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ACHILL
Lough Nankeeroge, and a fine echo is to he had from the strip between it and the sea. Hence onward you have rather dreary trudge. Bearing somewhat to the left you gradually attack the main part of the ascent which is continuous, but not particularly steep. Once on the top you realise the truth of the usual description of Croaghaun, 2,192 ft. It is a huge coast ridge, whose seaward side has fallen into the ocean. The highest point in the southern extremity. The cliffs, as might be expected from the slate of which they are composed, are not perpendicular, but a shattered, more or less terraced, incline of perhaps 50. degrees on the whole. The really grand thing is the commanding view of the ocean so suddenly revealed. Of distant objects you can see S., Clare Island, Croagh Patrick, and further off the peaks and Islands of Connemara; to the E., the sterile mountains of Erris; to the N.W., the light-house on Black Rock. Achill Head, the W. extremity of the island, consists of a double range of cliffs back to back, and surmounted by an edge which, near its end, is 378 ft. above the sea.
The usual descent is to Dooogh (1 ½ hr.), but if you want to investigate the salmon fishery at Keem, the collection of huts (vacated in winter) at the head of the little bay seen S.E. from the summit, you must bear more to the right. There is a rough track (3 m.) along the sea-slopes, connecting Keem and Dooagh. Supposing you make for Dooagh direct, then approaching it you will pass the house of Rev. G. W. Weldon, whose property here was formerly held by Capt. Boycott. At Keel there is a fine strand extending round the bay, and at the far end begin the Cliffs of Menawn (1,530 ft.) The actual cliffs do not average half that height, but viewed from the sea are, we think, the finest of the Achill sights. The best plan is to consult the coast-guard at Keel.
If a separate day can be given to this water excursion, then you should go round Dooega. Head (the cliff here is quite 800 ft.) to Camport, thence it is 5 ½ m. walk to the sound, whence the mail-car leaves for Westport at 1.30 p.m.
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