I remember we had no plans that day – we just wanted to get away from the busy city life. And while the weather was cold and windy, we still felt that we had to try the nearby beaches even if it wasn’t summertime.
Good thing Mayo has amazing beaches, each one comforting enough to melt our worries away.
So if you need a quick escape without the need to drive for hours, read this blog and see which Mayo beach to go to this weekend—or maybe even today!
1. Bertra Beach
Media credit: @alanclarkeofficial
Website: https://www.greenway.ie/beaches/bertra-beach/
Address: Croagh Patrick Mountain, Thornhill, Murrisk, Westport, Co Mayo
Contact Details: +353-(0)98-648 33
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re in the Westport area and are currently looking for a quick beach escape then you should head to Bertra Beach.
This beach is pretty sandy so you won’t be able to spot as many rocks and pebbles here. You’ll love that this beach is awarded a Blue Flag, which means water quality and safety are prioritized in this place.
You’ll love taking seaside walks any time of the year as there’s a wide stretch of sand on this beach.
If you’re looking for beach activities, you and your friends can plan an afternoon of windsurfing, canoeing, waterskiing, and snorkeling.
For the surfers out there, Bertra Beach offers some pretty good waves, great for you to practice your skills.
Meanwhile, if you’re bringing your kids with you, you may want to consider visiting during the summer months as lifeguards are usually present during this time.
On the other hand, you can also bring your furry pals with you. Just remember to always keep them on a leash for everyone’s safety.
Pro tip: Since Bertra Beach is known for its wide sandy stretch and breezy coastal winds, consider flying a kite while you’re here.
2. Silver Strand
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/galway/silverstrand-beach
Address: Malin Beg, Glencolumbkille, Co. Donegal
Contact Details: +353 (0)28 23116
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re planning for a beach trip around Mayo that’s practically far from other tourist spots, then Silver Strand is the one you should go to. The beach is just 450 meters wide, which is great especially if you really want this trip to be more intimate.
While walking on this sandy beach, you’ll get a good view of the nearby islands such as the Inishturk and the Inishbofin.
For those traveling with their family, you’ll appreciate the calmer waves on this beach, great if your smaller kids are swimming with you. Additionally, they can also enjoy building castles on the sand.
If you’re lucky, you can even spot some dolphins from afar! So make sure to always be on the lookout for some wildlife in the area.
For those of you who are craving some adventure, you’ll love that you can hike here too.
Pro tip: There are no facilities or stores near Silver Strand Beach so make sure that you bring enough water and snacks with you when you visit this beach.
3. Old Head Beach
Media credit: @johnmcl81
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/mayo/old-head-beach-louisburgh
Address: Fallduff, Old Head, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353949064000
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach around Mayo then you should head to Old Head Beach, another Blue Flag-awarded beach around town.
This beach is known for its shallow waters, making it a perfect spot for paddling with kids. While you’re here, you can also do some water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and water skiing.
The waters are also safe for swimming and surfing, making it a great spot for beginners out there.
And since the Atlantic Ocean is quite chilly, you’ll love that you can warm up in their sauna after doing all the water activities on this beach.
Meanwhile, aside from the sandy beach, there are also grassy picnic areas around so you can stay dry and eat some snacks while enjoying your view of the Clew Bay.
Pro tip: If you forgot to bring snacks or simply just want to add more during your stay, consider dropping by The Old Head Cafe before going straight to the beach. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream here too, perfect for beating the heat!
4. Keel Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/mayo/keel-beach-achill-island
Address: Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353949064000
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
One of the longest beaches that you can visit in Mayo is Keel Beach, also known as the Trawmore Strand. You’ll love that this is accessible by car, with clear and proper signage along the way, guiding you to the main beach.
Since it’s relatively large, people love to go here to do some water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
Moreover, you and your kids can enjoy swimming on this beach much more during summer as lifeguards are on duty. Just watch out for a larger crowd by then since the beach expects visitors from nearby villages.
Meanwhile, you’ll love that their shoreline is wide enough, perfect for sunbathing or long afternoon walks by the beach.
Pro tip: Consider visiting Keel Village after your beach trip. This village is known for its seafood restaurants and traditional Irish pubs, giving a cultural touch to your trip.
5. Keem Bay
Media credit: @thewildatlanticway
Website: https://achilltourism.com/experience-achill/places-of-interest/keem-bay-achill-island-ireland/
Address: Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +098 20400
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a beach in Mayo that comes with a breathtaking view then you should head to Keem Bay. This beach is highly accessible to cars, making it one of the go-to beaches when you’re in Mayo.
