New chartered boat trips
GERAGHTY Charters has commenced new boat trips in the Erris and Achill regions, offering a unique way to explore this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way in north and west Mayo.
Starting last Friday (July 7), the Nóirín Bán will depart Blacksod (An Fód Dubh) at 10.30 a.m. and arrive in Doogort (Dumha Goirt), Achill Island, before 11 a.m. each Friday morning. This boat trip allows visitors and locals to explore lovely Achill Island by foot, bike or even pony and trap.
By contrast, the road distance from Blacksod to Doogort is almost 100km and can take an hour and a half to drive.
Meanwhile, back on Achill, the boat leaves Doogort at 11 a.m. to bring visitors to the breathtakingly-beautiful deserted island of Iniskea South (Inis Gé Theas), off the coast of the Mullet Peninsula in Erris.
Agatha Hurst, of Wild Atlantic Tours, is available upon request for guided tours of the island (for an extra cost). Agatha was born and raised in Erris, and is a qualified guide and archaeologist with an abundance of knowledge in relation to local history, folklore, flora and fauna. A day trip to Inis Gé is an outstanding way of finding out why Erris has been voted the best place in Ireland to go wild!
When the boat returns to Doogort from Inis Gé, Geraghty Charters can then bring people from Achill to Blacksod, the boat departing Doogort at approximately 5.30 p.m.
The morning and evening boat trips offer cyclists a great opportunity to explore northwest Mayo by creating a loop between Achill and Erris via Blacksod, Achill Sound, Ballycroy and Belmullet.
Every Monday, from July 10, Geraghty Charters will begin scenic tours around Achill Island. This boat trip departs Blacksod at 10.30 a.m. and Doogort at 11 a.m., offering a very different perspective of the island, with views from the Atlantic of Saddle Head, Slievemore, Achill Head, Keem Bay and the Minaun Cliffs before arriving at Purteen Harbour. From there, a bus will transport you back to your car at Doogort.
Geraghty Charters are available for boat trips seven days a week, whether you go dolphin-spotting, island-hopping (Achill, Inis Gé or Inis Gluaire) or sea-angling in the Atlantic. The Erris region boasts over 40 species of fish and a huge choice of waters, from sheltered coves to the open ocean.
All boat trips are subject to weather conditions. The cost of each boat trip varies depending on your origin, your destination and whether it’s one-way or return. Extra costs include bicycle hire, pony and trap trips, and local guides. To book or to find out more information, contact Geraghty Charters at (097) 85741 or (086) 2695851, or email info@bruchlannlir.com.