Slievemore Old Cemetery

Overview

Slievemore Old Cemetery is a quiet, historic burial ground perched on the southern slopes of Slievemore Mountain, overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline of Achill Island. The site is easily reached from the village of Doogort (Dugort) and provides visitors with a rare combination of cultural heritage and dramatic natural scenery. While the cemetery itself is modest in size, its location offers sweeping panoramas of the island’s cliffs, sea, and the surrounding countryside, making it a reflective waypoint for anyone exploring the western edge of Ireland.

History

The cemetery dates back to the 19th century, a period when Achill’s population was still largely tied to agriculture and fishing. Many of the headstones bear traditional Irish inscriptions and family names that trace the lineage of the island’s long‑standing communities. The layout reflects the customary rural Irish burial practices of the era, with simple stone markers set among low hedgerows. Over the decades, the cemetery has remained a place of remembrance for the descendants of those interred, preserving a tangible link to the island’s social fabric before the Great Famine and subsequent emigration waves reshaped the demographic landscape.

What to See & Do

• Gravestones and Memorials: Walk among the weather‑worn headstones, many of which date to the mid‑1800s. Look for the distinctive Celtic motifs and Gaelic script that hint at the cultural identity of the island’s ancestors.
• Panoramic Views: The cemetery’s elevated position provides unobstructed views of Slievemore Mountain’s rolling slopes, the Atlantic Ocean, and the patchwork of fields that stretch toward the Atlantic Drive. Sunrise and sunset moments are especially striking, casting a golden hue over the stonework.
• Archaeological Context: A short walk northward leads to the Deserted Village of Slievemore, a collection of stone cottages abandoned after the Great Famine. The proximity of the cemetery to this ghost village creates a compelling narrative of life, death, and abandonment on Achill.
• Nearby Megaliths: The area around Slievemore is dotted with ancient megalithic tombs, including a dolmen dating to around 400 BC. These sites can be incorporated into a longer walking circuit that blends natural beauty with deep time.
• Seasonal Research Presence: During the summer months, an archaeological camp often operates on the nearby village site. Visitors may encounter researchers documenting the landscape, offering a glimpse into ongoing efforts to understand Achill’s past.

Atlantic Drive

The cemetery is a recommended stop on the 55 km Atlantic Drive, the scenic coastal route that circles Achill Island. After crossing the bridge at Achill Sound, the road winds past the White Cliffs of Ashleam and the dramatic headland of Croaghaun before reaching the village of Dugort. Here, travellers can park in the lay‑by, explore the cemetery and the adjacent Deserted Village, then continue on to the Golden Strand or head back towards Keel. The drive takes about 4‑5 hours in total, but a short detour to Slievemore Old Cemetery adds a poignant historical dimension to the journey.

Archaeology and Research

Achill Archaeological Field School runs a summer field school that uses the Deserted Village of Slievemore as a living laboratory. Students and volunteers take part in excavations, surveys and conservation work, often passing through the cemetery on their way to the site. The field school sometimes offers guided walks that explain the relationship between the burial ground, the village and the wider landscape, providing a deeper understanding for interested visitors.

Practical Information

Slievemore Old Cemetery is free of charge and open year‑round. There are no formal opening hours; the site is accessible at any time, though daylight visits are recommended for safety and optimal viewing. Parking is available on the minor road that leads up to the cemetery, with a small lay‑by suitable for a few cars. The terrain is uneven, with stone paths and grassy patches, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

Access

The cemetery is reached via the R319 road that circles Achill Island. From the town of Keel, follow signs for Doogort and continue toward the Slievemore Mountain visitor area. The GPS coordinates are 53.99584, -10.07394, which can be entered into any navigation device.

Facilities

There are no visitor facilities on site – no restrooms, café, or information desk. However, the nearby village of Doogort offers a handful of cafés and B&Bs, such as The Strand, where visitors can rest after exploring the cemetery and surrounding landscape.

Visiting Tips

• Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven ground; the site is not wheelchair‑accessible.
• Dogs are permitted on a leash, but respect the quiet atmosphere and keep them away from gravestones.
• Bring a water bottle and, in summer, a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade.
• Photography is encouraged, but avoid climbing on the headstones.

Nearby Attractions

• Slievemore Mountain – a popular hiking destination with marked trails that start close to the cemetery.
• Deserted Village of Slievemore – a short walk away, showcasing over a hundred dry‑stone cottages.
• Atlantic Drive – the scenic coastal route that includes the cemetery as a stop.
• Rockfleet Castle – a 15th‑century tower house a short drive north, offering additional historic interest.

Visitor Experience

Because the cemetery is a place of remembrance, visitors are encouraged to treat the site with respect: keep noise to a minimum, refrain from climbing on headstones, and consider leaving a small token of remembrance if appropriate. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection, photography, or simply absorbing the layered history of Achill Island.

The combination of historic gravestones, sweeping vistas, and proximity to other archaeological sites makes Slievemore Old Cemetery a unique stop on any Achill Island itinerary. Whether you are tracing family roots, studying rural Irish burial customs, or simply seeking a peaceful place to pause amid dramatic scenery, the cemetery offers a moving encounter with the island’s past.