Three Mayo islands listed in top Irish coastal escapes by RTÉ

A trio of Mayo islands have been included in a shortlist of ‘stunning locations to discover’ by RTÉ.

The list, compiled by travel influencer Éadaoin Fitzmaurice, has taken a look at the myriad of stunning islands dotted around the coastline of Ireland, and selected 15 which have come in for particular praise.

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The first island on the list is an iconic one, both in Mayo and beyond.

“Achill has it all,” Fitzmaurice wrote.

“From the highest sea cliffs in Ireland to one of the top-rated beaches in the world, Keem Bay. Come rain or shine, you’ll find something to do here from kitesurfing on Keel Lake with Life is Pure Magic, to enjoying a coffee while perusing the best of Irish craft at the Beehive Cafe.

“One of my favourite ways to get to Achill is via the Great Western Greenway, which spans 49km and leads out to Westport (if you’re going that far, I recommend renting an electric bike).”

Up next from the Dublin-based blogger was the Inishkea Islands.

“The Inishkea Islands (Oileáin Inis Cé) are located off the coast of the Belmullet Peninsula in Co Mayo. It was once home to a Gaeltacht community; however, they have been uninhabited since the 1930s,” she stated. “Now the only locals you’ll see on these islands are flocks of sheep.

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“You can access the islands through local boat tours like Blacksod Sea Safari. Along the way (especially this time of year), you may spot some incredible sea life like basking sharks, grey seals, sperm whales, and barnacle geese. On the islands, you’ll see the remains of stone cottages and monastic life from the 1800s.”

Last but not least, at least where the West is concerned, is the idyllic and jagged scenery of Clare Island.

“Travel to County Mayo and take the boat from Roonagh Pier to picture-perfect Clare Island,” said Fitzmaurice. “En route, you’ll spot the castle of Ireland’s Pirate Queen, Granuaile.

Bring your walking books and set out on the waymarked looped trails, and be sure to look out for the Napoleonic signal tower, which was built in 1806.”