Keem Bay turquoise waters and sea cliffs on Achill Island
Island Day Trip & Blue Flag Beach

Achill Island & Keem Bay

Cross the Michael Davitt Bridge from Mulranny to explore Ireland's largest island. Discover the world-famous horseshoe cove of Keem Bay, sea cliffs at Croaghaun, and historic coastal drives.

Drive to Achill Sound 15 Mins (R319)
Drive to Keem Bay 45 Mins total
Beach Status Blue Flag / Lifeguarded
Best For Beaches, Swimming & Scenery

Mulranny serves as the gateway to Achill Island, connected to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge at Achill Sound. Located just 15 minutes west of Mulranny village, Achill offers spectacular coastal scenery, five Blue Flag beaches, and rich film and literary history.

Exploring Keem Bay & Valley

Nestled in a secluded horseshoe valley surrounded by dramatic slopes, Keem Bay is a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Its sheltered turquoise waters make it ideal for swimming, sea kayaking, and snorkeling along the Blueway trail.

Highlights of Achill Island

  • Keem Strand & Blueway: Sheltered cove with golden sands, marine life watching, and snorkeling.
  • Croaghaun Sea Cliffs: Standing at 688 metres, these are the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and Western Europe.
  • The Atlantic Drive: A spectacular 40 km coastal circuit taking in Dooega, Cloughmore, and views of Clare Island.
  • Slievemore Deserted Village: A historic ruin of 100 stone cottages used during seasonal transhumance ("booley") farming.

Basking Sharks & Marine Wildlife

Keem Bay was historically a centre for shark fishing. Today, during spring and early summer, the calm waters of the bay are a prime location for spotting gentle basking sharks and dolphins feeding close to the shoreline.

Planning Your Day Trip from Mulranny

A full-day excursion from Mulranny allows you to drive the Atlantic Drive in the morning, stop for lunch in Keel or Dugort, and spend the afternoon swimming or walking the headland trail at Keem Bay.

Location / Feature Visitor Details
Michael Davitt Bridge 15 km west of Mulranny via R319 (Free access swing bridge)
Keel Beach (Trawmore Strand) 3 km sandy beach popular for surfing, kiteboarding, and coastal walks
Keem Bay Parking Upper Car Park available; arrives via scenic winding cliff road (arrive early in July/Aug)
Water Safety Seasonal Lifeguards on duty during summer months at Keem, Keel, and Dugort

Local Tips for Visitors

  • ✓ Early Summer Arrivals: Keem Bay parking fills quickly during hot summer weekends. Head out from Mulranny before 10:30 AM to secure a parking space.
  • ✓ Keem to Benmore Cliff Walk: A popular cliff walk leads from the upper car park along the headland toward Moyteoge Head for unmatched ocean views.
  • ✓ Cycle Option via Greenway: You can cycle the Great Western Greenway directly from Mulranny to the trailhead at Achill Sound (13 km).

Getting to Achill & Keem from Mulranny

R319 Regional Road • Curraun Peninsula Route

🚗 Main Scenic Drive

Follow the R319 west from Mulranny across the bridge into Achill Sound (15 km), then continue through Keel village straight to the end of the road at Keem Bay (approx. 40 km total drive).

🚴 Greenway Cycling Route

Cycle the traffic-free Great Western Greenway section west from Mulranny Station straight to Achill Sound railway terminus (13 km of paved off-road trail).

Plan your cycling route from Mulranny: View Greenway Route Guide

Base Yourself in Mulranny

Enjoy easy access to Achill Island by day and return to Mulranny village for dining and seaside relaxation in the evening.