OSI Discovery Series – Map No 30
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Achill was once the home of the mighty Golden Eagle (Iolar firéan) which became extinct in the area in 1912. Along with White-tailed Eagle (Iolar na mara) they can now occasionally be seen flying again in Mayo.
Directions:
From the south and east, head to Newport, then take the N59 to Mulranny and continue for one kilometre and then branch left on R319 and continue to Achill. From the north, head through Ballycroy on the N59 and just before Mulranny, turn right onto the R319.
Achill Island is connected to the mainland by a road bridge at Achill Sound. There are two loops that can be driven, one to the left just after Achill Sound and the second to the right at Bunnacurry. The main road leads to Keem Strand.
Nearby Sites :
There is a wide range of gulls, ducks and waders to be seen all around the island. There has been Corncrake reported in the past.
Best Time to Visit: All Year
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Northern Achill (Dooinver)
Directions:
All of these lakes are accessed by continuing through Achill Sound on the R319 to Bunnacurry and then heading north in the direction of Valley. The lakes are located between Valley and the coast.
Lough Nambrack
Winter : Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Coot, Lapwing, Curlew, Common Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
Sruhillbeg Lake
Winter: Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Moorhen, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
Lough Doo
Winter: Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Goldeneye, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
Sruhill Lough (Dooinver)
Winter: Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Light-bellied Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Red-breasted Merganser, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
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Keel
Directions:
From Achill Sound, continue on the R319 to Keel village.
Keel Village
Winter: Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
Keel Machair
Winter: Cormorant, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Curlew, Sanderling, Dunlin, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
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Inishgallon Island
Directions:
From Achill Sound, continue on the R319 through Keel village and take a left turn at Pollagh to Purteen Habour. The island is not easily accessible but is close enough to the mainland for scoping.
Winter: Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull.
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Rare Bird Sightings
Black Duck, winters 2011, 2012, 2013
10 Crossbill and 1 Greenland Redpoll (12/10/08)
Radde’s Warbler (12/10/01)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (30/09/64)
Birdwatch Mayo 