Keem Bay
Dooagh, Ireland
A sheltered horseshoe beach at the western end of Achill Island, below the cliffs of Croaghaun. The final road from Dooagh is narrow and runs high above the sea, and the car park at the bottom is small.
Keem Bay (Irish: Cuan na Cuime) is a sheltered beach at the western end of Achill Island in County Mayo, just beyond the village of Dooagh. It has been awarded the Blue Flag and is a Signature Point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Croaghaun mountain rises on the eastern side of the bay, with the cliffs of Benmore to the west. The bay was once the site of a basking shark fishery; in the 19th century the British government set up a lifeboat station on the beach, which operated for over 100 years. In 2022 the bay served as a filming location for “The Banshees of Inisherin”.
The road climbs over the edge of Croaghaun and down to the bay, with sweeping views of Achill Island on the way. Parking and overnighting in a motorhome are regulated locally, so check the current rules on site.
- Nearest town
- Dooagh, Ireland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 53.9680, -10.1960
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Keel CampingCampsite8 km from Keem BayTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Seal CavesCampsite12 km from Keem BayCaravans
- Lavelle'sMotorhome stopover14 km from Keem BayMotorhomesElectricityDrinking water
- Safe Night IrelandMotorhome stopover18 km from Keem BayMotorhomes
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Keem Bay?
Keem Bay is in Dooagh, Ireland, at GPS 53.9680, -10.1960. It is about 8 km from Keel.
Can you camp near Keem Bay?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Keel Camping, about 8 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Keem Bay?
Keem Bay is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mayo: Croagh Patrick, Achill Island and Céide Fields.
What is there to see near Keem Bay?
Places worth a stop nearby: Croagh Patrick (42 km), Doo Lough Valley (43 km), Connemara National Park (49 km) and Kylemore Abbey (49 km).
When is the best time to visit Keem Bay?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)