Atlantic Drive, Achill, Co Mayo, Ireland« Previous Loop 2: Achill Island This 19km loop contains several steep climbs. Cyclists may have to walk their bikes up these stretches of hill.
Starting from the village at Achill Sound, drive away from the bridge and down the island. About 500m outside the village as you approach a small wooded area look out for a left-hand turn with several signposts, including one for The Atlantic Drive. This road, lined with spectacular rhododendrons in early summer, takes you along the Achill Island side of Achill Sound, through the villages of Shraheens and Derreens to Cloughmore. On this stretch of the journey you will pass the ancient church and graveyard at Kildavnet, close to the Tower and lifeboat station. Continue on to a T-junction with Darby's Point and the pier to your left, Achill Beg island straight ahead, and take the right-hand turn to continue along the Atlantic Drive.
 You are now travelling along Achill Island's spectacular 'Atlantic Drive', overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Clare and Achill Beg. Take time to park up and explore the cliffs on foot, or just sit and listen to the crashing waves on the rocks below.
Inland to your right you should be able to see the now grass-covered ridges and furrows of the 'lazybeds'. These ancient cultivation ridges were used for growing potatoes or cereal crops and often run parallel to the slope of the ground in order to aid drainage. Their existence on these rocky hills by this remote coastline demonstrates how far cultivation and settlement was spread across Achill in former times. To your left, between the road and the sea, lies further evidence of former habitation including no fewer than three promontory forts.  The stretch of the Atlantic Drive between Cloughmore and Ashleam meanders for about 4.5km before ascending a small hill to a vantage point that looks down into Ashleam Bay. This small, pebbly cove, sometimes known as Portnahally, is enclosed by rocky cliffs some 80-100ft high. Here the road descends in a series of hairpin bends overlooking the inlet of Ashleam Bay.
Continuing up the other side of this valley you have the choice of turning right through Ashleam village and back towards Achill Sound, or turning left to continue along the Atlantic Drive route until you reach the seaside village of Dooega. This picturesque fishing village boasts one of Achill's five Blue Flag beaches.
Minaun HeightsTaking the main road through Dooega, you will reach a left turn leading to Minaun Heights. This steep road ends at a hill-top viewing point, giving a breathtaking view of Achill Island. On a clear day, you can see the entire area and also Blacksod Bay and the Belmullet Peninsula. Back on the main road, stop off in Cashel for a while. From Cashel you can travel to Achill Sound through Glendarry Woods, or travel to Keel and Dooagh.
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