Achill’s Top Attractions

Five Blue Flag beaches


If a leisurely walk on a beautiful sandy beach sounds like the ideal way to relax and stretch out the day after the marathon, your only difficulty in Achill will be choosing which one to go to.
There are eleven Blue Flag beaches in Mayo – and five of these are to be found on the island. Indeed, as the runners make their way around the course they get to experience three of these little pieces of beach heaven: Keel, Golden Strand by Masterson’s and Silver Strand, both of which are in Dugort.
The remaining beaches can be found in Dooega and at the furthest part of the island, Keem. Keem’s remoteness at the bottom of Croughan mountain makes it one of the most photographed beaches in the country.
Each of the beaches has a unique appeal: from long stretches of beautiful white sand and open views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, to perfect surfing conditions with an ocean swell to test the best surfers in the world. If you have time you will be rewarded with sights of seals, dolphins and basking sharks, which can frequently be seen from the shoreline. Fishing, coastal walks, surfing, pony trekking, land yachting, kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing can all be enjoyed from Achill’s beaches. Keel beach lies sheltered under the magnificent Minuan Cliffs and the Golf Club is only a short walk from the beach.