Tucked away on the rugged west coast of Achill Island, Keem Beach is a crescent of sugar-white sand backed by emerald-green slopes and framed by dramatic sea cliffs.
Blessed with crystal-clear waters, sweeping panoramic views, and an atmosphere of serene seclusion, Keem Beach has earned its reputation as one of Ireland’s finest coastal treasures. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure, or a family-friendly day by the sea, Keem Bay delivers.
In this comprehensive guide you’ll discover everything you need to know for your perfect Keem Beach getaway. We’ll cover the best Keem Beach things to do, practical advice on Keem Beach directions, where to park and how to bring your four-legged friend (yes, Keem Beach is wonderfully dog friendly), plus local tips on Keem Beach fishing, spotting whales and puffins, and even hunting for amethysts on Achill. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning FAQs about Keem Bay, Achill Island, and beyond.
1. Why Keem Beach Is Famous
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Stunning Scenery: A perfect horseshoe of pale sand and turquoise water, flanked by steep, grassy hillsides and basalt sea stacks.
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Seclusion & Serenity: Unlike heavily toured spots, Keem remains relatively uncrowded—even in summer—making it a haven for photographers and peace-seekers.
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Dramatic Sunsets: With a westward aspect over the Atlantic, evenings at Keem are painted in molten gold and pink, rivaling the world’s best coastal sunsets.
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Historic Connections: The name “Keem” derives from the Irish cam, meaning “crooked” or “bent,” referencing the bay’s distinctive shape. Nearby Bronze Age forts and ring forts hint at millennia of human fascination with this sheltered cove.
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Wildlife Encounters: From basking sharks (peak season June–September) to Atlantic puffins in spring, Keem Bay’s marine life is as enchanting as its vistas https://secretireland.ie/discovering-basking-sharks-off-achill-island-a-deep-dive-into-irelands-gentle-giants/.
2. Getting There: Keem Beach Directions & Parking
Where Is Keem Bay in Ireland?
Keem Beach sits at the western tip of Achill Island, County Mayo, accessible via the only public road leading to the bay. It’s about 30 km (20 miles) from Achill Sound and 60 km (37 miles) from Westport town.
Keem Beach Directions
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From Westport: Take the N59 toward Newport, then follow the signs to Achill Island over the Michael Davitt Bridge at Achill Sound.
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On Achill: Drive west through Dooagh, Pollagh, and Keel, keeping an eye out for Keem Beach signage.
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Final Stretch: The last 5 km is a narrow, winding mountain road—drive slowly, enjoy hairpin bends, and pause at vista points.
Keem Beach Parking
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Main Car Park: At the end of the road, a gravel lot with space for 50–60 cars. It fills quickly on sunny days, so arrive before 11 AM in summer.
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Overflow Parking: Gravel bays along the approach road; be mindful not to block farm entrances or narrow passing places.
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Disabled Access: A designated parking area close to the beach access ramp.
3. Keem Beach Dog-Friendly Tips
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Leash Zones: While dogs are welcome, keep them on a lead near nesting bird areas (spring) and during peak swimmer times.
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Beach Etiquette: Always clean up after your pet—bins are provided near the car park.
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Seasonal Advice: In low season (October–April), Keem is virtually yours and your dog’s oyster—off-lead runs and wild beach frolics abound.
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Nearby Walks: The Slievemore Rainforest Trail and Corraun Peninsula Loop are excellent dog-friendly hikes with minimal road crossings.
4. Keem Beach Things to Do
4.1 Sunbathing & Swimming
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Safe Swimming: The gently sloping sand shelf and sheltered bay make Keem Bay safe for strong swimmers. Note: Atlantic currents can be swift; swim within sight of others.
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Honeymoon Island Adventures: The small rocky isle at the bay’s end is accessible at low tide—perfect for shallow wading and photo ops.
4.2 Beach Games & Picnic Spots
Lay out on the sand with a picnic blanket, frisbee, or volleyball net. Facilities include picnic tables near the car park and a small kiosk selling snacks.
4.3 Keem Beach Fishing
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Shore Angling: Bass, pollock, and mackerel are common. Cast from the sand or rocky points at either end of the beach.
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Boat Charters: Local skippers offer half-day charters (approx. €80–€120) for deeper water species like ling and pollack. Advance booking recommended.
4.4 Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Rent gear in Keel village (5 km away) and paddle the bay’s calm waters. Keep an eye out for seals and diving gannets.
4.5 Photography & Painting
Golden hour at Keem is legendary. Capture:
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Cliffs set ablaze at sunset
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Puffins on nearby rock stacks (April–June)
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Rolling Atlantic swells against black basalt
5. Keem Beach Fishing & Wildlife Spotting
Puffins & Seabirds
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Puffins: Best seen on offshore stacks in May and June. Bring binoculars or join a whale watching Achill Island tour that includes seabird cliffs.
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Gannets, Guillemots, and Razorbills: Common year-round on finger-rock islets.
