Slievemore Mountain Walk

25 Apr 2025
Reading Time: 4min

A Journey Through History, Legend and Landscape with Achill Isle Walks

When you walk with Achill Isle Walks, it’s never just about reaching the summit—it’s about the stories you uncover along the way. One of the most popular and rewarding hikes we offer is the walk up Slievemore Mountain, the second-highest peak on Achill Island. It’s a walk that weaves together history, archaeology, folklore, and sweeping Atlantic views.

Come with us as we take you through this remarkable route.

Walking Through the Deserted Village

Our journey begins gently, as we walk through the hauntingly beautiful Deserted Village at the foot of Slievemore. Over 80 stone houses now stretch out along the lower slopes where once there were over 100, many of these are centuries old. These homes were once used seasonally for “booleying”—moving livestock to higher pastures during summer. But the village has a longer history of permanent habitation. Walking through them, it’s easy to imagine the lives lived here, shaped by the rhythms of land and the Wild Atlantic Way weather.

We pause here to talk about life on Achill in the 19th century, famine times, and the seasonal traditions that still echo in local memory and of course the reason it was abandoned.

Bronze Age Round House

Climbing higher, we visit a site older still—the remains of a Bronze Age Round House, perched on a raised plateau. It’s humbling to think people lived here over 3,000 years ago. The house gives us a glimpse into prehistoric Achill, a place of resilience and community even then. Not alone is there one but also another quite close by.

We move on further to the west ridge. This spot offers our first taste of the views to come—north towards the open Atlantic and the cliffs that stand like sentinels against the sea. We catch a glimpse of the fabled Annagh lake and valley and its association with my great grandfather.

Ridge Walk and Blackrock Lighthouse

From the Round House, we climb further onto the ridge of Slievemore. The path becomes steeper here, but the effort is rewarded. To the north, the wild coast of Achill stretches away beneath us, dramatic and untamed. Where the wild Atlantic wave meet their first rock bastion after travelling across the ocean for thousands of miles.

On clear days, we can see the Blackrock Lighthouse, a lonely structure far out to sea. It’s a stunning sight, but also a solemn one. In 2017, Rescue Helicopter 116 tragically crashed near the lighthouse, a disaster that claimed four lives. We take a quiet moment here to remember them.

Slievemore Boley Village and Atlantic Vistas

Continuing along the ridge, we pass by a rocky outcrop and take a moment to look down on the Slievemore Boley village, another seasonal settlement, still visible, set on a flat grassy plain. It’s a reminder of the long-standing connection between people and mountain here on Achill.

We also enjoy panoramic views across the water to the Mullet Peninsula in County Mayo. This place, too, holds stories. According to legend, the Children of Lir—transformed into swans—spent centuries adrift on the waters off the west coast. During the Second World War, this coastline also played a pivitoal role in the D-Day landings, as weather reports from Blacksod Bay helped time the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Lady’s Fall, The Colony and Dugort

As we follow the ridge, we eventually reach the summit with breathtaking views of lower Achill and surrounding areas. Moving on across the summit top we come to Lady’s Fall, a dramatic viewpoint that overlooks a narrow path leading down into Dugort. Here, we share the unusual story of a 19th-century proselytising minister who settled in what was called The Colony, attempting to convert Achill’s Catholic population during the time of the Great Famine. It’s a tale that brings together religion, politics, and hardship in a uniquely Achill setting.

We find a sheltered spot here for lunch—time to relax, take in the view, and chat.

Return and The Star

After lunch, we retrace our steps back along the ridge, taking care as we descend. On our way down, we make a final stop at The Star—a mysterious stone formation with deep local significance. Some say it’s a natural marker; others see something more spiritual. Either way, it’s a perfect place to pause and reflect before the final leg of our journey.

A Walk to Remember

This walk up Slievemore is more than just a hike—it’s a time-travelling adventure. From Bronze Age ruins to tragic modern events, ancient legends to colonial histories, this route offers a chance to step into the heart of Achill Island and see it through the eyes of those who came before us.

Whether you’re 20 or 80, if you’ve a love for walking, a curiosity about the past, and a fondness for breathtaking views, this is a journey you won’t forget.