Achill Island

largest of the Irish isles, situated off the west coast of Ireland

Key facts

Location: Atlantic Ocean
Archipelago: Achill
Total islands: 3 (Achill, Innisbiggle and Achillbeg islands)
Major islands: Achill
Area: 36,572 acres (14,800 ha)
Coastline: 128 km (79.5 mi)
Highest elevation: 688 m (2257 ft)
Highest point: Croaghaun
Province: Connacht
County: Mayo
Barony: Burrishoole
Population: 2,345 (2022)
Pop density

Article

Achill Island (/ˈækəl/; Irish: Acaill, Oileán Acla) is located off the west coast of Ireland in the historical barony of Burrishoole, County Mayo. It is the largest of the Irish isles and has an area of approximately 148 km (57 sq mi). Achill had a population of 2,345 in the 2022 census. The island, which has been connected to the mainland by a bridge since 1887, is served by Michael Davitt Bridge, between the villages of Achill Sound and Polranny. Other centres of population include the villages of Keel, Dooagh, Dooega, Dooniver, and Dugort. There are a number of peat bogs on the island.

Roughly half of the island, including the villages of Achill Sound and Bun an Churraigh, are in the Gaeltacht (traditional Irish-speaking region) of Ireland, although the vast majority of the island's population speaks English as their daily language.