Valley: Coastal Landscape and Village History

In Valley, coastal landscapes and traces of earlier settlement come together in a single stay. Nearby lies the coastal location of The Valley, which is largely characterised by machair. This coastal grassland grows on sandy ground and reaches the shoreline. Pebble, sandy and shingle beaches alternate there with exposed bedrock and shifting dunes. The landscape thus showcases different coastal forms in a small area, rather than offering just one type of beach.

Machair and nature in the area

The Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC borders the village of Valley. Along the Valley Walk, species found in machair and sandbank areas include hares, jackdaws and whooper swans. These species are among the wildlife you may spot along the way; however, sightings are not guaranteed and may vary by season. Those interested in the landscape can look out for wildlife in the machair and sandbank areas as well as taking in the open coastal scenery.

The Valley Walk: Coast and views

The Valley Walk, Slí Tóin an tSean Bhaile, is an 8 km return route across coastal terrain. It has no hills or significant climbs. The starting point is at Golden Strand Car Park in nearby Dugort; parking arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to check them before setting off. The route continues to Ridge Point, where it offers open views across Blacksod Bay and the islands off the Mullet Peninsula. From the Valley Walk, you can also see Slievemore above the Atlantic. The length, coastal terrain and various viewpoints offer different considerations when planning your outing. As trail conditions can change, check the latest conditions before your walk.

Traces of the former village

The Valley Walk passes the site of the former village of The Valley, Tóin an tSean Bhaile. Remains of stone houses can be seen there. At Caraun Point, there is a Cillín, a historic children’s burial ground. These places add tangible traces of settlement to the landscape. According to local tradition, the name Tóin an tSeanbhaile is connected with the sea eroding the land, which meant that the houses were built farther from the sea.

Valley House and choosing accommodation

The historic Valley House is in The Valley, near Dugort in the northeast of Achill Island. It is a hostel, bar and restaurant; check its current facilities before your trip. Valley House also offers language courses, and you should confirm their current availability. The house also has a woodland fairy trail; check whether it is open before visiting. These offerings provide another possible focus for your stay alongside the coastal walk.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Valley, you could start by asking what you want to focus on during your trip: the coastal walk and its landscape, the historical traces along the route, or the offerings at Valley House. These different themes can help you organise your priorities for your stay, without tying your accommodation choice to specific features.

Discover more destinations: Doohooma, Claremorris, Claggan, Cornaroya, Finny, Bellagarvaun, Crossmolina, Ballyglass.

For the main travel overview: County Mayo.