After a somewhat nerve‑wracked drive across Ireland from Dublin in our diesel VW T‑ROC SUV, we settled into Hy Braesel B&B on Achill Sound and rinsed off the mud we had accumulated on the car. After a good night's sleep, we drove to Keem over a twisty, vertiginous one‑lane road.
The beach is very pretty but we did not see the two basking sharks that were supposed to be in residence. I had hoped to climb Croaghaun Mountain after traversing the sea cliffs which are reported to be higher than those we visited in 2022 at Slieve League in County Donegal. But as we were tired and because it started to rain, we satisfied ourselves with visiting a ruined WWII observation bunker and hiking along the top of the high Benmore sea cliffs in the stiff wind and showers. These precipices were certainly high enough.
From there we drove to the Slievemore Deserted Village. Although some homes were occupied until the 1940's, most of the town was abandoned after the Famine. It presents a sad and lonely reminder of the difficulty of life in the West of Ireland: the land stretching below the ruined houses shadows the tiny fields people had to grow their meager crops and the tree‑less scarp provided no protection from the elements.
On the drive back, the Achill Distillery called us off the road. We were the only visitors and the son of the founder gave us a personal tour. Since he is the manager, taster and blender, he was able to describe the whole process required to produce high quality whiskey. I was surprised to learn that the barrels used to age and imbue the spirits with their flavor are only used once by the distillery, all their essence derived from aging American Bourbon or French wine or spirits transfers to the Irish whiskey. We each purchased a bottle of single-malt. I only discovered when I opened it on returning home that it is "cask strength" - 120 proof. But still very tasty if taken slowly!
make a statement on the streets of Dublin
Full photo album for Achill Island 2026
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