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 Șoim călător here best seen when young are fledging, July to September.
2, Keel village, lough and machair. Nesting waders, Ciocârlie, pipits, passerines in village including Aușel cu cap galben and Mătăsar. Dabbling ducks and Lebădă de iarnă in winter on lough.
3, Keem Bay, possible killer whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals, otter, basking shark, Pescăruș cu trei degete, Fulmar, Lup de mare atlantic, autumn migrant waders, Presură de tundră, Stăncuță de munte, Pescăruș de ghețuri, Pescăruș cu aripi albe and Pescăruș sur mare.
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 Trupial portocaliu, Corcodel cu cioc gros, Rață fumurie, Fâsă americană, Rață cucuiată, Fluierar cu piept gălbui, Fugaciul lui Baird and Fugaci pătat.
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.

