Achill Walks Festival 2003  |  Saturday  |  Sunday  |  Monday

Saturday 15 March 2003: Atlantic Ramble

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Further along the cliffs the walk traversed a boulder-strewn storm beach, and Tomás provided an interpretation of the marine ecology of the area. The route then continued on to the spectacular Ashleam Bay (picture, left). This popular beauty spot is located on the Atlantic Drive, a coastal road that follows the cliffs overlooking the ocean on Achill's south-western coast.

So far the walk had been very comfortable, with little noticeable elevation attained. From Ashleam, though, it turned inland towards the hilly area of Ceathrú Garbh, 'the rough quarter' (this name derives from the undulating and rocky nature of the terrain) and then on to Derreens Hill.

Rising to a height of about 286m, Derreens Hill offers spectacular views in all directions across Achill and its Atlantic waters. To the south is Clare Island and the mouth of Clew Bay, in the east is the beautiful and remote Currane Peninsula, to the west are the Achill peaks of Minaun, Slievemore and Craughaun, and to the north (picture, right) can be seen Achill Sound and Polranny hill. Beyond that is north Mayo and the Belmullet peninsula.

As the group made its way back towards Derreens (picture, left), a few brave walkers commented on how easy it had been. They would certainly have a more challenging time the following day, as Sunday's walk included a climb of Slievemore (671m).

And as the group returned to Johnny Patten's bar, the soup and sandwiches on offer were welcome fare indeed. All in all the walk was a fascinating introduction to Achill Island and some of its rich history, and provided a gentle warm up for Sunday's challenge.

Achill Walks Festival 2003  |  Saturday  |  Sunday  |  Monday