In the early 1980s, a 300-meter beach exists that caters to tourists along the village of Dooagh on Achill Island, County Mayo. The beach facing the Atlantic Ocean vanished during a storm in 1984, with only rocks left on what used to be sandy strip of land.
The tourism officer of the island, Sean Molloy who was 13 years old at that time, said the beach was once a haven for tourists. It used to sustain four hotels and a number of guesthouses that caters to visitors who want to enjoy the beach. It is part of the tourist trail along the Wild Atlantic Way. It was also the largest beach of the Irish coast and benefited the government of Ireland, according to Reuters.
Recently, residents of the island were overjoyed to see the tons of sand that the ocean swept away 33 years ago, were again returned overnight by the powerful waves as reported by Independent.
Molloy said that only pebbles and rocks were left on the shore and remained there for over 30 years. The hotels, guesthouses, and shops eventually closed down.
The beach showed signs of restoration two years ago when people jet skiing and surfing saw sand in the area though there were still pebbles covering the area. "The winds blew the surface water back and pushed the bottom water up onto the beach and took all the sand with it," Molloy explained.
People have reportedly flocked to see the restored stretches of sand and others sent him messages after hearing the news. It is his desire that the now beautiful beach will be recognized as the sixth in addition to five beaches already identified as tourist destinations.
A restaurant owner in the area informed that since the reappearance of the beach, people come and the place is becoming vibrant again. The beach as once again brought back happy memories not only to the islanders but to the people that used to marvel at the glory of the Dooagh beach.
