Keem Beach is often compared to a tropical island(Image: Andrea Pistolesi/Getty Images)With summer looming, people will be planning trips to the beach and looking for the best. This year, one Irish beach has been named among the 50 best in the world.
Keem Beach in Co Mayo is consistently ranked as one of Ireland’s best beaches, but now it has been mentioned by The World’s 50 Best Beaches, a site that uses travel experts and bloggers to create a list each year. Keem Beach got two mentions, in Europe’s best beaches and the world’s best beaches.
The breathtaking beach with white sand and crystal blue waters was ranked the 7th best beach in Europe and the 48th best beach in the world.
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In a brief rationale, the experts explained why Keem Beach was chosen, writing, “Set in a dramatic environment, Keem Beach stands out for its raw natural beauty and surprisingly blue waters, which resemble those found in more tropical locations.”
“Tucked away on Achill Island along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Keem Beach is free from large developments, allowing it to remain unspoiled and serene.”
The beaches on Achill Island are some of the most beautiful in Ireland(Image: makasana via Getty Images)The experts continued, saying the beach’s unique horseshoe-shaped bay and surrounding cliffs make it particularly special. They mentioned the scenic drive with “panoramic coastal views” that adds to the overall experience.
This is not Keem Beach’s first recognition for its serene beauty. The beach has been named one of Ireland’s best beaches on many occasions. Travel retreat site Book Retreats called Keem, Europe’s most relaxing beach.’
Travel guide Lonely Planet also gave Keem Beach a shout out on their list of the top 100 beaches in the world. The guide described the beach as “jaw-dropping.”
Keem Beach is just one of several stunning beaches on Achill Island. Nearby, Keel Beach is another beautiful Blue Flag beach, along with Trawmore Strand, Silver Strand Beach, and Golden Strand Beach.
Keem Beach is known for being a hotspot for fishing and used to be a bustling hub for the fishing industry on the island. Fishing was done in small boats called Currachs, and it is believed that artist Paul Henry was inspired by Keem when creating his famous work Launching the Currach, which now hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.
It is also quite common to see sharks in the water at Keem Bay. Thankfully, they are basking sharks, which do not bite humans and are considered generally harmless. Basking shark season is in April and May, so if you plan a trip in the next few weeks, keep an eye out.
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