Basking Sharks Achill Live
From June to September, look for the tell-tale dorsal fin of the world’s second-largest fish. Tours operating from Achill Sound or Dooega often update basking sharks Achill live sightings on social media.
Harbor Seals & Dolphins
Occasionally spotted close to shore, especially around dawn and dusk.
6. Exploring Achill Island Beyond Keem
Must-See Sights & Activities
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Keel Beach: A long sandy stretch ideal for kite-surfing. See Keel Beach if Keem’s parking is full!
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Slievemore Deserted Village: Abandoned stone cottages from the Great Famine era.
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Achill Great Western Greenway: 25-mile cycling and walking route, sectioned to start in Keel.
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Deserted Village Loop Trail: A 4 km hike through bog, ancient settlement ruins, and upland pastures.
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Achill Island Community Market (summer Saturdays): Local crafts, fresh produce, and live music.
7. Where to Find Amethyst in Ireland
Though rare, amethyst (a purple quartz) can be found in parts of County Mayo’s ancient volcanic rocks. Not far from Achill:
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Moyarn on Achill’s east side—look for geode-like pockets along stream beds.
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Benwiskin Mountain foothills—carefully search scree slopes.
Always obtain landowner permission before rock-hunting, and handle finds respectfully.
8. FAQs About Keem Beach & Achill Island
What Is Keem Beach Famous For?
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Its breathtaking horseshoe shape, clear turquoise water, and panoramic cliff-top views. Regular “best beaches in the world” lists rank Keem within the top 20 globally.
Is Keem Bay Safe to Swim?
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Generally yes, for confident swimmers within sight of the beach. Always heed local weather warnings and avoid rough days.
Is It Worth Going to Achill Island?
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Absolutely. Achill combines world-class beaches like Keem, scenic drives, cultural heritage, and outdoor sports—perfect for multi-day exploration.
What Is Keem Beach Ranked in the World?
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Often listed in TripAdvisor’s Top 10 European Beaches and National Geographic’s 25 Best Beaches, Keem regularly features among the world’s elite coastal spots.
Where to Find Amethyst in Ireland?
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Moyarn streams on Achill’s east side and Benwiskin slopes—always rock-hop responsibly!
What Is the Number One Beach in Ireland?
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Rankings vary, but Keem Beach consistently vies with nearby Keel Beach, Inis Oírr’s Silver Strand, and County Kerry’s Rossbeigh for the top spot.
What to Do in Achill Island?
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Kayaking Keem Bay, cycling the Greenway, hiking Slievemore, exploring Famine cottages, or hunting for amethyst—Achill offers endless adventures.
Is Keem Bay Dog Friendly?
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Yes! Leash-friendly areas in high season; off-lead freedom in quiet months. Bring waste bags and respect nesting birds.
Is Honeymoon Island Safe to Swim?
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The small offshore rock at Keem’s tip requires cautious wading only at low tide. Not recommended for deep-water swimmers.
Can You See Puffins on Achill Island?
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Yes—April to June. Best from a boat trip (often combined with whale watching Achill Island) or binoculars from shore cliffs.
When to See Basking Sharks in Achill?
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June–September, especially July and August. Morning to early afternoon tours maximize calm-water sightings https://secretireland.ie/discovering-basking-sharks-off-achill-island-a-deep-dive-into-irelands-gentle-giants/.
Does Anyone Live on Achill Island?
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Yes—around 2,600 residents call Achill home, clustered in villages like Keel, Dooagh, and Achill Sound. Local community life thrives year-round.
9. Planning Your Trip: Itinerary & Resources
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Westport → Achill Sound → Keem Beach sunset picnic
Day 2: Morning kayak or paddleboard at Keem → Slievemore Deserted Village hike → Keel Beach kite-surfing lesson
Day 3: Half-day basking shark tour Ireland → Greenway cycling → Local seafood dinner in Dooega
Essential Links & Contacts
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Achill Tourism Office: achilltourism.ie
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Whale Watching & Shark Tours: local operators post live basking sharks Achill live updates on Facebook/Instagram
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Car Rental & Public Transport: Bus Éireann route 440 to Achill Sound; local taxis for remote road sections
Final Thoughts
With its pristine sands, emerald waters, and unspoiled surroundings, Keem Beach on Achill Island is a coastal sanctuary that deserves its global acclaim. From Keem Beach fishing at dawn to Keem Beach dog friendly adventures, every visitor discovers a new facet of this Atlantic jewel. Pack your sense of wonder (and your hiking boots), because on Achill, the horizon is only the beginning.
Ready to explore Keem Bay? Bookmark this guide, chart your course with Keem Beach directions, and prepare for an Irish coastal experience you’ll never forget. Whether you’re chasing basking shark sightings in Ireland, hunting for amethyst, or simply seeking the perfect sunset, Keem Beach awaits—wild, wonderful, and waiting to be discovered.
Safe travels and happy adventuring!
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