The daily commute, your 9-5, emails, social media notifications, phone calls, TV, checking your bank balance, keeping up with friends — simply trying to live your life can be exhausting these days.
That's why every once in a while you need to get away from all that noise and take a minute to catch your breath.
Everyone's different and we all have different ways of recharging our batteries, so you need to determine what works for you. Do you need a sun holiday? How about a city break? Or is it a quiet getaway somewhere with minimal distractions that your brain really needs?
Today, we're talking about the latter, and an island off the coast of Mayo fits the bill of that easily accessible oasis of tranquillity. Well-known writers like Graham Greene, J.M. Synge and Heinrich Böll are known to have visited the island as a restorative holiday for their busy minds.
Here are just a few of the benefits of a stay on Achill Island
A feeling of being removed from the rush of everyday life
Less than 3,000 people live here, so you'll experience a wonderful sense of space.
Some of the most beautiful natural sights in Ireland
With its craggy coast, Blue Flag beaches and the lowest corrie lake in the country, the island is a veritable feast for the eyes.
The warm sense of community puts you at ease
It seems a less hectic pace of life makes for a more hospitable population.
The sound of crashing waves and that salty sea breeze smell is invigorating
Sea air has long been held as beneficial to one's health and in recent years research has proven that "blue space" — ponds, lakes, rivers and the sea — have measurable benefits for one's mental and physical wellbeing. So trust the scientists on this one.
Hiking will take you to breathtaking scenes like this
If this doesn't allow you to live in the moment, nothing will.
Will Achill Island be your next escape?
If so, maybe you'd like to visit on one of the busiest nights of the year — New Year's Eve. You can avoid the same old hustle and bustle of the city by ringing in 2018 at Smithwick’s 10° West.
The first round of tickets to the festival have already sold out due to huge demand, but more are set to be released at midday on December 4 HERE.
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