The beach has calm waters so if you and your kids wish to take a dip, you’ll love that you can swim here even without lifeguards on duty. And when the water is much calmer, you’ll see several families enjoying kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Here, you can also see some seals resting on the rocks. And if you’re lucky, you can even catch some dolphins from afar!
For those of you who like hiking, you’ll love that the highest sea cliffs in Ireland are found here at Keem. While the trail isn’t too friendly to beginners, the views on top are worth the effort!
Pro tips: Consider bringing a smaller car as the road going to Keem Bay is quite narrow. Make sure to drive slowly when you’ve reached this area.If you want to enjoy Keem Bay without the crowd, consider visiting during winter evenings.
6. Claggan Island
Media credit: @leonardo72
Website: https://www.thewildatlanticway.com/sight/claggan-island/
Address: Belmullet Coastguard Station, Claggan Island, Bunnahowen, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353 (0) 87 6833985
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who are searching for a more quiet beach then Claggan Island should be on top of your list. Yes, it remains peaceful even during the summer months!
What’s great about this beach is that you can access it via a small bridge from the mainland, making it easier for those without cars to reach this place.
Once you’re here, you’ll get great views of the Achill and the Mullet Peninsula, making your stay more calm and inviting.
For the nature lovers out there, you’ll love that you can catch different bird species in this area. So don’t forget to bring binoculars if you plan to visit this beach.
Meanwhile, if you love fishing, there are a wide variety of fish that you can catch here. You’ll even love seeing fishermen while at work, practicing the traditional methods
Pro tip: For those with limited mobility, make sure to park at Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point at Claggan Island. This parking is way closer to the sea, preventing you from having long walks.
7. Golden Strand
Media credit: @achill_tourism
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/mayo/golden-strand-achill-island
Address: Dugort East, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353 (0) 87 6833985
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Golden Strand is the largest beach found in Dugort Village in Count Mayo. Since it’s not one of the go-to beaches in Mayo, it becomes a perfect place if you want to enjoy a relatively unspoiled beach with your family.
You’ll love sunbathing or swimming in the peaceful waters as the beach doesn’t get crowded as well. You can also do some water activities such as scuba diving, canoeing, and sailing.
Going here can be a little tricky as you’ll need to drive on a narrow road which is surrounded by cliffs and hills. While the route is scenic, you still have to drive slowly once you’ve reached this road.
And when you’re here, you’ll also get a great view of the Blacksod Bay.
Pro tip: Since the beach is a bit secluded, expect that there are no nearby cafes and restaurants in the area.
8. Elly Bay
Media credit: @portwestireland
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/mayo/elly-bay-belmullet
Address: Barrack South, Irska, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353949064000
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you love swimming or surfing, Elly Bay should be on your list of the must-see beaches when you’re in County Mayo.
For surfers out there, make sure to head to the west part of Elly Bay. You’ll find most of the surfers here as waves are relatively higher.
Meanwhile, if you want to be more chill and just swim in a calmer part, the east side is for you! This is also a great side for families who want to enjoy paddling.
For those of you who want to take an afternoon stroll to the beach, you may also want to head to the east side of this beach.
While walking, you’ll also get a great view of Achill Island and the Mayo Coast.
Pro tip: Since Elly Bay has sandy and rocky grounds, consider bringing your water shoes if you’re planning to go into the water. This will protect your feet from any sharp and pointy rocks that you won’t be able to see underwater.
9. Cross Beach
Media credit: @joycesammon
Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/mayo/golden-strand-achill-island
Address: Dugort East, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Contact Details: +353 (0) 87 6833985
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you don’t mind visiting a beach without any lifeguard service then you can try County Mayo’s Cross Beach. This beach is one of the most popular surfing spots in Mayo so make sure that you’re not a first-timer if you plan on trying the surfing waters here!
Nonetheless, surfing schools are still around to teach you new surfing skills.
Once you’re on the beach, you’ll be amazed by the views of Inishturk Island.
And if you’re into nature, you’ll love that you can see seabirds such as gulls and puffins on this beach. You can also spot several bird species that consider Cross Beach’s cliffs as their home.
The road going here is quite tricky to navigate, so make sure to be extra careful when driving, especially during the rainy season. Moreover, since the beach is secluded, there are no nearby coffee shops and restaurants in this beach.
Pro tip: There are no toilets in Cross Beach so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.