Island · 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 peninsula
Leithinis an Mhuirthead is the Irish name for this stretch of land. Locals often just call it the Mullet or an Mhuirthead. You might also hear Erris Peninsula, though that’s less common. It sits in the barony of Erris, County Mayo. The 2016 census counted 3,963 people living here. A narrow isthmus ties this large promontory to the mainland at Belmullet (Béal an Mhuirthead). That town holds about 1,000 inhabitants. Several villages dot the landscape: Aughleam, Elly, Corclough, and Binghamstown.
The shape of it
The land runs 33 km long. Width varies wildly, from 200 metres to 12 km. Erris Head marks the northern tip. The doglegged shape creates two distinct bays. Blacksod Bay sits on one side of the bend. Broadhaven Bay takes the other. The Atlantic opens up to the north. The villages tuck into the shelter of these bays. Belmullet marks the narrow point where the Mullet meets the mainland. Walking through the town means crossing that isthmus.
The Gaeltacht
This area belongs to the Mayo Gaeltacht. Irish remains a relatively common language here. In 2016, about 8% of the population spoke Irish daily outside school. You’ll see it on the signs at the gate. The peninsula forms the western end of the barony of Erris. The bays, headlands, and villages define the local character.
Practical
Drive from Westport or Belmullet to reach the Mullet. The two bays offer the main days out. Blacksod lies to the north. Broadhaven is on the east. Use the villages as your bases. The light on the water is best before the weather moves in.
