Loop No. 3
Achill Cycle Loop 3 of the three Cycle Hub route is very popular because most cyclists are well able to tackle it, and most of it is on quiet local roads. You’ll see beautiful Keel Strand at the foot of the magnificent Minaun Cliffs (more than twice the height of the Cliffs of Moher) and the famous Deserted Village of Slievemore. You could also visit the Achill Experience aquarium and visitor centre in Crumpaun. If you’re feeling fitter than you expected, you can extend your cycle from Slievemore to the lovely clachan village of Dugort, and even on to the Golden Strand if you find a little more puff. From here you’ll retrace your route back to Keel and then Dooagh. Extending your cycle into the northern part of Loop 2 will allow you to see the Achill Mission Settlement, the Megalithic Tomb on the slopes of Slievemore, the Heinrich Boll Cottage, and two more Blue Flag Beaches: Silver Strand and Golden Strand. After coming through Keel Village on your way back, a short spin southward off R319 will bring you down to Purteen Harbour, where the Banshees of Inisherin village was constructed in 2021 for filming (and dismantled immediately afterwards). A good meal, and maybe even a few beverages, are definitely on the agenda after your day out on the bikes!
