Achill Island is Ireland's largest island and one of Europe's most spectacular sea angling destinations — a wild, mountainous landmass off the Mayo coast where towering sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and rock-strewn headlands create a fishing ground of extraordinary diversity. No fewer than 34 species have been caught in Achill's waters, and the island holds two Irish shark records that have stood for decades.
Connected to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound, the island's coastline offers everything a shore angler could dream of — exposed Atlantic rock marks, sheltered harbours, sweeping sandy strands, and deep water close to shore beneath the Meenaun Cliffs. Add to this a fleet of charter boats equipped for offshore trips to the reefs and rock pinnacles, and Achill provides sea angling at every level from family mackerel fishing to big-game shark and tuna.
The island's western tip, around Keem Bay and Moyteoge Point, is where the Atlantic strikes with full force. Keem Bay's stunning strand yields coalfish, dogfish, flounder, turbot, and ray for the beach angler, while the rock marks at Moyteoge offer pollack and mackerel for those willing to make the walk over heather and rock. Basking shark can be seen cruising past in early summer — a reminder that these waters attract the ocean's largest visitors.
Keel Strand, on the south side of the island, is one of the most dramatic beach fishing locations in Ireland. Bordered to the north by deep water beneath the Meenaun Cliffs, the strand produces dab, flounder, ray, sea trout, and turbot. The pier at Purteen Harbour is good for mullet and produced a specimen conger in the 1980s. Dugort, on the north side, has an old pier and beach that yield dab, flounder, and ray in autumn.
Offshore, the charter boats work the Bills Rocks, Achill Head, Dysaghy Rocks, and Saddle Head — reefs and pinnacles that hold huge pollack, coalfish, ling, and wrasse, with shark and even bluefin tuna available to the big-game angler. The Irish record porbeagle shark of 365lb was caught off Achill in 1932, and the record blue shark of 206lb was taken here in 1959. These records speak to the exceptional quality of the offshore fishing.
Achill is part of the Wild Atlantic Way and its dramatic scenery — from the Deserted Village to the Atlantic Drive — makes it a destination that rewards far beyond the fishing. The island has accommodation ranging from cosy B&Bs to self-catering cottages, and the local communities are welcoming to visiting anglers.
Species present
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Pollack
Pollack are the bread-and-butter species for both shore and boat anglers on Achill. Shore marks around the rocky headlands produce fish to 4-5lb on spinning gear, while the offshore reefs and pinnacles hold much larger fish. A 12lb specimen has been recorded from Achill waters. Spinning with artificial eels, feathering with lures, or using live sandeel are all effective methods.
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Mackerel
Mackerel are abundant around Achill from May to October and provide exciting sport on light spinning tackle from piers, rocks, and beaches. They are also easily caught by feathering from boats. Mackerel fishing is perfect for beginners and families, and the fish make excellent bait for larger species.
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Blue Shark
Achill holds the Irish record for blue shark (206lb, caught in 1959) and the waters continue to produce specimen fish. The shark season runs from June to October, with charter boats chumming in the deep water off the island. Warm summers bring the best fishing.
Also present: Turbot, Coalfish, Wrasse, Conger Eel, Ray
Shark: June, July, August, September
Turbot: July, August
Mackerel: June, July, August, September
Beach Fishing: July, August, September, October
Pollack Shore: May, June, July, August, September
Difficulty
Beginner friendly
Access & bases
Achill Island is reached via the R319 from Westport/Mulranny, crossing the Michael Davitt Bridge at Achill Sound. The island has a good road network connecting the main fishing marks. Shore fishing marks range from easily accessible (Keel Strand, Dugort Pier, Purteen Harbour) to requiring a walk over rough ground (Moyteoge Point). Charter boats depart from Dugort Pier and other points around the island. Parking is available at all main fishing locations. Tackle and bait available from local shops on the island.
