Overview
Slievemore Old Cemetery sits quietly on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain, overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline of Achill Island. Rather than a formal, walled graveyard, it’s a modest, windswept burial ground that blends into the hillside. Its real draw lies in its location: the site offers unobstructed views across the island’s patchwork fields and the open sea, while serving as the direct starting point for one of Ireland’s most evocative historical walks – the Deserted Village of Slievemore.
History & The Gravestones
Established in the 19th century, the cemetery records the names and lineages of Achill’s farming and fishing families from the decades before and after the Great Famine. Many of the headstones are simple, weathered slabs, though some bear distinctive Celtic crosses and Gaelic inscriptions that reflect the strong cultural identity of the island’s ancestors. Walking among them feels less like touring a monument and more like stepping into a living archive of rural Mayo life. The layout follows traditional Irish burial customs of the era, with graves arranged along the natural contours of the hill, bordered by low stone walls and native grasses.
The Deserted Village Connection
The cemetery’s quiet atmosphere extends directly into the adjacent Deserted Village of Slievemore, a sprawling collection of 80 to 100 dry-stone cottages that stretches for nearly two kilometres along the mountainside. This was one of the last places in Europe to practice booleying (transhumance), where families from nearby villages like Dugort and Pollagh would move to these hillside dwellings each summer to graze their cattle, returning to their main homes in winter.
When the potato blight struck in the 1840s, many residents were forced to leave due to rent arrears, disease, or emigration. Others clung on until the early 20th century, using the cottages as seasonal shepherding shelters. Today, the ruins stand silent, with lazybed potato ridges still visible beneath the grass. During the summer months, the Achill Archaeological Field School often runs excavations and surveys in the village. Visitors may spot students and researchers documenting the landscape, offering a chance to learn about the site’s deeper history, which includes megalithic tombs dating back over 2,000 years.
How to Visit & Practical Tips
Slievemore Old Cemetery is free to enter and open year-round. There are no gates or ticket booths – just a straightforward pull-over and a short walk to the headstones and village ruins.
- Parking: A decent-sized car park is located just outside the cemetery on the R319, clearly signposted for both the burial ground and the Deserted Village.
- Terrain & Accessibility: The ground is uneven, scattered with loose stones, and can become boggy after rain. Sturdy walking boots are essential. The site is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- What to bring: There are no facilities on site. Pack water, a light snack, and weather-appropriate layers. The hillside offers little shade, so sun protection is advisable in summer.
- Respect the site: As an active place of remembrance, keep noise to a minimum, stay on established paths, and avoid climbing on headstones or cottage walls. Dogs are welcome on a short lead.
Along the Atlantic Drive
The cemetery and village are a natural stop on the 55-km Atlantic Drive, the scenic route that loops around Achill Island. Coming from the mainland via Achill Sound, the road passes the White Cliffs of Ashleam and the headland of Croaghaun before reaching Keel and Dugort. The Slievemore lay-by sits conveniently between these two villages. After exploring the cemetery and walking among the ruined cottages, you can continue north toward the sheltered waters of Dugort Beach or head back toward Keel to visit the Achill Experience Aquarium or surf the Blue Flag-certified Keel Beach.
Nearby Stops
- Slievemore Mountain – Marked hiking trails begin near the car park, offering challenging ascents with panoramic views of Clew Bay and the mainland.
- Minaun Heights – A short drive south provides one of the island’s best vantage points, overlooking Purteen Harbour, Keel Bay, and the Atlantic coastline.
- Dugort Beach – A Blue Flag-certified stretch of soft sand and clear, sheltered water, ideal for a post-walk swim or coastal stroll.
Slievemore Old Cemetery works best as a pause in a longer coastal journey rather than a standalone destination. Allow at least 45 minutes to walk through the headstones, explore the ruined cottages, and take in the hillside views before continuing your drive around the island.