Ireland ’ s Achill Island has always been a popular European tourist destination. However, since April, the small island of just 2,600 residents(居民)has gained worldwide fame thanks to the magical return of a beach that was washed away over three decades ago. The chain of events began in 1984 when residents of Dooagh, one of the five settlements on the island, awoke to a surprising sight: their beautiful sandy beach had been washed away by strong Atlantic storms. There were only rocks and rock pools left. For 34 years, only small amounts of sand returned to the once unspoiled shores. the area ’ s tourism industry slowly declined, and the handful of beachside hotels, pubs, and restaurants gradually closed as well. The, around Easter last year, something magical happened — an unusual ten-day tide blanketed the barren 300-meter long rock beach with hundreds of tons of soft golden sand. Scientists suspect that the sand had been gathering offshore for months and was transported to the beach by the high winds and powerful waves. The locals are delighted to have their beach back, especially as it is attracting thousands of visitors wishing to witness the power of nature, with their own eyes. However, Sean Molloy, manager of Achill Tourism, cautions against going into the cold waters just yet, saying, “ Because of the sand coming in, we don ’ t know how safe the beach is now because currents(洋流)could be changed and it ’ ll take a little bit of time. ” He instead recommends visitors enjoy the soft sand and leave the swimming to the dolphins that frequent the area. Interestingly, this is not the first time Dooagh Beach has pulled a disappearing and reappearing act. It disappeared in the 1890s, for over 30 years, before returning in 1927. However, the locals are optimistic that this time around, the beautiful sand is here to stay.