An Irish beach has recently been named in Lonely Planet’s prestigious list of top 100 world beaches.
In a monumental recognition of Ireland’s natural beauty, Lonely Planet has named Keem Bay among its top 100 beaches in the world.
The secluded bay, perfectly nestled on the western edge of Achill Island in County Mayo, has captured the hearts of locals and visitors thanks to its pristine white sands, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Keem Bay is no stranger to success, as it has won numerous accolades for its stunning beauty. It has gained further fame as a filming location in recent years, standing in as the fictional Inisherin in Academy Award-nominated film The Banshees of Inisherin.
Keem Bay – the jewel in the crown of Achill Island
Lonely Planet described the approach to Keem Bay as a “vertiginous yet jaw-droppingly beautiful […] drive from Keel village, at the distant western end of County Mayo’s Achill Island” that “sets the scene for one of Ireland’s most glorious secluded strands”.
Keem Bay, with its beautiful encompassing hillsides, itself comprises “a Blue-Flag delight of a pale-blonde beach […] framed by the Croaghaun Cliffs and the thundering moody-blue Atlantic”.
As a result of the recent recognition, local businesses are gearing up for what they hope will be an influx of visitors eager to explore the charms of Keem Bay.
Lonely Planet – one of the world’s most famous travel guides
Lonely Planet is widely respected as a leading authority in the field of global travel recommendations.
Keem Bay’s featuring in Lonely Planet’s annual list of the world’s best beaches brought a palpable sense of pride to the residents of Achill Island, who have long cherished Keem Bay as their own hidden treasure.
Many expect the bay’s inclusion in the prestigious list to boost tourism to the region, bringing further and much-deserved attention to the untamed beauty of Ireland’s west coast.
This accolade will now place Keem Bay in the company of other renowned global beach destinations, solidifying its status as an international gem.
Other famous beaches on the list – beautiful beaches around the world
Amongst the many other beaches included in Lonely Planet’s list of the top 100 world beaches were the world-famous Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Venice Beach in Los Angeles, Blue Lagoon Beach in Fiji, and Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Most of the 30 European beaches included in the Lonely Planet guide were located in southern Europe. Four, however, belong to the UK: England’s Durdle Door Beach and Kynance Cove, Scotland’s West Beach in the Outer Hebrides, and Wales’s Rhossili Bay.
