The latest ranking of Europe’s top coastal destinations by The World’s 50 Best Beaches highlights the beauty of Keem Beach on Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland. This beach boasts a unique blend of “tropical vibes in the raw Irish countryside” with its stunning blue waters reminiscent of tropical locations. Keem Beach’s horseshoe-shaped bay, surrounded by majestic cliffs and picturesque hills, offers calm waters ideal for swimming during the summer.
The beach’s soft white sands and a stream flowing from green cliffs into the clear sea enhance its natural charm. Despite its remote location, the journey to Keem Beach presents breathtaking coastal views along winding country roads. Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, is linked to the mainland by a bridge and is home to some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, providing spectacular vistas and opportunities to witness dolphins and basking sharks in the surrounding waters.
The nearby Croaghaun cliffs are a popular hiking destination, offering various trails for all levels of hikers, including a challenging trek from Keem Beach. Rising to a height of 687 meters, the cliffs offer panoramic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean from the summit. Visitors can also explore the Deserted Village at Slievemore, a haunting collection of abandoned stone cottages that once formed a thriving community on the mountainside. The village’s history dates back thousands of years, but it now stands as a silent reminder of past tragedies, including famine.
Keem Beach and other locations on the island have served as filming sites, attracting movie crews for productions like The Banshees of Inisherin. Notable spots like Lough Acorrymore, a tranquil lake surrounded by glacial cliffs, have graced the big screen in various films. Accessible by a two-hour drive from Ireland West Airport Knock, which offers flights to the UK via Aer Lingus and Ryanair, Keem Beach provides a convenient escape for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility along the Irish coast.