Achill Island: Ireland's Untamed Beauty

• HelloDia dhuit
  [dee-uh gwitch]
• GoodbyeSlán
  [slawn]
• YesTá
  [taw]
• NoNíl
  [neel]
• Please/You're welcomeLe do thoil
  [leh duh hull]
• Thank youGo raibh maith agat
  [guh rev mah agut]
• Excuse me/SorryTá brón orm
  [taw brohn orum]
• How are you?Conas atá tú?
  [kun-us ah-taw too]
• Fine. And you?Tá mé go maith. Agus tú?
  [taw may guh mah. ah-gus too]
• Do you speak English?An labhraíonn tú Béarla?
  [ahn law-vree-un too bayr-lah]
• I don't understandNí thuigim
  [nee hug-im]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBa mhaith liom an bhialann a fheiceáil, le do thoil
  [bah wyh lum un vee-lawn ah eck-ah-leh, leh duh hull]
• I don't eat meatNí itheann mé feoil
  [nee ih-han may foh-il]
• Cheers!Sláinte!
  [slawn-cheh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseBa mhaith liom íoc, le do thoil
  [bah wyh lum ee-uck, leh duh hull]

• Help!Cabhair!
  [cah-wir]
• Go away!Imigh uaim!
  [ih-mee iv-im]
• Call the Police!Glan an Gharda Síochána!
  [glan ahn gard-ah shee-uh-khawn-ah]
• Call a doctor!Glan dochtúir!
  [glan duck-too-ir]
• I'm lostTá mé caillte
  [taw may kahl-cheh]
• I'm illTá mé tinn
  [taw may chin]

• I'd like to buy...Ba mhaith liom ceannach...
  [bah wyh lum kyah-nukh]
• I'm just lookingNíl mé ach ag féachaint
  [neel may ahk egg fay-khent]
• How much is it?Cé mhéad atá air?
  [kay vayd ah-taw er]
• That's too expensiveTá sé sin ró-dháiríre
  [taw shay shin roh-gaw-reh]
• Can you lower the price?An féidir leat an praghas a ísliú?
  [ahn fay-dur lat ahn prah-gus ah eesh-loo]

• What time is it?Cén t-am é?
  [kayn t-ahm ay]
• It's one o'clockTá sé a haon a chlog
  [taw shay ah hayn ah khlog]
• Half past (10)Leathuair tar éis a deich
  [lah-hwer tah-ir aysh ah deh]
• MorningMaidin
  [mah-din]
• AfternoonTráthnóna
  [traw-noh-nah]
• EveningTráthnóna
  [traw-noh-nah]
• YesterdayInné
  [in-ay]
• TodayInniu
  [in-yoo]
• TomorrowAmárach
  [ah-maw-rahk]
• 1A haon
  [ah hayn]
• 2A dó
  [ah doh]
• 3A trí
  [ah tree]
• 4A ceathair
  [ah kyah-hir]
• 5A cúig
  [ah koo-ig]
• 6A sé
  [ah shay]
• 7A seacht
  [ah shakht]
• 8A hocht
  [ah hukht]
• 9A naoi
  [ah knee]
• 10A deich
  [ah deh]

• Where's a/the...?Cá bhfuil a...
  [kaw wil ah]
• What's the address?Cén seoladh atá ann?
  [kayn shawl-ah ah-taw on]
• Can you show me (on the map)?An féidir leat é a thaispeáint (ar an léarscáil)?
  [ahn fay-dur lat ay ah hish-paynt (air on layr-skawl)]
• When's the next (bus)?Cén uair an bhus seo?
  [kayn oo-ir on vus shuh]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticead (go dtí ....)
  [tick-ad (guh dee)]

Achill Island boasts evidence of human habitation dating back to Neolithic times. The island is dotted with ancient ruins, including megalithic tombs and standing stones. Slievemore, a prominent mountain, is home to a deserted village with remains of stone cottages, offering a glimpse into the island’s ancient past.

Christianity found its way to Achill Island around the 5th century AD. The island features several early Christian sites, including the ruins of Kildavnet Church and its round tower. These historic structures provide insight into the island's religious heritage and the spread of Christianity across Ireland.

The Great Famine of the mid-19th century had a profound effect on Achill Island. The population suffered immensely, and many were forced to emigrate. The Deserted Village at Slievemore stands as a haunting reminder of this period, with its abandoned stone cottages and poignant atmosphere.

In the 1830s, the Protestant Achill Mission Colony was established by Reverend Edward Nangle. This mission aimed to provide education and religious instruction to the islanders. The colony's influence led to the construction of schools, churches, and other infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy on the island.

In 1937, a tragic fire in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, claimed the lives of ten young men from Achill Island who were working there as seasonal laborers. This event had a deep impact on the island community, highlighting the harsh realities faced by many islanders who sought work abroad.

The 20th century saw the rise of tourism as a significant industry on Achill Island. The island’s stunning landscapes, including Keem Bay, Keel Beach, and the dramatic Atlantic Drive, have attracted visitors from around the world. This influx of tourists has helped to preserve the island’s cultural heritage while providing economic benefits to the local community.

Achill Island has a rich tradition of music, dance, and the arts. Traditional Irish music sessions can be found in local pubs, and the island hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year. The Achill International Harp Festival, for example, celebrates the island’s musical heritage and attracts performers and enthusiasts from far and wide.

Achill Island is located off the west coast of Ireland in County Mayo. The closest international airport is Ireland West Airport Knock, about 100 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Westport, and then continue to Achill Island either by bus or car. Alternatively, you can fly into Dublin Airport and take a train or bus to Westport, followed by a local bus to Achill.

Achill Island is best explored by car, as public transport options are limited. Car rentals are available at Ireland West Airport Knock and in major cities like Dublin and Galway. There are local buses that connect the main villages on the island, but these services may be infrequent. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around, with several rental options available. Walking is ideal for exploring the more scenic and remote parts of the island.

The official currency in Ireland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted on Achill Island, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments, local markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available in the larger villages like Keel and Achill Sound. Ensure you have sufficient cash before venturing to more remote parts of the island.

Achill Island is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should still be taken. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and tourist spots. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. While the island is very safe, the weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before heading out, particularly if you plan to hike or engage in outdoor activities.

In case of emergency, dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance. The island has a local medical center located in Achill Sound, and a more comprehensive hospital is available in Castlebar, about an hour's drive from the island. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the main villages where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and be prepared for all types of weather. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially in local villages. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting churches and religious sites. Remove your hat and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be patient as services may be infrequent. Don't rely on public transport for all your travel needs. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Dia dhuit' (Irish for 'Hello'). Shaking hands is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and traditional Irish dishes. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Achill Island like a local, visit the local pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish music and storytelling. Engage with residents, who are often friendly and eager to share their knowledge of the island's history and culture. Don't miss out on the stunning Atlantic Drive, which offers breathtaking coastal views. For a unique experience, attend one of the local festivals or events, such as the Achill Seafood Festival or the Achill Island Half Marathon.