The lighthouse tower is accessible from the shoreline. Its concrete murette and lantern are striking against the cliffs, and the surrounding area offers panoramic views of Achill Island, Clare Island and the open sea. An information board explains the sector lights (red 262°‑281°, white 281°‑342°, etc.).
Explore the forts and ancient sites
Follow the marked footpaths to the western headland and climb to Dún Kilmore. The earthworks are still visible and the views over the Blind Sound are spectacular. Smaller forts at Dún Beag and Dún Gurrough are reachable via short walks and provide insight into the island’s defensive past.
Enjoy the natural scenery
The island’s terrain is a patchwork of grassy slopes, heathland and low cliffs. A short hike to the southern tip rewards you with sweeping vistas of the Atlantic, perfect for quiet contemplation or landscape sketching. The island’s isolation means you’ll often have the sea and sky to yourself.
Learn the local story
A modest plaque commemorating Johnny Kilbane stands near the former village centre. For those interested in deeper research, the books mentioned above are available in Achill’s local bookshop and provide vivid accounts of daily life before the evacuation.
Nearby islands & walks
Directly opposite Cloughmore, the narrow Blind Sound separates Achillbeg from the mainland. A short boat ride also brings you within sight of Bartra Island and Bartragh Island, both worth a quick photo stop. The Atlantic Drive on Achill Island passes the “Blind Sound” viewpoint, where information panels highlight the strategic importance of the three forts on Achillbeg.
Practical Information
Getting there
- Ferry departure point: Ce Bheag Small Pier, Cloughmore, Achill Island (GPS 53.8799646, ‑9.9472296).
- Operator: Achillbeg Ferry – https://achillbegferry.com/
- Crossing time: Approximately 10 minutes each way.
- Frequency: Departures every 30 minutes, weather permitting.
- Booking: Advance booking is recommended, especially in the summer months. Reservations can be made via the website or by phone.
- Road access: From the N59 take the R319 (Achill Sound) to Cloughmore. The pier is well sign‑posted and offers a small car park.
Costs
| Visitor type | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Adult (round‑trip) | €10 – €20 (check website for current rate) |
| Child (under 16, round‑trip) | €8 – €15 |
Prices vary between operators and season; the ferry website provides the latest fares.
Contact details
- Phone: 083 381 6276
- Email: info@achillbegferry.com
- Website: https://achillbegferry.com/
Timing & tips
- A typical visit lasts about 2 hours on the island, giving enough time to walk the historic village, view the lighthouse, explore the forts and soak in the scenery before the ferry returns.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn offers milder weather and longer daylight; however, the Atlantic can be changeable, so bring waterproof layers and sturdy walking shoes.
- Optional overnight: Staying on Achill Island the night before (or after) gives you flexibility to catch an early ferry and enjoy the island at quieter times.
- Kayaking: Experienced kayakers sometimes paddle the Blind Sound; the currents can be strong, so only attempt this in calm conditions and with proper equipment.
Accessibility
The island’s terrain is natural and uneven; there are no paved paths or wheelchair‑friendly facilities. Visitors with limited mobility should be aware that the ferry landing and island walks involve steps and uneven ground.
Latitude & Longitude
- Latitude: 53.85848 N
- Longitude: ‑9.94725 W
Tags
[“Scenic”, “Historic”, “Outdoors”]
Achillbeg offers a rare glimpse into a vanished way of life, framed by the raw beauty of Ireland’s western seaboard. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a photographer chasing dramatic light, or simply seeking a quiet spot away from the crowds, a short boat ride to this “Little Achill” will leave you with lasting memories of wind‑kissed cliffs and the echo of a community that once called the island home.