Mayo beach identified as best in Europe for relaxation

KEEM Bay beach on Achill Island has been identified as one of the top beaches in Europe for relaxation in a new study of European beaches.

The Mayo beach was ranked by BookRetreats, one of the world's leading yoga travel sites, as one of the best on the continent for relaxation and safety.

BookRetreats’ comprehensive study analysed more than 200 beaches in 16 European countries, ranking them on key factors for beachgoers such as weather, safety, accessibility, and water quality. For those seeking safety, Ireland stood out, ranking among the top five safest European coastal countries according to the Global Peace Index.

However it was Keem Beach that came out on top for travellers looking to escape the crowds this summer.

“Tucked into the scenic coast of Achill Island, the horseshoe-shaped bay of Keem Beach is a favourite among beachgoers. A top-rated coastal spot on Google, it has an average rating on Google of 4.9, yet remains relatively undiscovered with under 2,000 reviews. Swimmers will also be pleased to know that the beach achieved an excellent water quality rating in the report, according to the European Environment Agency,” BookRetreats stated about the Achill Island beauty spot.

Keem Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the west of Ireland and this summer a beach ranger is to be employed at as part of a range of measures to manage tourist numbers at the popular Achill beach.

Spain was named the ultimate summer holiday destination claiming 28 percent of the top 25 beaches, including Europe's best: La Concha. Praia da Falésia in Portugal ranked second scoring 4.27/5, and Croatia's Pasjača Beach took the third position with a final score of 4.22/5 in the study.

Greece and, unexpectedly, Germany were also ranked in the top 25, promising unique beach experiences that ticked multiple boxes for travellers.

This is not the first time that Keem Bay has been named as one of the top beaches in surveys conducted by travel companies and websites.

In January, travel publisher Lonely Planet named Keem as one of 30 European beaches to get a mention in Lonely Planet’s new book, Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches.

Keem Bay has won numerous accolades for its stunning beauty and was one of the locations used during the filming of the Academy Award nominated movie, 'The Banshees of Inisherin'.