) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
Achill Island is the largest of the Irish isles, and is situated off the west coast of Ireland. It has a population of 2,600. Achill is attached to the mainland by a bridge.
Best areas are
1, Croaghaun sea cliffs, third highest in Europe at 688 metres/2257ft, 2 breeding pairs of Πετρίτης here best seen when young are fledging, July to September.
2, Keel village, lough and machair. Nesting waders, (Κοινή) Σιταρήθρα, pipits, passerines in village including Χρυσοβασιλίσκος and (Ευρωπαϊκή) Βομβυκίλα. Dabbling ducks and Αγριόκυκνος in winter on lough.
3, Keem Bay, possible killer whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals, otter, basking shark, Τριδάκτυλος Γλάρος, Northern Fulmar, Αετοληστόγλαρος, autumn migrant waders, Lapland Bunting, Κοκκινοκαλιακούδα, Glaucous Gull, Ισλανδόγλαρος and Ring-billed Gull.
4, Tonatanvally, or simply 'Valley' has machair, wetland and lakes and is good for rare waders.
5, Achill Head, sea headland for seawatch between September and March.
Rarities, especially transatlantic ones, turn up often, such as Baltimore Oriole, Pied-billed Grebe, American Black Duck, Buff-bellied Pipit, Ring-necked Duck, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Λιβαδοσκαλίδρα and Θωρακωτή Σκαλίδρα.
Details
Access
From Dublin take the motorway NW towards Sligo, turn west through Strokestowe, Charlestown and Castlebar. Nearest airport is Connaught. There is a bridge to the island. Trains run from Dublin to Westport and bus 450 runs 6 times a day from there to Achill.