Description
The Croaghaun Cliffs are a monumental natural marvel offering an unparalleled coastal adventure for families with older children and active teenagers. Towering on the westernmost tip of Achill Island in County Mayo, these dramatic vertical rock faces form a staggering boundary against the wild Atlantic Ocean. It stands out as one of the most magnificent and pristine open-air exploration zones in Western Europe, making it one of the best things to do with kids in County Mayo for families seeking a truly epic day out in nature.
There are absolutely no admission fees or ticketing gates to access the mountain slopes or viewpoints, providing a completely free day out for families looking to stretch their limits and conquer a natural peak. You only need to budget for your own travel, safety gear, or local refreshments in the island's nearby villages. This makes it a highly rewarding and flexible choice for parents looking to plan a spectacular, low-cost outdoor expedition.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that pairs high-energy physical exercise with awe-inspiring geological scale, this soaring peak is an excellent choice. The journey across the high ridges delivers completely unhindered, 360-degree views of Mayo's wild coastlines. It provides an extraordinary weekend challenge where older children can safely disconnect from screens and connect deeply with Ireland's rawest coastal heritage.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Features
- Ireland’s Highest Sea Cliffs: Stand atop a spectacular ridge that rises 688 metres (2,257 feet) above the crashing ocean waves below.
- Historical WWII Plane Wreckage: Discover the protected mountain crash site and surviving remnants of a British Royal Air Force Halifax bomber.
- Glacial Corrie Lakes: Spot Ireland's highest mountain tarns, including the precariously positioned Bunnafreva West lake.
- Thriving Marine Life Watch: Use binoculars from the upper paths to look straight down into waters home to basking sharks, dolphins, and seals.
Detailed Highlights
- The Lough Acorrymore Trailhead: Most families choose to begin their mountain journey at this deep, dramatic lake. Surrounded by horseshoe-shaped mountain scree slopes, the corrie lake provides an instantly atmospheric setting for a family hike.
- The 688-Metre Summit Lookout: Reaching the highest point reveals a small historic stone cairn marking the peak. On clear days, the summit gives children an unbeatable bird’s-eye panorama of the vast Mayo coast and the distant sheets of Clew Bay.
- Bunnafreva Glacial Lake: Tucked neatly under steep rock faces near Saddle Head, this impossibly beautiful body of water is Ireland’s highest glacial lake. It sits precariously close to the edge of the sea cliffs, sparking wonder about ancient Earth movements.
- The World War II Heritage Site: In 1941, a British RAF Halifax weather observation aircraft tragically crashed into the high slopes. The surviving pieces of metal remain resting on the mountain, creating an intriguing, tangible history lesson for children.
- The Peregrine Falcon Sanctuary: The vertical rock precipices provide a secure nesting ground for elite birds of prey. Kids can listen to the calls of gannets and seagulls echoing far below them while watching peregrine falcons swoop across the sky.
Beyond the Main Attraction
- Keem Bay: Positioned at the base of the western ridges, this world-famous horseshoe-shaped Blue Flag beach offers golden sands and calm, clear waters. It is the perfect place for kids to unwind after a mountain descent.
- Keel Village and Surf Beach: The main hub of Achill Island sits just a short drive away. It is home to three professional surf schools and an expansive strand perfect for family watersports.
- The Deserted Village at Slievemore: Located on the lower northern slopes of the neighboring mountain, this haunting collection of 80 roofless stone cottages provides a fascinating, historic walk through Great Famine history.
- The Atlantic Drive: A spectacular waymarked road trip route that traces the southern edge of the island, passing rugged cliffs and historic tower houses.
- Carrickkildavnet Castle: Guarding the narrow channel at Achill Sound, this 15th-century stone tower house was once an island stronghold for the legendary pirate queen Grace O'Malley.
8.68 miles
