Description
Keem Beach is a breathtaking, secluded valley paradise situated in a dramatic horseshoe bay on Achill Island, ranking proudly as one of the best things to do with kids in Mayo for families looking to discover a pristine coastal nature reserve and outdoor activity day out category. This award-winning, rural strand is sheltered by magnificent soaring sea cliffs, bordered by the peaks of Benmore to the west and Croaghaun Mountain to the east. It provides a completely safe, clean, and beautifully calm environment where children can paddle in crystal-clear waters, build sandcastles, and discover the raw wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way.
General admission to this public beach, the surrounding coastal valley, and the hillside walking trails is completely free for everyone. There are no entry ticket costs, booking fees, hidden spectator tariffs, or car parking charges required to enjoy the bay. Families only need to budget for independent third-party water sports equipment rentals or localized surf school coaching available in the surrounding area.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids to swim, explore, and disconnect in nature, this spectacular bay is an unbeatable choice. The crescent of golden sand features a gradual, safe incline into the sea, while the surrounding cliffs host grazing sheep in the early mornings and diverse bird populations. It delivers an exceptional, healthy day out where kids can try snorkelling, spot passing dolphins, and experience the wild Irish coastline at its finest.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Key Features
- Sensory Play & Wild Elements: Children can touch the fine golden sand, splash in the calm tidal waves, and listen to the call of nesting seabirds.
- Interactive Exhibits & Nature Spotting: The sheltered bay acts as a live, open-air aquarium where families can spot basking sharks and wild dolphins.
- Educational Day Out: Families can learn about the historic basking shark fisheries and see how ancient communities farmed the coastal slopes.
What are the top highlights at Keem Beach?
- The Blue Flag Strand: This pristine, crescent-shaped golden beach is internationally recognized for its exceptional cleanliness and excellent water quality, making it completely safe for small children to paddle and play.
- The Cliff-Top Drive: The journey to the bay follows a spectacular winding road that grips the high cliffs, giving families a thrilling ride with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean before winding down to the car park.
- Benmore Cliff Walk: A breathtaking 1.5km walking route trails along the top of the western cliffs toward Achill Head, offering active older kids a brilliant hiking path to spot rare mountain birds.
- Marine Wildlife Spotting: The exceptionally clear, calm waters of the horseshoe bay make it easy for children to safely spot giant, gentle basking sharks and playful dolphins swimming close to the shoreline.
- The Deserted Village of Bunowna: Situated on the valley slopes just away from the sand, families can wander freely through the vacant stone ruins of an old "booley" village used by historic summer cattle herders.
Detailed Activity Inventory
- Lifeguarded Swimming: Safe bathing areas managed by active lifeguards daily from June to August (12pm to 6:30pm).
- Coastal Kayaking Tours: Guided summer tours that paddle past the strand toward Europe's highest sea cliffs.
- Snorkelling Trails: Crystal-clear rocky corners perfect for spotting local fish and marine life.
- Local Surf Schools: Independent surfing and bodyboarding lessons operated by regional providers in the immediate area.
- Hill Hikes & Walking: Steep, un-marked walking paths leading to the soaring heights of Croaghaun Mountain.
- Abseiling Adventure Zones: Regulated cliff-face abseiling experiences coordinated by local adventure centres.
13.92 miles
