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The Lure

Just off the west coast of Ireland, Achill Island has a dramatic coastline with towering sea cliffs (the highest in Europe). For the wave heads there are various beaches that can take any direction of wind or swell, but there are also spots to suit any level or discipline.

Irish invite / PHOTOS: County Mayo Tourist Board

Pure Magic, Achill Island Teaser

Between the Wind and the Waves | Francois Colussi | Wild Mayo

The Setup

Keel Lake is a vast flat water spot with shallow, fresh water that takes 180 degrees of wind, while Keel Beach is a perfect playground for freeriders and wave riders that works in southerly and southwesterly winds. You can get some awesome waves at the eastern edge of the bay where KSP events have been hosted in the past. There are two spots that take northerly winds on the northern edge of the island, Silverstand and Goldenstrand, and although an easterly wind direction is rare, you can ride those conditions at Mulranny. You can also go on an epic downwinder down the coast from Inis Bigil.

Achill Island - Ireland

Absolutely stunning! / PHOTO: Pure Magic

PHOTOS: County Mayo Tourist Board

Pure Magic also host the annual Battle for the Lake and Battle for the Bay events.

Pure Magic Battle for the Lake 2016

Wind, weather & water

Ireland is windy most of the year with wind coming from all directions at various points of the year, but the prevailing wind direction is the same as in the UK: westerly and southwesterly. Air temperatures range between 15°C / 60 °F and 20°C / 68°F in the summer months but the water temperature is warmer than you’ll get in some areas of the UK during summer, averaging between 12°C / 54°F and 14°C / 57°F. It never snows on the island but you’ll need a proper winter suit, gloves and boots from November to March. A 4mm suit will be fine during the rest of the year.

PHOTOS: County Mayo Tourist Board

Shops & schools

PURE MAGIC teach all levels from May through September with IKO and BKSA instructors. Group sessions are run at a maximum of four students per instructor and lessons take place on Keel Lake, so there’s no need for a safety boat. They use Cabrinha, Best, North and Mystic equipment which is also available for sale or hire. Downwinder trips, SUP and surf lessons / hire also offered.

www.puremagic.ie / info@puremagic.ie / +353 1805 4912

Pure Magic shop teaser video

Accommodation

Pure Magic offer onsite accommodation, though you can also find holiday properties, B&Bs, hostels and campsites elsewhere on the island.

Pure Magic Lodge - Achill Island, Ireland

The Pure Magic Lodge setup on Achill Island / PHOTOS: Pure Magaic

To view the facilities of the lodge at Pure Magic Achill Island visit www.puremagic.ie

Pure Magic Achill Island

No wind

There’s also plenty to see and do if it’s not windy. On Achill itself you can cycle around the island, go hiking, SUPing or surfing or head to the mainland where you’ll find a spa at the Mulranny Park Hotel. The town of Westport is only an hour away. The most famous mountain in Ireland, Croagh Patrick, is close to Westport and definitely worth a climb up if you’re feeling adventurous.

County Mayo coastline - Achill Island, Ireland

Yomping along the May coastline / Keem Beach / PHOTOS: County Mayo Tourist Board

Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life / Video: Wild Atlantic Way

Get around

Achill Island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it’s easy to get around, however you’ll need a hire car if you want to explore the island and the coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way on the mainland.

Exploring Achill Island coastline, Ireland

Exploring the coastline by car / PHOTO: County May Tourist Board

Currency

Euro - €

Food & Drink

Although the island is small, there’s a supermarket, pharmacy and a doctor as well as a few pubs and restaurants. Pure Magic, the local kite centre, run pizza nights and have a DJ in the summer.

Airport

Dublin Airport (DUB) is a four hour drive, Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) is a 90 minute drive away and Shannon Airport (SNN) is roughly two-and-a-half-hours from Achill.

Achill Island | Ireland

Choice Rating

When to go

Useful contacts

The Lure

Pure Magic, Achill Island Teaser

Between the Wind and the Waves | Francois Colussi | Wild Mayo

The Setup

Pure Magic Battle for the Lake 2016

Wind, weather & water

Shops & schools

Pure Magic shop teaser video

Accommodation

Pure Magic Achill Island

No wind

Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life / Video: Wild Atlantic Way

Get around

Currency

Food & Drink

Airport

Choice Rating

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