Keem Bay on Achill Island on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and West Beach on Berneray in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland have been included on a list of the world's top beaches.

Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo

Already considered to be one of the top beaches in Europe, stunning Keem Bay in Ireland has now been named on Lonely Planet’s list of the top 20 best beaches in the world.

The recently published Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches, describes Keem Bay as “one of Ireland’s most glorious, secluded strands”. Describing the setting it says: “Sloping green hillsides spill down to a deep-set horseshoe bay, where a Blue-Flag delight of a pale-blonde beach sits framed by the Croaghaun Cliffs – Ireland’s highest sea cliffs – and the thundering moody-blue Atlantic.”

Achill Island, County Mayo

The accolade is not the first one the beach has received. In 2023, it made the list of The 50 Best Beaches in the World compiled by Big 7 Travel and this year was named among 20 of Europe's most stunning beaches to explore in 2024 by Lonely Planet. And in 2022 it was listed as the number one wild swimming spot in the UK and Ireland. Keem strand also has movie credits to its name having been the backdrop for many scenes in the multi-award-winning The Banshees of Inisherin.

Kitesurfing, Keel Strand, Achill Island

Keem Bay is a great reason to visit Achill Island but it is not the only one. The County Mayo island is a place of rugged beauty that has five Blue Flag beaches, numerous hiking trails and two Blueway snorkel trails. It’s the perfect place for swimming, surfing and kayaking or just taking a leisurely stroll along a golden strand or a peaceful pedal along quiet lanes.

There are also a number of fascinating historical sites on the island including Neolithic tombs, the tower house of the famous pirate Grace O’ Malley, and the remains of a pre-famine village which evokes the past lives of the islanders.

The deserted village at Slievemore Mountain, Achill

West Beach on the island of Berneray, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, also made it onto the top 20 list. West Beach was described by Lonely Planet as among the most picturesque of the beaches in the Outer Hebrides, which look more like they belong somewhere tropical rather than the North Atlantic. "Its powdery sands meet both the jewel-like green-blue waters and machair (grazing land). The wilds of this shoreline make it look like an untouched paradise."

West Beach is a haven for beachcombers, bird-watchers and hikers and Lonely Planet advises to visit in spring when the surrounding landscape is a burst of colour thanks to the wildflowers that grow there. 

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “It’s great news that Keem Bay on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland and West Beach in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland have been named among the top beaches in the world by Lonely Planet. These idyllic places are well worth a visit!”

If you or your group would like to visit Keem Bay on a tailor-made tour of Ireland, or West Beach on a tailor-made tour of Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today. These beaches are also perfect destinations for anyone looking to enjoy an Adventure Tour!