Achill named one of 'Five Best Places to Holiday in Ireland'

Achill has been named as one of the ‘Five Best Places to Holiday in Ireland’ and is now in with a chance to win the overall title of ‘The Best Place to Holiday in Ireland 2022’.

The other four finalists hoping to win that crown are Carlingford in Louth, Inisbofin in Co. Galway, The Burren in Co. Clare and The Causeway Coast, Portrush, Co. Antrim.

Achill is described as stunning and elemental, with huge skies, and uninterrupted views of the sea and mountains, the landscape is the star in Achill.

The main attractions on the island are outdoors with a wealth of beaches, mountains, lakes and adventure activities.

Some of its outstanding features are the “beach at the end of the world” that is Keem Blue Flag strand, plus Keel and Dooagh, both of which offer good surfing.

A wonderful and affordable place to holiday with a family.

The Irish Times ‘Best Place to Holiday in Ireland 2022’ competition, which is in association with Fáilte Ireland, began in early May when members of the public were invited to nominate their favourite holiday destination on the island of Ireland.

Over the course of the summer, close to 1,200 members of the public nominated hundreds of locations in every county in Ireland for the title of ‘Best Place to Holiday in Ireland 2022’.

Two weeks ago, the long list of ‘Best 20 Places to Holiday in Ireland’ was published and this has now been reduced to five.

Mayo was one of just four counties to have two locations on that list – Achill and Westport.

The overall winner will be named over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The chair of the judging panel, Conor Goodman from The Irish Times, said selecting the five finalists from the long list had been extremely difficult.

“The competition has really highlighted the natural beauty, excellent quality, and the sheer variety of our holiday locations, as is clear from our five finalists. It has also generated debate about the different types of visitor experience which are available here and highlighted important issues such as sustainability, accessibility and attractability.”

“At a time when inflation is at record levels, cost and value have to be key considerations for anyone planning a holiday in Ireland, as they were for the judges in this competition,” he stated.