Signature features
Two Irish Shark Records
Achill holds both the Irish porbeagle shark record (365lb, caught in 1932 at Keem Bay) and the Irish blue shark record (206lb, caught in 1959). These records have stood for decades and testify to the exceptional quality of the offshore fishing.
34 Species Diversity
No fewer than 34 species of fish have been recorded from Achill's waters — an extraordinary diversity that reflects the island's position where the warm Gulf Stream meets the Atlantic, creating habitats that support everything from tropical visitors to deep-water species.
Keem Bay
Often described as one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, Keem Bay on the western tip of Achill is also a superb fishing mark. The crystal-clear water holds coalfish, flounder, turbot, and ray, and basking shark are regularly seen from the cliffs above.
Wild Atlantic Way
Achill sits on the Wild Atlantic Way and the island's landscapes — from the Deserted Village to the Atlantic Drive — make it a destination that rewards far beyond the fishing. Sea cliffs, empty beaches, and mountain views provide an unforgettable backdrop.
Season by season
January – March
Winter fishing is limited by weather but can produce cod, whiting, and coalfish from shore marks, particularly after dark. Flatfish are present on the beaches year-round.
April – May
The season warms up as pollack and wrasse become active around the rocks. Mackerel start to arrive by late May. Shore fishing improves rapidly. Charter boats begin operating.
June – August
Peak season on Achill. Mackerel are everywhere. Pollack fishing is at its best on both shore and boat. Blue shark are present offshore. Turbot appear on the beaches. Basking shark are seen in the bays. This is the busiest period for charter boats and the best time for family fishing.
September – October
Autumn brings some of the best fishing of the year. Ray fishing improves on the beaches. Cod start to appear. Pollack remain active. Shark fishing continues into October in warm years. The crowds thin out but the fishing stays strong.
November – December
Winter sets in but shore fishing after dark can produce cod, whiting, coalfish, and flounder. Dab and flatfish remain on the beaches. Weather determines what is possible.
Best conditions
Based on 0 reports, these conditions consistently produce the best fishing on Achill Island:
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Light to moderate; sheltered side of island in strong winds
Best wind
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Any — sea fishing is less weather-dependent than freshwater
Best sky
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Seasonal
Water temp
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Dawn and dusk for shore; full day for charter boats
Best window
Seasonal fly & tactics guide
Shore Spinning (April – October)
Patterns
Dexter wedgeSavage Gear sandeelTobyMepps
Spinning from rocky headlands and piers is the most productive shore method on Achill. Use a 9-10ft spinning rod with 15-20lb braid. Cast metal lures or soft plastics along rocky edges, over kelp beds, and into gullies. Work the lure through mid-water for pollack and near the surface for mackerel. High water on the flood gives the best results.
⚠️Common mistake: Casting too far. Pollack and mackerel are often feeding close in, right under the rocks. Work the water near your feet first, then extend your range.
Beach Fishing (Year-round)
Patterns
LugwormMackerel stripSandeelCrab
Keel Strand and Keem Bay are the main beach marks. Use a beachcaster with clipped-down rigs for distance in calm conditions, or a simple running leger in the surf. Lugworm is the all-round bait — tip with mackerel strip for extra attraction. Fish the last two hours of the flood for flatfish and ray. Turbot prefer clean sand over low-water gullies.
⚠️Common mistake: Using only one bait. Vary your baits — cocktails of lugworm and mackerel strip often outfish single baits.
Charter Boat (May – October)
Patterns
Live sandeelPirksHokkai rigsWhole mackerel
Charter boats work the offshore reefs and pinnacles for pollack, cod, ling, and coalfish. The skipper will position the boat over the marks and anglers drop rigs or lures to the bottom. For shark, the boat anchors in deep water and chums with rubby dubby. Follow the skipper's instructions on method and tackle.
⚠️Common mistake: Not listening to the skipper. They know these waters intimately and their advice on bait, rig, and technique is the difference between a good day and a blank.
