Coastal Wonders & Beaches

Explore the rugged Atlantic coastline of Connacht, featuring a selection of Blue Flag beaches and historic maritime landmarks. This collection spans from the white shell sands of Dogs Bay and the rare coralline algae of Mannin Bay to the surfing hubs of Achill Island. The list also highlights active 19th-century navigational aids, including the lighthouses of Inisheer, Straw Island, and Blacksod, which continue to guard the western approaches to Galway and Mayo.

Keem Beach

Keem Bay is located past Dooagh village in the west of Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland. It contains a Blue Flag beach.

Dogs Bay Beach

A horseshoe-shaped beach in Connemara known for its white sand composed of crushed seashells, specifically foraminifera, rather than traditional quartz.

Carrowmore Beach

Sandy beach near Louisburgh known for surfing and views across Clew Bay.

Inisheer Lighthouse

The Inisheer, Inis Oírr or Fardurris Point Lighthouse, is an active 19th century lighthouse located on the island of Inisheer, the smallest…

Straw Island Lighthouse

Straw Island Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation on an islet of the same name in Killeany Bay, northeast of Inishmore in County…

Blacksod Lighthouse

Blacksod Lighthouse is a lighthouse at the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula, Erris, County Mayo, at the entrance to Blacksod Bay.

Keel Beach

A 4km sandy beach on Achill Island used for surfing, windsurfing, and diving, situated at the foot of the Minaun Cliffs.

Mannin Bay Coral Strand

Shoreline composed of bleached coralline algae, known as maerl, which gives the water a clear, turquoise appearance.