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A beach on the west coast of County Mayo has been named among the world’s 50 best beaches by The World’s 50 Best Beaches. Keem Beach on Achill Island is the sole Irish entry, placing at number 50 and praised for its clear blue water and sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay.
How the ranking is compiled
The World’s 50 Best Beaches bases its list on nominations from a large network of travel professionals. Those contributors are asked to name beaches they consider outstanding and to explain their choices rather than score them against fixed rules.
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Submissions are then reviewed with input from a panel of Beach Ambassadors — experienced travellers and specialists — and the final selections take into account factors such as wildlife, crowding, and ease of access to the water.
Keem Beach: Ireland’s representative
Set on the remote western flank of Achill Island, Keem Beach draws attention for contrasts more commonly associated with warmer climates. Editors highlighted its intense blue waters and very pale sand, features that make it feel unexpectedly tropical within the Irish landscape.
The bay’s horseshoe shape, framed by steep cliffs and rolling hills, helps produce calmer sea conditions in summer, which reviewers said make swimming easier than at many nearby shores. Observers also noted the beach’s unspoiled character and particularly clear water.
Leading beaches worldwide
The top spots on the list were occupied by beaches in the Philippines, Greece and Australia.
- Entalula Beach, Philippines — ranked No. 1
- Fteri Beach, Greece — ranked No. 2
- Wharton Beach, Australia — ranked No. 3
The full ranking and descriptions are published on The World’s 50 Best Beaches website.
