Valley – Coastal Landscape, Local History and the Valley Walk

Those interested in coastal landscapes and local history will find different perspectives in Valley: the coastal machair site and traces of the former village along the Valley Walk. The landscape, local traditions and route each give the trip its own focus.

Machair and Coastal Landscape

The coastal site of The Valley lies near the village. It consists largely of machair, coastal grassland on sandy soil that extends to the shoreline. The landscape described also includes a shingle beach, sandy beach, pebble beach, exposed bedrock and mobile dunes. The area therefore includes more than one type of beach.

The Doogort Machair/Lough Doo SAC adjoins the village of Valley. The Valley Walk itself runs through an SAC/SPA area. If you are planning activities in areas sensitive to nature conservation, check the latest official guidance on the protected areas beforehand.

Hares, jackdaws and whooper swans are among the animals found in the machair and sandbank areas along the Valley Walk. These examples represent different animal species in this landscape, but seasonal sightings are not guaranteed. If you are interested in wildlife watching, you can enjoy the landscape and its wildlife as part of the walk without expecting to see any particular species.

The Valley Walk

The Valley Walk, Slí Tóin an tSean Bhaile, is an 8 km out-and-back route over coastal terrain. It has no hills or significant climbs. The distance given is for the entire walk there and back. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out. The starting point is the Golden Strand Car Park in Dugort; parking conditions can also change.

Along the way, the route passes the site of the former village of The Valley, Tóin an tSeanbhaile. Remains of stone houses can be seen there. There is also a cillín, a historic children's burial ground, at Caraun Point on the Valley Walk. These stops bring local history to life in different ways: through the remains of the houses and through a place of remembrance.

The trail continues to Ridge Point. From there, open views extend across Blacksod Bay and to the islands off the Mullet Peninsula. The Valley Walk also offers views of Slievemore above the Atlantic. For planning purposes, the route combines a clear time and distance with coastal terrain, historic traces and several viewpoints.

Local Tradition and Valley House

According to local tradition, the name Tóin an tSeanbhaile is connected with the sea eroding the land, which led to the houses being built farther from the sea. This explanation remains a traditional interpretation. It gives the former village site, where the stone-house remains are located, its own historical connection to the coast.

The historic Valley House is in The Valley, near Dugort in the northeast of Achill Island. It is a hostel, bar and restaurant; check the facilities before your trip. Valley House also has a woodland fairy trail. Check before visiting whether the trail is open. Valley House also offers language courses; enquire in advance about current course availability. You can therefore consider the options separately: accommodation and dining, a walking trail and courses.

Discover more destinations: Mallaranny, Swinford, Toormakeady, Killala, Neale, Glencorrib, The Quay, Doohooma

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.