Snorkel the southern trail
A recommended snorkel trail runs along the southern side of the bay and works at both low and high tide, so it suits beginners. Expect starfish and wrasse over the rocky ground, and bring a thick wetsuit.
Keem Beach, Achill
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About
A horseshoe of white sand and turquoise water squeezed between the cliffs of Achill's western tip, Keem Bay is the beach that keeps topping Ireland's best-of lists. It is sheltered, Blue Flag clean and reached only by a spectacular cliff-top road.
Things to Do
Watch for basking sharks and dolphins
Basking sharks return to the bay in May and June, and common dolphins are a regular sight from the sand. The sharks look huge but feed only on plankton and are harmless; keep your distance if you are on the water.
Walk the strand
From the car park steps drop onto a clean white beach backed by grassy slopes; near the far end you'll find unusual rock formations. Go early for the softest light, or at sunrise, since the bay faces east.
Swim in the bay
Because Keem faces east it is sheltered from Atlantic swell, and it has been voted the best wild-swimming spot in Britain and Ireland. The water is clean but cold, warmest around mid-August at roughly 16-19C; swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Paddleboard or sea-kayak
The calm water has made Keem popular with paddleboarders and kayakers, and boards can be rented locally from Pure Magic on Achill. Paddling round Moyteogue Head gives you the big cliffs, but that water is far more exposed.
Hike to the old lookout
A rough, steep trail climbs from the beach to a disused coastguard lookout station, about 30 minutes up and 25 down. From the top you look over the strand to Achill Head and the cliffs of Croaghaun - stay well clear of the edge, and the path is dangerously slippy after rain.
Drive the cliff-top road
The single road down to Keem rises onto a 200-metre cliff edge with mountain on one side and a sheer drop on the other. There is a small pull-in near the highest point for the classic photo, but never block the road.
See the Banshees cottage
Keem Beach was a filming location for The Banshees of Inisherin, standing in for Colm Doherty's shoreline home. The little cottage above the beach is privately owned, so view it from the strand.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: The beach itself is open year-round and free to walk onto. Lifeguards are on duty June: 12pm-6.30pm weekends and bank holidays only; July and August: 12pm-6.30pm every day; September: first Saturday and Sunday only.
- Admission: No admission charge - this is a free, open public beach.
- Parking: There is a substantial free car park directly in front of the beach, plus two smaller car parks a few hundred yards upslope and space beside the toilets. The lower car park fills first and summer parking is chaotic - arrive by mid-morning, and never park along the road as it blocks emergency vehicles.
- Food: A food and beverage van parks near the beach during the main summer season with hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. Otherwise head to the villages of Dooagh and Keel, a short drive back east.
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