Everyone knows the wonderful setting of Achill Island with its stunning beaches and mountainous views, but now there are more reasons to visit Ireland’s largest island. The Achill Experience features Mayo’s first aquarium, including local indigenous species that can be found in the waters off Achill island, like the spotted cat shark. There are two themed salt water tanks and an open touch tank that allows the visitor to fully engage with the local sea life.
One of the tanks includes tropical fish, including Nemo, if you can find him. The Achill Experience includes a rebuilt deserted village boley house common to Achill throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors can step back in time to the Famine era and understand exactly what life was like in those times. The parish of Achill has so much to offer, with many places to visit and rich local heritage, that is why the Achill Local Development Company (CFÁA ) has created an offline tourist tablet. The tablet allows the user to receive a personal tour of Achill and everything it has to offer.
On Monday last the business community of Achill were invited to a sneak preview of what the public will experience when the doors officially open. Terence Dever, CEO of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla (CFÁA ) who was MC for the launch and a driving force behind the development of the Achill Experience, said, “CFÁA have a remit of development in the parish of Achill and the creation of the Achill Experience, Mayo’s first aquarium and Achill’s first visitor centre is something we are proud to deliver. This has been achieved with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, the Achill community and the Achill Diaspora in Cleveland. This is phase one of what we hope to be a bigger development and a very positive step for tourism in Achill.”
Michael Holmes, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council said he was delighted to be present on such an historic occasion. He gave a special mention to the "trojan work" of the board and the staff of CFÁA. He added, ”The Achill Experience is a fantastic initiative in that it gives visitors to Achill something unique and different.” The Achill Experience is open from today, April 15, and can be found in the Achill Local Development Company (CFAA ) building in Crumpaun, Keel, Achill, Co Mayo. Bookings can be made on (098 ) 43292 or by contacting [email protected].
