Pure Magic Lodge

I paid €270 for two nights at Pure Magic Achill Island, choosing it because of the positive online reviews and clean looking photos. It turned out to be the worst accommodation experience I’ve had. On arrival, I was shocked by the state of the room: hair was all over the bed, and the linen clearly hadn’t been changed. I complained and was offered another room with a double bed, a single bed, and bunk beds for the two of us. It was even worse, smelling like an old college hostel, with a tiny bathroom roughly partitioned with hardboard. I asked for a refund so I could find somewhere else, but they refused, leaving me no choice but to stay in the first room. The shower didn’t drain properly, the toilet wobbled when I sat on it, and a towel was jammed into the sink. The whole building was old, dirty, and poorly maintained. A total nightmare, not worth the money, and I don’t recommend it at all.

The food is a big part of why I keep returning to Pure Magic. I especially like the lasagne special, the warming seafood chowder, and the decadent white chocolate crème brûlée. Breakfast is just as good, from perfectly poached eggs to a nice mix of healthy bites and hearty treats. Keel Beach is a short cycle or drive away for a morning dip in the Atlantic. You can also walk from the property to an impressive megalithic site and the Deserted Famine Village, with hikes that aren’t too strenuous. Set at the foot of Slievemore Mountain, it’s a peaceful place for a quiet break, and the staff are friendly, helpful, and easy-going. I’ve stayed many times and it never disappoints. I can’t recommend it enough.

The evening meal was excellent and the service very good, but brunch wasn’t as positive. The morning menu felt overpriced, and the food was below standard.

We had a great atmosphere in the lodge and ate at the restaurant both nights. The food was great, especially the pizzas, and they have a wide choice of beer and wine, though there’s no bar licence. The location is excellent, with stunning views, about 3 kilometers from Keel. Rooms are basic but spotlessly clean. Service was fabulous, too. One small niggle was a very lumpy pillow, but I grabbed one from another bed in the room and that was perfect.