One Irish beach has ranked among the best in the world in an annual ranking of the 50 best beaches in the world.
Keem Bay on Achill Island has once again been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It ranks in 19th place on Big 7 Travel’s annual list of the 50 best beaches in the world.
In 2021, Keem Bay ranked in 11th place on the publication’s annual list, dropping to 19th place in 2022.
Keem Bay ranks among stunning coastal stretches in Costa Rica, Indonesia, Australia, Turks and Caicos, and many more.
Irish beach voted among the best in the world – Keem Bay on Achill Island
Big 7 Travel dubs Keem Bay “a breathtaking rural and sheltered beach surrounded by cliffs on Ireland’s largest island – Achill Island. Its gleaming white sand rivals tropical islands, and the water is superbly clear.
“The sun might not always be shining, but when it does, it’s world-class. And yes, it’s beautiful even on a rainy day.
The County Mayo beach is located past Dooagh village in the west of Achill Island. It contains a Blue Flag beach. Keem Bay is the only Irish entry on the top 50 list.
It has recently become a talking point once more as it was used as a filming location for the award-winning 2022 hit movie, The Banshees of Inisherin.
Filming location for The Banshees of Inisherin – one of the most talked about Irish films to date
Keem Beach in Keem Bay is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of sand. Last year, it was used for the beach scenes in The Banshees of Inisherin. It is also the location of Colm’s (Brendan Gleeson) house.
The beach is featured in the final scene of the film. Due to the popularity and success of The Banshees of Inisherin, some Achill Island natives worry that the island, and the beach, will become overrun with tourists as a result.
Other filming locations on the island include Cloughmore as the location for JJ Devines Pub, Cloughmore Crossroad, where you’ll find the statue of the Virgin Mary, Corrymore Lake, and St Thomas’ Church.
The best beaches in the world – summer 2023 inspiration
The beach that takes the crown as the best in the world is Playa Conchal in Costa Rica. Big 7 Travel says, “This tiny beach is covered in crushed seashells, wrapped around a turquoise bay. Paradise”.
In second place is Turquoise Bay in Australia, with the publication praising it for “turquoise waters, the softest white sand and sparkling views over Ningaloo Reef”. The third spot goes to Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos.
Then, the remainder of the top ten rounds out with Siesta Beach in Florida, Punta Mosquito in Mexico, Secret Lagoon in the Philippines, San Fruttuoso in Italy, Pedn Vounder in Cornwall, Boulders Beach in South Africa, and Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland.
You can check out the full top 50 list here.
