Eiland · Co. Mayo
Achill Island
Achill is Ireland's largest western island, connected to the mainland since 1887. It features dramatic headlands, historic lighthouses, and a community that blends farming with tourism.
The bay
Known as Cuan Chill Ala in Irish, Killala Bay sits on the west coast between County Mayo and County Sligo. It forms the estuary for the River Moy. Kilcummin Head marks the western limit, and Lenadoon Point guards the east. The village of Killala occupies the southwest corner. Bartragh Island lies in the centre of the water.
The water in it
The bay extends the Moy estuary, where deep continental shelf waters press close to the shore. This is the Atlantic in its proper form. You get the depth, the tide, and the headlands. The river runs out to it from the south. Killala sits at the south-west corner. Evening light on the water is usually the best.
The headlands and the island
Kilcummin Head stands to the west. Lenadoon Point stands to the east. These two points mark the mouth of the bay. Bartragh Island lies in the centre of the water between them. The island acts as the bay’s monument. It is the place in the middle of the water. The walk around the bay takes in the headlands, the island, and the village. The bay represents the water country of the Moy valley. The headlands break the coast into the bay.
Practical
Killala Bay lies on the west coast between Mayo and Sligo. It is a drive from Ballina and Killala. The headlands and the island make for days out. The village of Killala serves as the base. Check the tide before the walk. Light on the water is best before the weather moves in.
