Road to Achill

The drive to Achill

Finally caught up on our sleep and decided to trek off to Achill Island (pronounced Akl). The route will go through several small towns and should take about 4-5hrs round trip depending on traffic. Just an FYI- in the UK roads are numbered according to their size, the higher the number the smaller the road. There is also an alpha designator that indicates major and small roads, starting with M for major motorways and L for goat trails. Trying to stay on at least medium size roads we shoot for R335 for some real Irish countryside.

First stop on our journey is the town of Murrisk and Campbells pub. The pub is located at the base of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain, where the patron Saint Patrick was said to have spent the 40 days of Lent in 441AD. The drive on this road took a little longer than expected because we participated in sheep dodging along the way. We found Campbell’s pub and decided this would be a good spot for lunch. We went for the usual, soup and brown bread with a pint of Smithy’s for me and wine for Collette. The pub has been an obvious spot for tourists judging from the money, business cards and patches tacked to the ceiling. We pulled 20EU down from the ceiling, paid our tab and went outside to see the mountain. Just kidding, we only pulled down 10EU.

The mountain is located directly behind Campbell’s and not a long hike. Unfortunately while we were there it was covered in fog and we could only see part way up. Off to the right of the trail is a small memorial and visitor’s center with public restrooms and plenty of parking.

Campbell’s pub in Morrisk

Croagh Patrick and Visitors Center (Statue of St. Patrick can be seen middle left of Visitor Center sign)