Slievemore Deserted Village Achill Island
Explore the haunting ruins of Slievemore Deserted Village, a poignant reminder of Ireland's past set against Achill Island's dramatic landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Longer daylight, fewer crowds
Slievemore Deserted Village Achill Island
Best Time
Longer daylight, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the haunting ruins of Slievemore Deserted Village, a poignant reminder of Ireland's past set against Achill Island's dramatic landscapes.
"A wild and beautiful place to visit, where wandering amongst the ruins makes the stress of life disappear."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring the ruins safely.
Pack for All Weather
Achill Island weather is unpredictable. Waterproofs and layers are a must! :umbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ruined Cottages
Slievemore Deserted Village
Wander through dozens of stone cottages, a haunting reminder of life before the famine.
Booley Homes
Slievemore Deserted Village
Discover structures used for seasonal grazing, showcasing a unique historical farming practice.
Panoramic Views
Slievemore Deserted Village
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Achill Island's rugged coastline and rolling hills.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Respect the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring the ruins safely.
Pack for All Weather
Achill Island weather is unpredictable. Waterproofs and layers are a must! :umbrella:
Respect the Ruins
This is a historic site. Please don't climb on or disturb the ancient stone structures. :pray:
Allow Ample Time
Wander slowly to soak in the atmosphere and imagine the past. :clock1: At least 1-2 hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Paths can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe: Essential for exploring the ruins safely.
Pack for All Weather
Achill Island weather is unpredictable. Waterproofs and layers are a must! :umbrella:
Respect the Ruins
This is a historic site. Please don't climb on or disturb the ancient stone structures. :pray:
Allow Ample Time
Wander slowly to soak in the atmosphere and imagine the past. :clock1: At least 1-2 hours.
Look for Quartz
The rocks here glitter with quartz, adding a unique sparkle to the landscape. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Slievemore Deserted Village to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a profound connection to Ireland's past. The stunning natural beauty and the palpable sense of history are frequently praised, making it a highly recommended stop for those seeking reflection and breathtaking scenery. Some note the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, advising preparedness.
"We learned of the Deserted 'boley' Village from the Achill Experience and Aquarium. There is parking nearby a cemetery and a well marked path taking you up among the ruins and the sheep. Decent rain gear and rugged footwear are recommended."
Eoghan Gubbins-Cloney
"Very much worth a visit. You can feel the spirit of the people who lived here. It must have been a hard life. The view is stunning and walking around very much recommended. From today's perspective it is beyond imagination how you could sustain at such a place."
Norbert Aschenbrenner
"A good place. Interesting and historic. A good sense of times past is present in this barren place with impressive views. The rocks all glitter with quartz which adds a luster."
tom browning
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The village is located at the foot of Slievemore mountain on Achill Island, County Mayo. You can drive to the site, where parking is available near a cemetery. The roads on Achill Island can be narrow, but are generally manageable with care.
While some roads are narrow with potential high drops, many visitors find driving on Achill Island to be a rewarding experience. Taking your time and being aware of your surroundings is key.
Public transport options directly to the village are limited. It's best to have a car or consider local taxi services if you're not driving.
The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic driving route along Ireland's west coast, and Achill Island is a significant part of it. The Slievemore Deserted Village is a notable stop along this route.
Follow signs for Slievemore Deserted Village from the main roads on Achill Island. Parking is usually found near the cemetery adjacent to the village ruins.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Slievemore Deserted Village is free. It's an open-air historical site.
As an outdoor historical site, the village is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to explore the Slievemore Deserted Village.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for exploration.
While official guided tours might not be consistently available, you can find historical information on the Achill Tourism website.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the ruins and the landscape. Midday can be harsh, but still offers dramatic skies. 
Expect atmospheric shots of stone cottages, sweeping coastal views, and the rugged mountain backdrop. Sheep often feature in photos too!
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and be respectful of the site and other visitors before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the village and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant views.
Yes, the sheep are a common sight and add character to photos. Always maintain a respectful distance and do not disturb them.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You'll find around 80 ruined stone cottages, remnants of a community abandoned during the Irish Famine. It's a place to feel history and enjoy stunning views.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the ruins and taking in the scenery. You can easily spend longer if you enjoy walking and photography.
The terrain can be uneven and grassy, with some paths. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended, especially if it has rained.
Facilities are limited directly at the village. It's advisable to use restrooms and purchase refreshments before arriving.
The village dates back to the 12th century and was largely abandoned in 1845 due to the Great Famine. It later served as 'booley' homes for seasonal grazing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Famine History
+1Many of these homes were simple, single-room dwellings, reflecting a life of subsistence farming and close-knit community living. The sheer scale of abandonment is palpable, and it's easy to imagine the difficult decisions faced by those who left their ancestral homes behind. The village's story is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Irish emigration, with many seeking new lives in countries like Australia.
Beyond its famine history, the site also reveals a history of booleying. After the famine, some of the structures were repurposed by families who owned dairy cows. They would take their cattle to graze on the hillsides during the summer months, using these ruins as temporary shelters. This practice highlights the enduring connection between the people and the land, even in the face of immense tragedy.
+1Exploring the Landscape and Geology
The geology of the area is also noteworthy. Many of the rocks found around Slievemore glitter with quartz, adding a unique luster and visual appeal to the landscape. This natural sparkle enhances the rugged beauty of the terrain, making a walk through the village and its surroundings a visually rich experience.
When exploring, be mindful of the terrain. While there are some paths, much of the area is covered in grass and uneven ground. The coastal proximity means the weather can be a significant factor, with wind and rain being common. Proper footwear is essential for navigating the landscape safely and comfortably.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit