Co Mayo beach named one of the best in the world for 2025

Keem Beach in Co Mayo has once again made the cut for global travel site Big 7 Travel's annual list of The 50 Best Beaches in the World.

Now in its seventh year, the list is based on past media results, official Blue Flag beach awards, social media buzz, and insights from the Big 7 Travel editorial team.

The 2025 edition features a mix of beach destinations to suit all kinds of travellers.

From shallow turquoise lagoons in the Maldives to the coral-fringed coastlines of the Caribbean, this year’s ranking features everything from remote island hideaways to classic coastal icons. 

Keem Beach on Achill Island in Co Mayo ranked 18th on this year's list. This travel hotspot has been named on several "best of" lists in recent years.

"Along the lush green coast of County Mayo, Ireland, is Keem Beach," Big 7 Travel writes.

"The beach itself is surrounded by grassy slopes, and its curved shape helps to protect beachgoers from the elements.

"This Blue Flag Beach is perfect for swimming, offering calm waters that are full of rich and diverse marine life.

"The Bay was a former basking shark fishery, so even now you can see these gentle giants in and around the waters off Keem Beach.

"If you want a quiet, secluded trip to the beach, then we highly recommend visiting Keem Beach."

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Keem Beach, Achill Island, Co. Mayo. (Ireland's Content Pool)

Whitehaven Beach in Australia was named the best beach in the world, followed by Anse Source d’Argent in Seychelles in second place and Ksamil Beach, Albania in third.

Reethi Beach in the Maldives Plage de Notre Dame in Porquerolles, France completed the top five best beaches in the world.

You can see Big 7 Travel's full list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World here.