Keem Bay
An Caol · Co. Mayo
The road to Keem is half the experience: a ribbon of tarmac carved into the flank of Croaghaun mountain, with the Atlantic sheer below, ending at a perfect horseshoe of pale sand and turquoise water. Keem Bay, at the far western tip of Achill Island, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Ireland — and it earns it.
The bay
Sheltered between the slopes of Croaghaun and Benmore Head, Keem's Blue Flag beach shelves gently into remarkably clear water, and on calm summer days it is one of the best swimming spots in the west. Basking sharks — the world's second-largest fish — cruise these waters in spring and early summer; the bay was once the centre of a shark fishery, and the old watch house on Benmore recalls the era when spotters directed currachs to the shoals.
Keem's cinematic looks reached a global audience in The Banshees of Inisherin, much of which was filmed on Achill, with the beach itself appearing on screen.
Walks above the bay
From the beach car park, paths climb towards Benmore Head for huge views back over the cove, and stronger walkers can tackle Croaghaun, whose far side plunges nearly 700 metres to the sea in some of the highest cliffs in Ireland or Britain — invisible from any road, and reachable only on foot.
Getting there and tips
Keem is at the end of the R319, about 20 minutes beyond Keel village on Achill Island, which connects to the mainland by bridge at Achill Sound. The car park fills early on fine summer days — arrive before late morning. There are lifeguards in season but no shops at the bay itself, so bring what you need; Keel has cafés, pubs and supplies.
Where it is
53.9703°N, 10.1908°W
Nearby stops
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