In County Mayo there are so many clean and sandy beaches along the coastline for all to enjoy. They are rarely crowded and most of them have the prestigious Blue Flag Beaches Award or the Green Coast Beaches Award where an enjoyable swim or a stroll are relaxing experiences.

The Blue Flag is an EU quality award given to beaches which attain a certain standard. They must meet criteria for clean water, freedom from pollution, safe access and information about amenities, flora and fauna.

The Green Coast Award is a new national beach award given to beaches which have natural beauty, clean environment and high bathing water quality. They showcase Mayo’s rich coastal heritage and biodiversity perfectly.

Here are some of the best beaches Mayo boasts, many of them are Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Ross Strand (Killala)

• Carrawmore Beach (Louisburgh)

• Keem Beach, Keel Beach, Dugort Beach, Golden Strand, Dooega Beach (Achill Island)

• Mullaghroe Beach, Elly Bay Beach (Belmullet)

• The Harbour (Clare Island)

• Bertra Beach (Murrisk)

• Mulranny Beach (Mulranny)

• White Strand (Louisburgh)

• Carrowniskey (Louisburgh)

• Cross-Erris Peninsula (Mullet Peninsula)

• Termon (Aghleam)

• Srah (Bunnahowen)

• Portacloy (Portacloy Bay)

• Cross (Louisburgh)

• Silver Strand (Louisburgh)

• Old Head (Louisburgh)