A part of Ireland’s coastline has been recognised for its beauty in The World’s 50 Best Beaches list for 2026.
Over 1,000 travel professionals constructed the list, checking out countless coastlines and narrowing down the top places to visit with a voting system.
The group that runs the list reaches out to thousands of the world’s most experienced travel professionals each year to get insights on the best shores around the globe, with each vote accompanied by a compelling description.
Once all votes are cast, the group reviews each submission and debates the merits of each beach.
The final list is based on the following criteria: Unique, Wildlife, Untouched, Soundtrack of Nature, Easy to Enter, Often Calm Water, Not Too Crowded, and Frequently Idyllic.
Ireland’s own Keem Bay met this criterion in 2026, just about making the cut at number 50 on the list.
The group stated: ‘Set in a dramatic environment, Keem Beach stands out for its raw natural beauty and surprisingly blue waters, which resemble those found in more tropical locations.
‘Tucked away on Achill Island along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Keem Beach is free from large developments, allowing it to remain unspoiled and serene.
‘What also makes Keem Beach stand out is its horseshoe-shaped bay, surrounded by towering cliffs and picturesque hills, creating calmer waters that are ideal for swimming in the summer.
‘The sand is nearly white, and the waters are among the cleanest in the area.
‘Keem Beach is accessible via a scenic drive with panoramic coastal views, where you might even encounter the occasional sheep or two, adding to the charm of this unique beach experience.’
Other European countries included on the list were Portugal, France, Spain, Italy and Greece.
Greece had three shores featured, with its Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranking second in the world.
The group wrote: ‘Majestic white cliffs frame the beach, curving around a stretch of striking white pebbles mixed with sand, which meets the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea.
‘The untouched beauty and tranquil environment of Fteri Beach make it a haven for those in search of peace and a deep connection with nature.’
According to the travel experts, the best shore in the entire world is Entalula Beach in the Philippines.
Described as ‘one of those places you have to see to believe’, the travellers fell in love with its ‘towering limestone cliffs that rise sharply behind a stretch of soft white sand’.
The group added: ‘The water is exceptionally clear, with calm conditions that make it easy to swim and simply take it all in. With access only by boat, it remains quieter and helps preserve its more natural feel.
‘It’s the contrast of majestic cliffs, clear water, and amazing seclusion that gives Entalula its edge as a place that feels both dramatic and calm at the same time.’
