Lonely Planet has compiled a list of the best beaches in Europe, and a beach on the west coast of Ireland has made the top 20.
An Irish beach has been named in Lonely Planet’s list of Best Beaches in Europe, alongside the stunning coves of Greece and Italy.
Keem Bay in the west of Achill Island in County Mayo has ranked as number 18 on the travel experts list of best beaches in Europe.
While Ireland isn’t able to boast the sunnier conditions of other European countries such as Greece, Spain, and Portugal, it sure makes up for it in stunning scenery, sandy coves, and historical sites, so its no surprise that an Irish beach has been named in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches in Europe.
Ireland’s beautiful beaches – stunning sandy strands
Ranking the beach at number 18 in the list of Europe’s Best Beaches, Lonely Planet writer Kerry Christiani commented on Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way.
She wrote, “Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way hides a crock of gold when it comes dramatic coastlines – and nowhere more so than at gloriously remote Keem Bay at the far west of Achill Island.
“A precipitous coastal drive fires the appetite for proper wilderness – and here you have it.
“Bearing the brunt of stormy seas and the fickle whims of the Irish weather, this half-moon bay of golden sand spreads at the foot of steep cliffs and grassy slopes. Basking sharks can sometimes be sighted offshore.”
Those who have visited the incredible Achill Island can vouch for the beauty of Keem Bay, and many agree that it is one of the best beaches in Europe.
Other beaches on the list – best beaches in Europe
Ranked alongside the Irish beach named in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches in Europe are beaches from Spain, France, Norway, Greece, and more.
Coming in at number one is the breathtaking Haukland Beach in Norway, which is described as the “Arctic dream – whether seen in the never-dying light of the Midnight Sun or under dancing Northern Lights in winter snows.”
Other beaches on the list were Cala Goloritzè on the Italian island of Sardinia, coming in at number two, Plage de Palombaggia in Corsica at number four, and Navagio Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos.
Closer to home, beaches in both Scotland and Wales also made it onto the list, with West Beach in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides claiming third place and Barafundle Bay on Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast Path coming in at number six.
So with an Irish beach named in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches in Europe, you have to make sure to stop off at the stunning Keem Bay and Achill Island on your next road trip of Ireland.
