Keel Beach is a surfers paradise(Image: Getty)Ireland’s beaches are world-renowned, and this year, one beach on the west coast was awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year.
Keel Beach, in Achill, Co Mayo is one of the highest rated beaches in the country, and has even made lists of the best in the world. It is one of several stunning beaches on the island. Keem Bay, Dooega, Dugort (Silver Strand and Golden Strand), and Annagh are all extremely popular too.
Keel Beach, also sometimes known as Trawmore Strand, is one of the most visited by tourists. It is located on the island’s northwest side, at the base of Achill Head. According to some visitors, Achill Island is the most peaceful place in Ireland.
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In fact, it was chosen as the setting for the 2022 Martin McDonagh movie, The Banshees of Inisherin. The film, which focuses heavily on isolation, chose the island for its visual aesthetic to accompany the story.
The actual scenes were filmed in the close-by Keem Bay, but Keel Beach is every bit as tranquil and breathtaking. It is renowned for its crystal blue water and golden sand, which look more like a tropical island than a beach in Mayo.
Visitors say Keel Beach in Achill looks almost tropical with its bright blue waters(Image: Getty images)It’s not difficult to see why the beach has maintained the Blue Flag for nearly 40 years. The beach is well serviced, with plenty of convenient amenities and ample parking.
Keel beach is a haven for water sports including, diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and swimming. Keel is considered the perfect beach for surfing, as the waves are primarily sandy, making it suitable for various surfboard types, according to surf blogs.
Thanks to the stunning hills, cliffs and dunes, it is also a perfect place for a long walk as the beach stretches for about 3.5 km. Close by is the beautiful Minaun Heights – a stunning mountain that offers a 360 panoramic view from the top.
Plenty of other Irish beaches were also awarded the Blue Flag this year – 89 to be exact. This year set the record for the most beaches to be given the award. Additionally, nine beaches were presented with both the Blue Flag & Green Coast Award achieving dual award status.
No Mayo beaches received the honor, but two Sligo beaches and two Galway beaches did.
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