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Slievemore Deserted Village: A Haunting Echo of Ireland's Past

Explore the haunting ruins of a once-thriving village nestled on Achill Island's Slievemore Mountain, offering a glimpse into Ireland's rural past.

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Nestled on the southern slope of Slievemore Mountain on Achill Island, the Deserted Village is a poignant reminder of rural Irish life. The site features the remains of nearly 100 stone cottages, offering a glimpse into a community that thrived for centuries before its abandonment in the 20th century.

A brief summary to Slievemore Deserted Village

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain is uneven.
  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and for better lighting.
  • Check the weather forecast, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Consider exploring other nearby attractions on Achill Island.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Keel village, follow the R319 towards Dugort. Look for signs directing you to the Slievemore Deserted Village and turn onto the local road leading to the site. Limited free parking is available near Slievemore Cemetery, a short walk from the village. Arrive early during peak season to secure a space.

  • Walking

    From Dugort, it is approximately a 3 kilometer walk to Slievemore Deserted Village, which will take about 40 minutes. Head towards the R319 road and follow it towards Keel, then look for the signs directing you to the village. Be cautious of traffic along the road.

  • Public Transport

    Check local bus routes from your location to Keel village. From Keel, hire a taxi or arrange a local shuttle service to reach Slievemore Deserted Village, as public transport options may be limited. A taxi from Keel to Slievemore will cost approximately €10-€15.

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Discover more about Slievemore Deserted Village

The Deserted Village at Slievemore is a captivating historical site located on Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland. Situated on the southern slope of Slievemore Mountain, the village consists of the ruins of almost 100 traditional stone cottages. These cottages, aligned along an ancient pathway, stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Archaeological investigations suggest that the area has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, with settlement dating back to the Anglo-Norman period. The village's most recent inhabitants used the cottages for 'booleying,' a practice of seasonal transhumance where families would reside in the village during the summer months to graze cattle on the mountainside before returning to their winter homes in villages like Pollagh and Dooagh. Achill is considered one of the last places in Europe to maintain this tradition. The village was largely abandoned by the early 20th century. Today, visitors can wander through the roofless stone structures, exploring the remnants of a once-thriving community. The surrounding fields still bear the marks of 'lazy beds,' a traditional method of potato cultivation. The Deserted Village offers a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance, sheltered by the mountain and seemingly hidden from the modern world.

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