Achill (island)

Achill is a crescent-shaped island adjacent to the west coast of Eire, in some places as little as 230 yards from the mainland. The island is about 15 mi. long, with an average width of 4 mi. and an area of 57 sq.m. Achill Head, 2,192 ft., is a promontory in the southwest.

The hereditary chieftains of the island are the Clan O'Malley, who have dwelt here since the 9th century, after successfully repelling an attack by Vikings. In the 16th century, the clan came under the control of Grainne "Grace" O'Malley, who became famous as a pirate queen and an Irish folk hero. In the present era, the O'Malleys have acted as mercenaries in wars throughout Eire.

The island, covered for the most part with heather, has poor soil and barely enables a subsistence living for the inhabitants. The village of Achill Sound, pop. 133, faces the mainland. The only goods produced on the island are oats and potatoes. The island has a population of 1,230.