The clifftop drive in
The single narrow road from Dooagh climbs onto a 200m cliff-edge with sheer drops before winding down into the bay. Take it slowly, use the small pull-in near the top for photos, and expect sheep on the road.
Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point @Keem Bay
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About
A horseshoe of golden sand and turquoise water tucked beneath Croaghaun mountain at the far western tip of Achill Island, reached by a twisting clifftop road that is part of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Things to Do
Beach and wild swimming
A Blue Flag beach with clean white sand and calm, sheltered east-facing water. It is rated a top wild-swimming spot in Ireland; water peaks at 16-19C in mid-August, so a wetsuit helps. Lifeguards are on duty in summer — swim between the red and yellow flags.
Clifftop walks
From the old coastguard watch-house on Moyteoge head, a 1.5km cliff walk runs along Benmore towards Achill Head, the most westerly point of Achill. A shorter option is the lookout over the beach itself; wear proper footwear and avoid Achill Head's exposed tip in wind.
Croaghaun sea cliffs
Croaghaun (668m) rises north of the bay with a cliff face said to be among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. A serious 5-6 hour hike is needed to see them properly.
Basking sharks and dolphins
The bay was the centre of Achill's basking-shark fishery in the 1950s-60s. Today harmless basking sharks are seen again in May and June, with dolphins a regular sight — keep your distance from wildlife.
Paddle, kayak or snorkel
The calm waters suit stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking and snorkelling, with a beginner-friendly snorkel trail along the bay's southern side. Rentals are available at adventure centres on Achill.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open 24 hours, every day — an open beach with no gates. The approach road and beach are accessible all year, though summer is when lifeguards and facilities operate.
- Admission: Free to visit — no entry charge
- Parking: Paid car park in front of the beach. It fills fast on summer days — arrive early. Overflow options: two small lots a few hundred metres upslope, spaces beside the toilets, and parking along the approach road (leave the handbrake on; the ground is sloped).
- Food: A food and coffee van sits near the beach in the main summer season (drinks, snacks, ice cream). The villages of Dooagh and Keel, a short drive away, have the nearest pubs and eateries.
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