Darrell Figgis made Achill his western writing retreat. In 1913 he purchased land and had a cottage built on the Island. If he moved to Achill to live a quiet life away from the distractions of Dublin that was short lived. He soon, probably with the persuasion of people like Emily, Claud Chavasse, An Paorach, Eva O’Flaherty and the the other founding members of Scoil Acla to get involved in the summer school. In 1914 he took part in a production of Douglas Hyde’s Casadh an tSugain, directed by the artist Paul Henry, who also made Achill his home. The photograph below was of the main players in the production.
Back Row: John Kilcoyne, Dominick Lavelle, James Kilcoyne, Pat McNamara.
Front row: John McNamara, Darrrell figgis, Pat McNamara