#552 European Rank Blue Flag Certified
Keem Bay
County Mayo (Achill Island), Ireland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Sergio (CC BY 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.25/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
16.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€40/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Fine White Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for County Mayo (Achill Island) · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.4°C
Air 8°C
Feb
8.8°C
Air 8°C
Mar
9.1°C
Air 8°C
Apr
10.4°C
Air 11°C
May
12.5°C
Air 14°C
Jun
14.6°C
Air 17°C
Jul
15.9°C
Air 19°C
Peak
Aug
16.4°C
Air 19°C
Sep
15.5°C
Air 17°C
Oct
13.8°C
Air 14°C
Nov
11.9°C
Air 10°C
Dec
10.2°C
Air 8°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 16.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Ireland Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.8 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.8 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.9 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5
About Keem Bay
Voted Europe’s best beach by Lonely Planet, a sheltered horseshoe bay tucked inside a dramatic green glacial valley on Achill Island.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Reached via cliff-hugging road from Dooagh village at the western end of Achill Island, with car park and accessibility ramp
•Protected Status / Environment: Blue Flag beach; Croaghaun / Slievemore Special Area of Conservation (SAC); Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point
•Notable Feature: Sheltered horseshoe cove framed by Croaghaun sea cliffs with turquoise water, basking shark sightings, and fame from The Banshees of Inisherin
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
YesLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
NoWheelchair Accessible
YesSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Cross the Michael Davitt Bridge to Achill Island and drive to the westernmost end of the R319.
•Key filming location for the Oscar-nominated movie 'The Banshees of Inisherin' (Colm's cottage)
•Major coastal feeding habitat for gentle basking sharks, easily spotted from the cliff road in summer
•Hike the clifftop trail up to the sheer 688-meter Croaghaun sea cliffs, the highest in Ireland
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across County Mayo (Achill Island), Ireland.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Keem Bay?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keem Bay
What is the water temperature at Keem Bay?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Keem Bay averages 16.4°C (62°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Keem Bay?
Keem Bay is classified as a fine white sand shoreline located in County Mayo (Achill Island), Ireland.
Is Keem Bay good for families with kids?
Yes, Keem Bay is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Keem Bay?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
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