Achill’s Keem Beach Breaks Into the World’s 50 Best

Keem has been named the 48th best beach on the planet in the 2025 edition of The World’s 50 Best Beaches, the only Irish shore‑line to chart and one of just eight European strands to make the cut.

A remote cove turned global star

Located on the western tip of Achill Island on the Wild Atlantic Way, Keem has long been a popular beach among surfers, sea‑swimmers and hikers tracing the cliff paths, with its popularity grabbing a wider audience when Martin McDonagh shot The Banshees of Inisherin there in 2022, with Barry Keoghan, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson on its shoreline.

Why the judges fell in love

The World’s 50 Best Beaches panel, with over 1,000 travel writers, influencers and industry pros, scores contenders on beauty, water quality, marine life, sustainability and that elusive “wow” factor. Keem ticked every box.

Alongside Keem on the list, Italy and Greece dominated the European contingent, Sardinia’s Cala Goloritzè claimed the crown at No. 1, while La Pelosa book‑ended the list at No. 50. Spain’s Playa de Rodas and France’s Santa Giulia also featured, but Keem stands alone for Ireland and, remarkably, for the entire north‑west corner of Europe.

Planning your own trip

• Getting there: From Westport it’s a 1‑hour drive west to Achill Sound, then another 30 minutes along R319 to Keem car park. In high season, arrive early. The single‑track descent operates a traffic‑light system.

• Best time to visit: June and September balance mild seas (13‑15 °C) with lighter crowds and long evenings. Hardy locals swim year‑round, and a wetsuit is your friend!

• Leave no trace: Keem’s dunes and water stay immaculate because visitors pack out everything they pack in. Portable toilets sit at the car park; there are none on the sand.

• Stay awhile: Base yourself in Keel for surf schools and seafood, or pick a pod in Dugort for sunset views back toward the cove.

If you needed an excuse to point the car west, the world has just handed you one!