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Read how Anna Sutcliffe transformed her life from a fast-paced career in fashion buying to slow island living …
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Oscar Wilde once said, “Any place you love is the world to you” and I wholeheartedly believe that Achill Island is my world. My family has been visiting Achill for as long as I can remember, with many of my happiest memories tied to its beautiful shores. Two years ago, I decided to make this breathtaking island home and I’ve never looked back.
I was born and raised in Dublin, and while I still enjoy my trips to the ‘big smoke’ as it’s affectionately known on the west coast, in my heart there’s nothing that compares to crossing the bridge at the Sound and winding along the R319 towards Keel – what I now call home.
Growing up, I never imagined that living on an island off the coast of Ireland would be part of my story. While I always dreamed of spending more time outdoors and constantly romanticised the idea of island living, I was also deeply drawn to the vibrancy of cities like London, Paris and Milan. As a creative person, I believed that a city was the only place where I could truly pursue my ambitions. I moved forward with this mindset, earning my Master’s degree in Fashion Buying and Business Management at TUD, and began my career in the fast-paced world of fashion.
I joined Dunnes Stores in Dublin, where I worked on the sportswear buying team and even had the opportunity to collaborate on the first Helen Steel collection. From there, I transitioned to ladieswear and eventually moved to Amsterdam before returning to Dublin to work on Primark’s skincare buying team. The role was exciting, including travel and working closely with an amazing team on product launches. Yet, as exhilarating as the work was the pressure to hit targets took its toll. The demanding pace often felt overwhelming.
“When the pandemic hit, Achill was my first choice of location to work from home. I realised that a change of scenery wasn’t just a luxury, it was necessary for my wellbeing.”
The transition wasn’t immediate, but as time went on I found myself dreading the return to Dublin. The peace and beauty of the island made it easier to reconnect with my sense of self. What I once thought of as a temporary escape became a permanent and grounding shift in my life.
Living on Achill Island feels like I’ve discovered something I didn’t even know I was searching for. The quiet and breathtaking landscapes create the perfect backdrop for creativity, reflection and balance – things that often got lost in the hustle and bustle. After moving here, I launched my own business, House of Achill, and it has flourished in ways I never imagined. The island itself has been a constant source of inspiration, helping me create products that feel truly connected to this place.
Though I still appreciate the energy and excitement of city life, there’s something uniquely fulfilling about waking up to the sound of waves crashing and the sight of an endless sky. Achill isn’t just a place to live, it’s a place that nourishes my soul, where I truly feel at home. I’m spoiled for choice with so many beautiful hikes and walks to choose from. I’ve also embraced sea swimming, an activity that’s become a highlight of my routine. I’ve also started training for the Achill Half Marathon, which is something I never thought I’d do before moving here!
Every morning, I walk my dog on the beach and we’re always greeted with a new view. The weather is unpredictable, so it took some time to get used to being caught in unexpected storms, but I’ve since learned to embrace it. It’s moments like these that really show the strength of the community on the island – people truly help one another. I’m often asked if I ever feel lonely, but I’m lucky to have a great group of friends and to be part of the Cumasú Fás programme, which connects me with other female entrepreneurs. It’s a wonderful way to stay engaged with like-minded people. This year, fibre broadband is coming to Achill, which will make staying connected easier. Whenever I need a change of scenery, I can work from the GTeic hub in the Sound. That usually turns into a trip to the library and Aleph Café, which I really enjoy.
“I’ve been told that eventually I’ll tire of it, but I don’t think I ever will. The ever-changing scenery never fails to take your breath away.”
I also make time to catch up with our Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga as I help organise fun events in Irish. Being in a Gaeltacht region has really allowed me to embrace the language more and I’m so grateful for that. Activities like painting, hiking and cooking bring people together, especially during quieter winter months. It’s a joy to be part of something that strengthens both our community and the Irish language.
At the moment, Achill is quieter until peak season, giving some local businesses like restaurants, cafés and B&Bs a chance to take a well-deserved break. One of my favourite places to visit during this time is the Dooagh Shop where I can have coffee, cake and chats. On weekends, I might head to Ted’s for a meal or enjoy a pint of Guinness in one of our local pubs.
When the busier season arrives, family and friends come to visit more frequently, so we’re absolutely spoiled for choice. One of our go-to spots for lunch is the Beehive, especially when the sun’s shining and we can sit on the patio. Another highlight is grabbing coffee from Lili Bán Café and taking a relaxing stroll along Keel beach. We also love picking up fresh, locally caught seafood from the Ár Bia Mara truck – always a treat!
“Living here transformed my life in ways I never expected. The peacefulness, natural beauty and deep sense of belonging to the land allowed me to find balance, creativity and renewed passion for my work.”
Achill offers a true sense of wellbeing, with plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature. Whether it’s hiking, surfing, a sea safari, or indulging in a rejuvenating seaweed bath or sauna, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. My move here has not only brought me closer to nature, but also to a fulfilling, slower-paced lifestyle that nurtures my spirit. Achill isn’t just a place I live; it’s a place that inspires and recharges me every day. I’ve found my home here, and I wouldn’t trade the peace and joy it brings for anything else. @anna_sutcliffe94
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