Achill Island - 8 May 2023

8 May 2023 - Achill Island, County Mayo

As expected, had a peaceful night next to the cemetery! It was high tide again when we woke up. Having watched the swans preen themselves, I won’t worry in future when I see lots of white feathers - not necessarily due to fighting! They pluck out lots!

Tintin driving today, not that long - just over an hour.

Highlight of the day - watching a sheepdog chase three reluctant sheep into a trailer. The man was saying sorry for holding us up - we were delighted to have watched 🙂

Diesel the cheapest yet - €1.468/ltr at Costcutter along the route.

The weather was looking decidedly iffy as we crossed over into Achill Island. The signature discovery point was at Keem Bay at the far western side, so that’s where we went.

We ended up in the clouds, not really being able to see far! Think we were at 688m above the Atlantic. There were random sheep in the roads again too.

During the 1950s and 1960s the Achill Basking Shark Fishery operated, spotters were at Moyteoge Head, which borders the beach in order to identify the sharks; and direct hunting boats to them. The sharks were targeted for oil which was used as a lubricant in the aerospace industry.

The signage is ridiculous on the way to the beach. Bear in mind it’s really steep, and around a corner are the signs saying ‘No Camper vans beyond this point’ - they needed to be on the corner before to be of any use! Luckily we’d already pulled into a carpark above the signs.

Walked down to the beach - sheep everywhere - in fact - more so today than other days, they don’t appear to be penned in. It’s so lovely to see them nudging their mums for nourishment, or just frolicking for sheer joy.

Beach looked lovely - once again, I’m having to use my imagination on what it would be like on a summer’s day. Reality today was damp, windy and chilly! Back to Dave for a cuppa.

What else do you do when the weather is rubbish? Eat! Some random woman had chatted with Tintin when he was watering up at the cemetery (!) this morning - and she recommended a couple of places near Keel.

Although it’s May, tourist season obviously hasn’t started as lots of places are still shut. Ended up at the Beehive, which is multi purpose, crafts, cafe and restaurant… Was just ok really - I had the steak and Guinness pie (hardly any meat - but lots of veg) and Tintin had the virtuous fish cakes and salad.

Found Keel Strand and spent the afternoon reading our books.  Went for a short walk, but fog cover still here, despite the forecast saying that by 4pm the sun would be out. Really feel the forecast is for general guidance about what may or may not happen!

Lovely multi-coloured pebbles! The sauna on the beach was closed, but lots of people were out surfing.

There are a few campers across the road - the difference is they’re paying, we’re not - and we’re right next to the beach with the lovely sound of the crashing waves behind us.

I’d like to say that the forecast for the next week is good - but I’d be lying 🤥 Although Friday might be better - but we won’t still be here! On the plus side - the average temperature is much better - don’t need the heating on in the mornings, or to be wrapped in fleece blankets in the evenings - every cloud and all that…

And - the lovely Millie cat - who has a big crush on Herc and keeps ‘shouting’ at him! Thank you Sarah and Herc for looking after her.