Tucked into a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay at the western end of Achill Island, Keem Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches in Ireland. Golden sand. Turquoise water. Steep green mountains. And a winding cliff road that somehow makes the place look even more dramatic before you've even reached the beach.

Keem sits between Benmore to the west and Croaghaun Mountain to the east, with the Atlantic opening out beyond the mouth of the bay. The beach is around 10km west of Keel village. For us, it's one of those places where the journey is almost as memorable as the destination.

Keem Bay is located at the western end of Achill Island in County Mayo. Achill is connected to the mainland by bridge at Achill Sound, so you don't need to take a ferry. From Achill Sound, continue west across the island towards Keel and Dooagh. Keem lies beyond Dooagh at the end of a dramatic clifftop road.

The final road to Keem is part of the experience. Leaving Dooagh, the road climbs dramatically along the mountainside before descending towards the bay. The road was constructed in the 1960s along the route of an older track. The views are incredible. But the road can feel exposed if you're uncomfortable with heights. Take your time — there's absolutely no prize for being first into the car park.

There is parking at Keem Bay close to the beach. During quieter periods, parking is straightforward. On a sunny summer day, it's a very different story. Keem is one of Achill's most popular attractions and space is naturally limited by the steep valley. If the forecast is excellent during July or August, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. That also gives you a much nicer experience on the beach itself.

There is no admission charge to visit Keem Beach — it's free. That makes Keem one of those rare attractions where one of the best views in Ireland still doesn't require a ticket. You just have to survive the temptation to stop the car every 30 seconds for another photo on the way down.

Keem is a Blue Flag beach, recognised for standards including bathing-water quality, environmental management, safety and visitor facilities. Achill itself has several Blue Flag beaches, making the island one of the strongest beach destinations in the west of Ireland. If you're spending several days on Achill, don't stop with Keem — Keel, Dooega and the island's other beaches are well worth exploring too.

Keem is a popular swimming beach and is particularly attractive because the bay can feel more sheltered than some of Achill's more exposed Atlantic beaches. Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and surfing are all associated with the beach. But sheltered doesn't mean risk-free. Always check lifeguard flags, weather, sea conditions and local warning signs. The Atlantic can change quickly.

Mayo County Council lists lifeguard cover at Keem during the summer bathing season. Published seasonal hours are generally: June — weekends and bank holidays, 12pm–6:30pm; July and August — daily, 12pm–6:30pm; early September — limited weekend cover. Exact dates can vary from year to year, so always check the beach information board when you arrive.

Keem has a fascinating history with basking sharks. During the 1940s and 1950s, local fishermen hunted basking sharks in the bay using traditional curraghs, with lookouts positioned on the surrounding cliffs. Today basking sharks are protected wildlife, and sightings around Achill are one of the most exciting things visitors can experience. Basking sharks and dolphins can occasionally be seen from Keem Beach.

Keem Bay gained international attention following The Banshees of Inisherin. The beach and surrounding landscape appear prominently in the film. The house used for Brendan Gleeson's character Colm Doherty was located overlooking Keem, and several important scenes were filmed around the bay, including the movie's final scene. The house is private and not open to visitors.

The hills surrounding Keem give you some incredible viewpoints. There is a route from Keem towards Saddle Head, with views opening towards the huge Croaghaun sea cliffs. This is mountain terrain rather than a casual beach stroll. Weather can change quickly, visibility can drop and cliffs require serious care. If you're heading above the bay, wear proper footwear and carry suitable clothing.

Behind Keem rises Croaghaun Mountain. The far side of the mountain contains some of Ireland's most dramatic sea cliffs, at around 668 metres. They're not fully visible from the beach itself — reaching the more dramatic viewpoints involves proper hillwalking. So Keem Bay and the Croaghaun cliffs should really be thought of as related but separate experiences. The beach is accessible to almost anyone. The mountain isn't.

If you're exploring Achill by car, make sure you include part of the Atlantic Drive. Achill Tourism describes more than 40km of coastal scenery across the island and Corraun Peninsula. The route includes cliffs, small coves, mountain scenery, old settlements and views towards Clare Island and Achill Beg. Don't attempt to race around it — the whole point is stopping.

Keem is beautiful all year, but you'll get very different experiences. Summer is best for swimming, lifeguards and long beach days — also the busiest. Spring is excellent for walking and photography with fewer crowds. Autumn brings fantastic light and dramatic Atlantic weather. Winter is wild, quiet and atmospheric. If you want photographs rather than swimming, consider early morning or evening outside peak summer.

This is probably our biggest practical recommendation: visit early or late. Keem has become enormously popular. The beach itself can absorb plenty of visitors, but the road and parking area can't magically expand. Arrive early and you get easier parking, a quieter beach, better photographs and a much more relaxed drive. Evening can be equally beautiful, particularly when the light drops across the surrounding mountains.