The man received medical assistance at the scene before being transported by air ambulance to hospital
A man has died following an incident at a popular beauty spot in Ireland
Gardaí and emergency services responded to an emergency call shortly before 6pm on Monday evening after a man aged in his 70s got into difficulty while swimming at Keel Beach off Achill Island, Co Mayo.
Achill Island Coast Guard were also tasked to the scene and the man was removed from the water.
Rescue 118 arrived on the beach at around 6.25pm and man was airlifted to Mayo University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The coroner has been notified and a post mortem will be carried out in due course.
Gardai have said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
A garda spokesperson said in a statement to the Irish Mirror: “Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an incident where a male swimmer, aged in his 70s, encountered difficulty in the water on the evening of 22nd of September 2025.
“He was removed by air ambulance to Mayo University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
“A post mortem examination will take place in due course. A file will be prepared for the Coroner.
“Investigations ongoing.”
In a statement issued on Monday, a spokesperson for Achill Island Coast Guard said: “At 17:53 this evening, our volunteers were tasked to Keel Beach to assist a swimmer in difficulty.
“The rescue was rapidly supported by Rescue 118 who transported the casualty to hospital. The National Ambulance Service (NAS) were also on scene.
“We sincerely thank all the agencies involved for their swift response and teamwork. We keep the casualty and all those impacted in our thoughts.
“If you see anyone in difficulty on the sea, cliffs, or shoreline, please dial 112/999 or call on VHF Ch 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.”
Keel Beach, also known as Trawmore Strand, is one of the most iconic beauty spots in Ireland. Stretching over 3.5kms eastwards to the cliffs of Minau, it is located on the north west side of Achill Island at the foot of Achill Head, and can also be found on the edge of the village of Keel.
Located on the western side of Achill Island, the popular beach was recently showcased on the big screen as Keem Bay was used for a number of scenes in the award-winning film The Banshees of Inisherin.
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