Overview
Slievemore rises to 671 m (2,201 ft) on the rugged north-west of Achill Island, its conical profile dominating the local skyline. As the island’s second-highest summit after Croaghaun, the mountain offers sweeping vistas of the Belmullet peninsula, the Inishkea islands, and the Nephin Beg range on clear days. While the peak draws hikers seeking panoramic Atlantic scenery, Slievemore is most celebrated for the Deserted Village that clings to its southern slope. This collection of stone ruins preserves the memory of famine, eviction, and the enduring practice of booleying that shaped life on Achill for centuries.
History & The Booleying Tradition
The Deserted Village at Slievemore comprises roughly 80 to 100 stone cottages spread along a mile-long track. While the surviving structures were largely abandoned in the early 20th century, their origins trace back to the 1800s. The hillside itself holds a much deeper history; archaeological evidence reveals layers of settlement spanning millennia, including megalithic tombs and traces from the 12th-century Anglo-Norman era, long before the famine-era cottages were built.
During and after the Great Famine, many families were forced from their lowland homes. However, a resilient handful persisted on the mountain, adapting to a traditional practice known as booleying. Families from settlements like Dooagh and Pollagh used the stone cottages as seasonal dwellings for summer cattle grazing. This form of transhumance allowed herders to move livestock to highland pastures, leaving lowland fields to recover for winter feed. The practice survived on Achill well into living memory, long after it disappeared elsewhere in Ireland.
The 1991 establishment of the Achill Archaeological Field School revitalized interest in the site. Ongoing excavations have uncovered domestic pottery, field systems, and the subtle ridge-and-furrow agriculture that still marks the landscape, offering a tangible connection to the daily lives of those who once called this exposed slope home.
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 drystone walls, peer into the interiors of a few standing cottages, and trace the ancient track that once linked families across the hillside.
The ruins are particularly evocative when you look closely at the ground. The landscape is still scarred by “lazy beds” – the raised ridge-and-furrow plots where families grew potatoes and oats to survive the harsh Atlantic climate. The walk is quiet and reflective, best enjoyed in the early morning when the low sun casts long shadows over the stone foundations and the mist begins to lift from the valley below.
Hike Slievemore’s Summit
For those with the energy to continue, 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 exposed rock. The route is best tackled between March and October, when the trail is drier and the visibility is typically higher. From the top, the scale of Achill Island becomes clear, with the Atlantic stretching westward and the rugged Mayo coastline framing the view to the east.
Wildlife & Landscape
The slopes support a mix of heathland, gorse, and native grasses, creating a habitat for red-breasted buzzards, meadow pipits, and skylarks. In summer, the hillside carpets with wildflowers, including heather and bell-heather that add splashes of purple and gold to the green terrain. The coastal position also means that on calm days, visitors can spot dolphins and seals off the western horizon from the higher vantage points.
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 with good grip 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. Weather on Achill can change rapidly; bring waterproof layers and check forecasts before attempting the summit.
Coordinates – Latitude 54.0089, Longitude -10.0594.
Allow two to three hours to explore the village ruins and reach the summit, and start your visit early in the day to enjoy the best light for photography and clearer views across the Atlantic.