The Irish beach with crystal clear waters and basking sharks that made Lonely Planet’s most stunning in Europe list

THIS picturesque beach in Co Mayo has been named as one of the most spectacular seaside spots in Europe.

Keem Bay in the west of Achill Island is a stunning horse-shoe shaped bay - and the drive down is one of the most scenic routes in Ireland.

The sandy cove is located at the base of Croaghaun Mountain.

The bay has gorgeous light coloured white sands and crystal clear blue waters which can be best appreciated from the surrounding cliff tops.

The road leading down to the bay is very narrow and winding and visitors are advised to be cautious when taking the twisty bends.

However, some of the best viewing points of Keem Bay will be found on the drive there.

The clifftop road to Keem Bay offers stunning ocean views as you head west along Atlantic Drive.

The best view of the bay can be found from the road side just before the downhill drive to the beach - so don't forget to stop and take in those glorious views.

For those who might fancy a swim in the sparkling waters - don't worry they are as clean as they look.

Keem Bay was awarded the blue flag for clean waters, so make sure to go for a dip when visiting.

Lifeguards are also present around the summer months - however, visitors are advised to be safe when swimming in the waters.

The beach is virtually uninhabited with the only building being a former coastguard station.

In the award-winning Irish film, The Banshees of Inisherin, Keem Bay was the home of Brendan Gleeson’s character Colm Doherty.

The beach is also the setting for the final scene of the movie. 

BEAUTY SPOT SHORTLIST

According to Lonely planets list "20 of Europe's most stunning beaches to explore in 2023", Keem Bay is the "crock of gold" when it comes to dramatic coastlines.

Keem Bay was once voted among the best in the world - just one place behind a beach in the Bahamas.

The Irish beauty spot finished one spot behind Pig Beach in the Bahamas.

And the breathtaking bay is set for a major tourist season this summer, especially with the success of The Banshees of Inisherin.

SHARK SPOTTING

The stunning Keem bay was traditionally used by fisherman on Achill Island many years ago.

It was also the hub of the shark fishing industry in the 1950's.

The waters of the bay are still home to numerous basking sharks and even dolphins - so keep your eyes peeled for the wonderful sea creatures.