What a difference a day makes; blue sky and tranquil breezes have given way to cooler wet weather. Undeterred we set off for a slightly soggy run to explore more of Achill Island (Irelands largest island).

We set off from Keel beach for a 6.42 mile run to the abandoned village (at point 2 on the above image).
Keel Strand is one of five blue flag beaches on the island; it is lovely to see such pristine beaches.
At the start…
The clouds lurking over the hills didn’t bode well for our run out to the deserted village.
Traffic was a real problem!
Properties here all have cattle grids at the entrance to keep out the sheep, which seem to have free reign.
Slievemore abandoned village; we expect a few ruins but there were remains of more than 100 traditional stone cottages. Habitation here dates back to 3rd century BC and the latest inhabitants left in the early 1900’s, at which time they were only occupied in the summer grazing period.
More ruins in the village
Hurry up!
Peat workings are still common here. 87% of Achill is peat bog (and most of the rest is steep sided mountains, including the highest sea cliffs in Europe (688m)).
At the top!