SurfCheck/ Ireland/ Mayo/ Keel Beach

Keel Beach Surf Report

County Mayo · Beginner-friendly beach break
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Keel Beach — surf & tide guide

Keel Beach is a beach in Mayo, Ireland. It works best on a W–NNW swell with E–SSE winds blowing offshore. The beach faces NW. Ideal size is 0.8–3.5 m at 10–16 s.

Break type
beach
Faces
NW (310°)
Best swell
W–NNW · 0.8–3.5 m · 10–16 s
Best wind
E–SSE (offshore)
Best tide
best around mid tide
Tidal range
large (~4.3 m)
Coordinates
53.9720, -10.0530
Region
Mayo, Ireland

Keel Beach has semidiurnal (two highs a day) tides with an approximate large range of 4.3 m. Mid tide works best. More Mayo spots →

About Keel Beach

Keel Beach is a 3 km west-facing strand on Achill Island, sitting at the foot of Slievemore mountain. It's one of the most photographed beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way and a serious surf venue in its own right - the beach faces straight into the Atlantic and catches W to NW swells with no obstacles in the way.

Multiple peaks shift up and down the strand. The beach handles size well and works on most tides. Mid is best for the cleanest banks. A surf school and board hire operate on the strand in season; Keel village has cafes, accommodation and parking right behind the beach.

Achill itself is a destination - rugged scenery, the Atlantic Drive, Keem Bay just a short drive west - so it's worth more than a day if you make the trip from Sligo or Galway.

Type
Beach break · 3 km multi-peak strand
Best swell
W–NW (250–315°), 0.8–3.0m
Best wind
E (offshore), 60–130°
Best tide
Works most tides · mid is best
Best period
10–16s
Skill level
Beginner to advanced
Best season
Sep–Apr · summer also works
Parking
Free car park right at the beach

Hazards & Notes

  • Exposed beach - wind builds quickly
  • Strong rips between sand bars on bigger swells
  • Cliff at the west end - know which way the wind is pushing
  • Cold North Atlantic water year-round

14-Day Forecast

Tap any day for hourly detail.

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Other Mayo Spots

All conditions and 14-day forecast for every Mayo break: view the full Mayo page →