Keem Beach

Keem Bay, at the western end of Achill Island is one of the most picturesque small beaches in Ireland. 

Clean white sands slope gently into the turquoise waters of the bay.  The beautiful beach is backed by grassy slopes and the bay is sheltered on either side by cliffs, which support a variety of plants and wildlife. There is a stunning cliff-top walk from Benmore to Achill Head.

There are no buildings on the beach apart from the nearby remains of a former coastguard station.

The bay once had a booming fishing industry.  Locals would set out in wooden currachs to catch basking sharks.  

Nearby, the abandoned village of Bunowa houses the remains of 17 circular cottages.