ACHILL

In 1868, the parish of Achill contained the following places:

"ACHILL, a parish in the barony of Burrishoole in the county of Mayo, in the province of Connaught, Ireland, 14 miles to the N.W. of Newport. It comprehends the islands of Achill and Achillbeg, and the peninsula of Currawn Achill. The parish lies between Clew or Newport and Black Sod bays, and was formerly the property of the O'Donnells. The Island of Achill is the largest off the Irish coast, from which it is separated by Achill Sound. It is about 16 miles in length, and 7 in breadth, and has a coast line of about 80 miles in circuit. It consists entirely of mountain and bog. The eastern side is well sheltered, the western is mostly rocky and precipitous. At its south-western extremity is the promontory called Achill Head, and at its northern extremity, that called Saddle Head. The smaller Island of Achillbeg is separated from Achill by a narrow sound called Achill Hole, an excellent and safe harbour for vessels of large size in all weathers. It has a coastguard station and a fishing-pier. Its western side is very wild and unapproachable, even in still weather, on account of the Atlantic swells, which run to a great height. Currawn Achill, which is also named the Hook of Achill, lies east of the island. The isthmus of Pollranny connects this peninsula with the mainland. The hill of Currawn has an elevation of 1,715 feet above the level of the sea. At Slievemore, the hills rise to the height of 2,204 feet; at Mincelin, 1,530 feet, and at Knockmore; 1,190 feet. On Mincelin Hill, there is a precipice rising abruptly from the sea to the height of 700 feet. There were no roads in Achill till about forty years ago. The people are in a very primitive state, and are principally occupied in fishing. There is no church, glebehouse, nor glebe. The living is a rectory, value £89, in the diocese of Tuam, Killala, and Achonry, and in the patronage of the bishop. A Protestant mission was established at Dugarth in 1832, and divine service is performed at the mission-house there twice each Sunday in the English and Irish languages. A paper, called the Achill Herald, is also published there. There is a coastguard station at Keel. Amethysts are found there. Remains of churches and burial-grounds exist at Kildavnet and Slievemore, and at Kildavnet are traces of an ancient castle, which belonged to Grace O'Malley."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018