Overview
Slievemore rises to 671 m (2,201 ft) on the rugged north‑west of Achill Island, making it the island’s second‑highest summit after Croaghaun. Its conical shape dominates the skyline and provides sweeping vistas of the Inishkea islands, the Belmullet peninsula and the Nephin Beg range on clear days. The mountain is most celebrated for the Deserted Village that clings to its southern slope – a haunting collection of stone cottages that whisper stories of famine, booleying and millennia‑old settlement.
History & Archaeology
The Deserted Village at Slievemore comprises roughly 80‑100 stone cottages spread along a mile‑long track. While the surviving structures were largely abandoned in the early 20th century, their origins stretch back to the 1800s, and archaeological evidence pushes human presence on the hillside to at least the 12th century Anglo‑Norman era. Even older are the megalithic tombs dating from the 3rd‑4th century BC, testifying to a continuous 5,000‑year occupation of this sheltered slope.
During the Great Famine and subsequent evictions, many families left the area, yet a handful persisted, using the cottages as booley houses – seasonal dwellings for summer cattle grazing. This practice survived on Achill long after it disappeared elsewhere in Ireland, with families from Dooagh and Pollagh occupying the huts well into living memory. The 1991 establishment of the Achill Archaeological Field School and the Deserted Village Project has kept scholarly interest alive, uncovering pottery, field systems and the subtle ridge‑and‑furrow agriculture that still marks the landscape.
What to See & Do
Walk the Deserted Village
From the car park beside Slievemore Old Cemetery, a short, unpaved path leads into the heart of the village. Visitors can weave between the stone walls, peer into the interior of a few standing cottages, and trace the ancient track that once linked families across the hillside. The ruins are especially evocative in the early morning light, when the low sun casts long shadows over the lazy‑bed ridges.
Hike Slievemore’s Summit
For the more adventurous, the ascent to Slievemore’s summit is a moderate hike that rewards with panoramic sea‑and‑mountain scenery. The ridge is steep‑sided and includes sections of grass and rock; on clear days the Inishkea islands, Croaghan and the Nephin Beg range are visible. The route is best tackled between March and October, when the trail is dry and the views are most dramatic.
Wildlife & Landscape
The slopes support a mix of heathland, gorse and native grasses, providing habitat for red‑breasted buzzards, meadow pipits and, in summer, a carpet of wildflowers such as heather and bell‑heather. The coastal position also means occasional sightings of dolphins and seals off the western horizon.
Getting There
By car – From Achill town, follow the R319 north towards Keel and turn left at the sign for Slievemore Old Cemetery. The car park is a short 5‑minute walk from the trailhead. The route is well‑signposted and offers scenic views of the Atlantic coastline.
Public transport – Bus Éireann route 450 serves Achill town; from there a local taxi or community shuttle can take you to the cemetery car park. Check the latest timetables as services are limited outside the summer season.
Nearby Attractions
- Dugort Beach – a 10‑minute drive south to a Blue Flag beach with crystal‑clear waters and gentle walking paths.
- Keel Beach – a 5‑minute drive north, famed for its 4 km golden sand and surf‑friendly conditions.
- Keem Bay – a 15‑minute drive west, offering dramatic cliffs, lifeguarded swimming and excellent facilities.
- Minaun Heights – a 20‑minute drive inland, where a short drive to the summit yields sweeping island panoramas, including the White Cliffs of Ashleam.
- Ballycroy National Park – a 30‑minute drive east, providing extensive walking routes, bogland scenery and the famous Bangor Trail.
- Clare Island Abbey – reachable by a short ferry from Achill Sound, this historic monastic site adds a cultural side‑trip to the day.
Practical Information
Parking – A free, paved car park sits just outside Slievemore Old Cemetery on the road between Keel and Dugort. Signage for both the cemetery and the Deserted Village guides drivers to the site. The parking area holds several cars and is open year‑round.
Access – The walk from the car park to the village is uneven, with stone steps, loose scree and occasional boggy patches after rain. There is no wheelchair or stroller access, and sturdy boots are advisable.
Opening hours & fees – The Deserted Village and the mountain are open to the public at all times; there is no admission charge.
Safety – While the summit trail is not technically difficult, parts of the ridge overlook steep drops. Hikers should stay on the marked path, especially in wet conditions, as the cliffs can become hazardous.
Coordinates – Latitude 54.0089, Longitude ‑10.0594.
Further reading – Detailed visitor information, including a map of the parking area, is available on the official Achill tourism page.
Slievemore offers a rare blend of natural grandeur and poignant history. Whether you are tracing the lives of 19th‑century crofters among stone walls or chasing the horizon from the mountain’s summit, the experience is both reflective and exhilarating.