Keel Beach on Achill is a 3.5km stretch of sand that offers magnificent views of Minaun Cliffs as you saunter.
Awarded it’s latest Blue Flag in mid-2024, this is one of the more popular beaches on Achill amongst swimmers and surfers alike.
Below, you’ll find info on everything from where to park to what to see nearby. Dive on in!
Some quick need-to-knows about Keel Beach
Keel Beach offers something for everyone. But before you start digging out your surfboard, let’s go over the basics.
1. Location
Keel Beach sits on the western edge of Achill Island, just outside the village of Keel. It’s a 35-minute drive from Mulranny and a 1-hour drive from Westport.
2. Parking
There’s plenty of parking at Keel Beach, with a main beach car park (here on Google Maps) and several alternative areas throughout the village.
3. Toilets
You’ll find toilets in the main car park. These are public toilets and they tend to be well maintained.
3. Swimming
Blue Flag certified Keel Beach enjoys fantastic water quality, as well as a seasonal lifeguard service, making it a great spot for swimming. Be sure to check the information board for lifeguard times and only swim in the designated area. Be warned, the eastern half of the beach has strong currents and isn’t suitable for swimming!
4. Surfing
Keel Bay is also a superb place to enjoy a wealth of watersports, including surfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing. There’s a surf and wetsuit hire, as well as a popular surf school on the beach.
About Keel Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Keel Beach, also known as Trawmore Strand, is a sandy beach that stretches in a slight arc.
It spans around 3.5 km between the village of Keel and Dookinella at the foot of the Minaun Cliffs.
Watersports
Keel is a haven for watersports. If you fancy giving surfing a bash, head over to the folks at Blackfield Watersports.
You can also try stand up paddle boarding and take surf lessons with the folks at Achill Surf.
Fantastic amenities
You’ll find plenty of parking at Keel Beach, as well as clean toilets, plenty of bins, and numerous picnic tables.
There are also some fantastic food, ice cream, and coffee stations just behind the beach.
Campsite
There’s a large, well-equipped campsite right next to the beach, an ideal place to pitch a tent or park the campervan.
If you’re looking for a surfing holiday, it’s hard to beat this place for location.
Things to do near Keel Beach
One of the beauties of Keel is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best things to do in Achill.
I’d argue the best thing to do is to follow the Atlantic Drive that is outlined in the map above, as you’ll follow a logical route.
1. Minaun Heights (20-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
If you want a fantastic birds eye view of Keel Beach, take a spin up to Minaun Heights.
They’re not the tallest peaks on the island, but they do offer some of the best panoramic views over the landscape.
2. Keem Beach (15-minute drive)
Photos via Shutterstock
Sitting at the northwestern tip of Achill Island, you’ll find the stunning Keem Beach.
This one is also easily mistaken for a tropical paradise, with golden sands, turquoise waters and rolling green hills.
3. The Croaghaun Hike
Photo by Junk Culture/shutterstock.com
Want to see the highest sea cliffs in Ireland? Head to Keem and check out this hike that takes you along Ireland’s tallest sea cliffs.
At 687 metres high, they tower above the ocean, which crashes below. It’s a tough hike, and not recommended for beginners.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.