Achillbeg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Achillbeg

Native name: Acaill Bheag
Achillbeg's lighthouse
Achillbeg Location in island of Ireland
Geography
Location	Atlantic Ocean
Coordinates	53°51′N 9°57′W / 53.850°N 9.950°W / 53.850; -9.950
Administration
Ireland
Province	Connacht
County	Mayo
Demographics
Population	1

Mayo islands

Acaill Bheag (Achillbeg) is a small island in County Mayo, Ireland. It is located just off the southern tip of Achill Island.

What's in a Name?

The name Acaill Bheag means "Little Achill." This name makes sense because it's a small island right next to the much larger Achill Island.

Island History

Acaill Bheag was home to people for over 3,000 years. However, in 1965, everyone living there had to move. They were settled on the main Achill Island and the nearby mainland.

The main village on Acaill Bheag was in the middle of the island. It was surrounded by two hills, one to the north and one to the south. Today, there are only a few holiday homes on the island. These homes are usually empty for most of the year.

You can get to the island from a place called Cé Mhór. This is in the village of An Chloich Mhór (Cloghmore). You need to arrange a local boat trip to visit.

A lighthouse was built on the southern tip of Acaill Bheag. It was finished in 1965, the same year people moved off the island.

Books About the Island

Many people find Acaill Bheag interesting. A book called "Achillbeg - The Life of an Island" was published in 2005. It was written by Jonathan Beaumont. This book tells all about the island's history and the lives of its people.

Another artist, Pete Hogan, lived on the island in 1983. He wrote a book about his time there called The Artist on the Island: An Achill Journal. It came out in 2013.

Island Population Changes

The number of people living on Achillbeg changed a lot over the years. The island used to have many residents. However, the population slowly decreased over time. By 1966, there were no permanent residents left.