A beach in Achill Island reappeared overnight, 33 years after it was washed away

In 1984, the sand at Dooagh in Achill Island was washed away in storms, leaving behind only stones and rock pools. 

However a freak tide in Easter this year saw hundreds of tonnes of sand return to the area overnight, recreating the 300m area of sand where the beach once stood. 

The beach is back in Dooagh and the campsite is back in Dugort...! Happy days on Ireland's most unique tourism... https://t.co/7659ic7LwW

— LoveAchill (@Loveachill) May 1, 2017

Sean Molloy of Achill Tourism told The Guardian that “Some big storms destroyed the beach. It was completely washed away and 1984 was the last time the beach was there."

From bog to beach ,dooagh @achilltourism pic.twitter.com/1XXfWT0vuG

— Terisina Fitzpatrick (@MayoCakes) April 20, 2014

“Then in April we had that cold snap over Easter and the wind was coming from the north. It was steady and must have transported sand in from elsewhere.” Mr. Molloy said. 

Local restaurateur Alan Gielty that there has been a rise in tourism in the area in the wake of the beach being recreated.  

“We have a beautiful little village as it is, but it is great to look out and see this beautiful beach instead of just rocks,” he said. “Since people have seen the news of the beach, we have had plenty more visitors from the middle of the country.”

Via The Guardian