Core technique
Rock Fishing on Achill
1Choose your mark based on wind direction and swell — the sheltered side of the island will fish better in most conditions.
2Wear good footwear with grip — Achill's rocks are exposed to Atlantic spray and can be treacherous.
3Set up a spinning rod (9-10ft, 15-20lb braid) with a selection of metal lures and soft plastics.
4Fish into rock gullies, alongside kelp beds, and over submerged reefs. Work the lure at varying depths.
5Keep an eye on the tide — rising water brings fish closer to shore but also increases the risk of being cut off on rock platforms.
💡 Safety is paramount on Achill's exposed rock marks. Never fish alone, always watch for rogue waves, and check tide times before setting out.
What works here
Flies and methods reported most successful by the community.
Where to fish
Keem Bay
The iconic beach at the western tip of Achill. Crystal-clear water over sand produces coalfish, flounder, turbot, dogfish, and ray. Basking shark are regularly seen in early summer. Easily reached by road. One of Ireland's most beautiful fishing marks.
Moyteoge Point
Exposed Atlantic rock mark requiring a walk over heather and rough ground. Rewards the effort with excellent pollack and mackerel spinning. The headland offers deep water close to shore.
Keel Strand
A magnificent beach bordered by the Meenaun Cliffs to the north. Deep water close to shore creates productive beach fishing for dab, flounder, ray, turbot, and sea trout. The 14lb sea trout caught here in 1973 held the Irish record for a decade.
Purteen Harbour
A small sheltered harbour good for mullet (after ground-baiting), mackerel, and pier fishing. Produced a specimen conger eel. Accessible and suitable for all abilities.
Dugort
On the north side of the island, Dugort has an old pier and beach. Yields dab, flounder, and ray in autumn. The pier offers spinning for mackerel and pollack. Charter boats depart from here.
Darby's Point
Close to the mainland at the southern tip of Achill. The pier is good for spinning for mackerel and pollack, with bottom fishing for flounder. Lugworm can be dug in a backwater to the west of the point.
Offshore — Bills Rocks & Achill Head
The offshore reefs and rock pinnacles including the Bills Rocks, Achill Head, Dysaghy Rocks, and Saddle Head are reached by charter boat. These marks hold huge pollack, coalfish, ling, and wrasse, with shark over the deeper ground.
Suggested trip formats
🎣 Family Fishing Day
A relaxed day fishing from Purteen Harbour or Dugort pier for mackerel and flatfish. No experience needed, minimal tackle required. Perfect for children and beginners.
🎣 Shore Fishing Explorer
Spend several days working your way around Achill's diverse shore marks — from Keem Bay beach to Moyteoge Point rocks to Keel Strand. A spinning rod and some bottom tackle covers all bases.
🎣 Charter Boat Day
A full day with a local charter skipper working the offshore reefs for pollack, ling, and coalfish, or targeting shark over deeper ground. All tackle provided.
🎣 Wild Atlantic Way Angling Break
Combine fishing with exploring Achill's landscapes, the Deserted Village, the Atlantic Drive, and the pubs of Keel and Dooagh. A week on Achill covers fishing, scenery, and culture.
Conservation & stewardship
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Catch and release is strongly encouraged for all sharks, skate, and large specimens. Bass have specific minimum size (40cm) and bag limits (2 per day). Handle fish with care and return them promptly. The marine environment around Achill is ecologically sensitive — take all litter home, respect wildlife, and leave no trace. Report any unusual catches or environmental concerns to IFI.
Main access: Tackle and bait available from local shops on the island. Westport has a wider selection of tackle shops for specialist requirements., Achill has a good range of accommodation including B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering cottages in Keel, Dooagh, Dugort, and Achill Sound., Several charter boats operate from Achill and the surrounding area including Geraghty Charters (departing Dugort) and Clew Bay Charters (Newport). Booking essential, especially in summer.
