Keem Beach on Achill Island named 50th best in the world by travel professionals

Key facts

• Keem Beach on Achill Island, Ireland, ranked 50th in The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026 list.
• The list was compiled by over 1,000 travel professionals and Beach Ambassadors.
• Entalula Beach in the Philippines took the top spot; Fteri Beach in Greece was second.
• Keem Beach was the only Irish entry on the list.
• The beach is noted for its horseshoe-shaped bay, white sand, and clean waters.
• Access is via a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, often shared with sheep.
• The ranking criteria include uniqueness, wildlife, calm water, and lack of crowds.

A remote Irish beach earns global recognition

Keem Beach, a secluded cove on Achill Island off the coast of County Mayo, has been named the 50th best beach in the world by The World's 50 Best Beaches for 2026. The annual ranking, compiled since 2023, draws on votes from thousands of travel professionals and a panel of Beach Ambassadors. Keem Beach was the only Irish entry on the list, which features shores from the Philippines, Greece, Australia, and beyond. The beach's inclusion highlights its 'raw natural beauty and surprisingly blue waters,' which the organisers said resemble those found in tropical locations. Tucked away along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, Keem Beach remains free from large developments, preserving its unspoiled and serene character.

How the world's best beaches are chosen

The World's 50 Best Beaches team reaches out to thousands of experienced travel professionals each year, asking them to vote for what they consider the best beach on Earth. Voters are not given specific criteria but must provide a compelling description to accompany each vote, adding depth to the selection process. Once all votes are in, the team reviews them alongside their Beach Ambassadors, a carefully chosen group of individuals renowned for their extensive travel to the world's top beaches. The final ranking is based on eight criteria: uniqueness, wildlife, untouched nature, soundtrack of nature, ease of entering the water, often calm water, not too crowded, and frequently idyllic conditions. Over 1,000 travel professionals contributed to the 2026 list, narrowing down countless coastlines through a voting and debate process.

Keem Beach: a horseshoe bay with tropical allure

Keem Beach stands out for its horseshoe-shaped bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and picturesque hills that create calmer waters ideal for summer swimming. The sand is nearly white, and the waters are among the cleanest in the area, according to the organisers. 'Set in a dramatic environment, Keem Beach stands out for its raw natural beauty and surprisingly blue waters, which resemble those found in more tropical locations,' they wrote. The beach is accessible via a scenic drive with panoramic coastal views, where visitors might encounter sheep, adding to the charm of the experience. Its remote location on Achill Island, part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, helps it remain untouched by large-scale development.

Europe's top beaches and the global winners

Entalula Beach in the Philippines was named the world's best beach, followed by Fteri Beach in Greece at number two and Wharton Beach in Australia at number three. Fteri Beach, on Kefalonia's north coast, also earned the title of Europe's best beach for 2026. The Greek beach boasts untouched white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, accessible only by hike or water taxi from Zola port, with few amenities beyond the stunning views. Other European countries featured on the list include Portugal, France, Spain, Italy, and Croatia. Spain and Italy dominated the top 20, with six Spanish and four Italian beaches making the cut. Greece had three shores in the global ranking, reflecting the region's strong showing.

A quiet triumph for Ireland's coastline

Keem Beach's inclusion at number 50, while modest, marks a significant recognition for Ireland's often understated coastal beauty. The beach's 'tropical vibes in the raw Irish countryside' and its unspoiled environment resonated with voters seeking natural, uncrowded destinations. The list's emphasis on untouched nature and calm waters aligns with Keem Beach's characteristics, offering a counterpoint to more developed tourist hotspots. As travel professionals continue to seek out remote and pristine locations, Keem Beach's ranking may draw new visitors to Achill Island, balancing increased attention with the need to preserve its serene atmosphere. The beach's accessibility via a scenic drive and its lack of large developments make it a rare find in an increasingly crowded global beach landscape.

The bottom line

• Keem Beach on Achill Island, Ireland, ranked 50th in The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026 list, the only Irish entry.
• The ranking is based on votes from over 1,000 travel professionals and evaluated on eight criteria including uniqueness, wildlife, and calm water.
• Keem Beach is noted for its horseshoe-shaped bay, white sand, clean waters, and lack of development.
• The world's top three beaches are Entalula Beach (Philippines), Fteri Beach (Greece), and Wharton Beach (Australia).
• Europe's best beach is Fteri Beach on Kefalonia, accessible only by hike or water taxi.
• The list highlights a trend toward remote, unspoiled beaches as travel professionals prioritize natural beauty over amenities.