TRAVEL: Dive right into the Achill Experience
The wonderful setting of Achill Island has its stunning beaches and mountainous views, but now there are more reasons to visit Ireland’s largest island.
‘The Achill Experience’ features Mayo’s first aquarium, including local indigenous species that can be found in the waters off Achill island, like the spotted cat shark.
There are two themed salt water tanks and an open touch tank that allows the visitor to fully engage with the local sea life.
One of the tanks includes tropical fish, including Nemo, if you can find him!
The Achill Experience includes a re-built Deserted Village Boley House common to Achill throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can step back in time to the famine era and understand exactly what life was like in those times.
The Parish of Achill has so much to offer, with many places to visit and rich local heritage, that’s why the Achill Local Development Company (CFÁA) have created an offline tourist tablet.
The tablet allows the user to receive a personal tour of Achill and everything it has to offer. Local tourism interests are very proud of the development which is destined to increase tourism numbers on the island this year.
It was built with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, the Achill community and the Achill Diaspora in Cleveland.
Kenneth Deery, who is a key member of this project, explained: “Achill is a beautiful location that is steeped in history.
“However there was no one place that could tell the story of Achill. If it rained there was no indoor visitor experience.
”The Achill Experience changes this and uses technology in a clever and practical way that allows the tourist to be informed and experience our parish on their terms with our off line tablet application and visitor centre. It gives visitors to Achill something unique and different.”
Sean Molloy of Achill Tourism explained the importance of developing these facilities to attract visitors to the island.
He said: ”The promoters deserve great credit for delivering a top class visitor attraction in such a short space of time. The industry in Achill has for many years needed a facility that catered for visitors during inclement weather.”
Padraig Philbin, head of tourism for Mayo County Council, stated the whole community should take a bow.
“The Achill Experience is innovation at it’s best, creating a fabulous visitor centre. Initiatives like this are at the heart of Mayo County Council’s ambitious tourism strategy.”
A survey conducted on the island revealed that 90% of the people rated the experience 8 out of 10 or higher, 100% said it will attract more visitors to the island and 100% said it was an ideal location for a school tour.
One enthusiastic visitor said: “It’s already brilliant and will only get better.”
Maura Joyce, Achill Sound National School, said that she would encourage schools to come visit, regardless of distance.
“The combination of education, fun, touch tanks and craft will be a great day out for children of all ages,” she added.
The Achill Experience can be found in the Achill Local Development Company (CFAA) building in Crumpaun, Keel, Achill, Co Mayo. Bookings can be made by calling 098 43292 or at enjoy@achillexperience.ie
Pat Kilbane - Chairman of CFÁA, Stiofán O'Cualáin - CEO Udaras na Gaeltachta, Cllr. Rose Conway Walsh, Cllr. Michael Holmes, Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Co, Pam Ní Thaidhg - Udaras na Gaeltachta, Kenneth Deery - Director of CFÁA & Terence Dever - CEO of CFÁA attending the Business Launch of the Achill Experience. PHOTO: MICHAEL DONNELLY
Pam Ní Thaidhg - Udaras na Gaeltachta, Ann Kilbane - CFÁA, Stíofan O'Cualain - CEO Udaras na Gaeltachta, Elaine Connaghan - CFÁA & Linda McGing CFÁA at the Business Launch of the Achill Experience. PHOTO: MICHAEL DONNELLY
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