Homemade Food &
Irish Craft Above
Keel Beach
Family-run on Achill Island since 1991. Award-winning kitchen, 60 outdoor seats overlooking the Atlantic, and a shop full of real Irish-made goods.
Above Keel Beach Since 1991
Michael and Patricia Joyce opened The Beehive in 1991, on a stretch of the R319 above Keel Beach with the Minaun cliffs behind them. Thirty-five years later, they are still here, and the food is still homemade every morning.
Patricia's kitchen turns out seafood chowder with brown scones, nettle soup, local Achill oysters, smoked mackerel salads, and a daily spread of cakes and crumbles. Everything is served at the counter, no fuss. Grab a tray, find a seat outside, and eat with a view of the Atlantic that no restaurant in Dublin could buy. The Beehive is fully licensed too, so there is wine, beer, and a proper Irish coffee if the afternoon calls for it.
Georgina Campbell called it one of the 'Best of the Best' in Ireland. McKenna's Guide and Frommer's agree. But the real proof is simpler: 740 Google reviews, 729 on TripAdvisor, and people keep coming back year after year. On the way out, the craft shop has Irish knitwear, homeware, and wool products, all genuinely made here, not imported. That is The Beehive. Good food, real craft, and a view that stays with you.
Food is delicious and affordable there...no one can beat Patricia's team on taste.
The Counter Menu
Seafood chowder, local oysters, fresh salads, and a counter full of cakes and crumbles. All made here. Average spend around EUR 10.
Soups
- Seafood Chowder
Homemade, served with brown scones
- Nettle Soup (Brotchan Neantog)vegan
Traditional Irish recipe
Seafood
- Local Achill Oysters
Seasonal, from Achill waters
- Salmon Salad
Fresh local salmon
- Smoked Mackerel Salad
Warm smoked local mackerel
- Fish Cakes
Mains
- Toasted Sandwiches
- Irish Farmhouse Cheese Platevegetarian
- Burrito Bowl
Baked Goods & Desserts
DrinksFully licensed
Self-service: order at the counter, find a seat
Vegan options available daily
Average spend approximately EUR 10 per person
Real Irish Craft,
Not Imported
On the way out, browse the original Beehive: a craft shop stocked with Irish handcrafts, knitwear, homeware, outdoor clothing, and wool products. Everything here is genuinely made in Ireland, not mass-produced souvenirs.
Nearly 1,500 Reviews
“The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was friendly and prompt.”
“You have to try smoked warm mackerel salad. Delicious fresh local fish.”
“Beehive is very cosy and nice place. The staff here is friendly and welcoming.”
“The food was great although you get it from a counter and take it to the table.”
From The Beehive
Find Us Above Keel Beach
Open daily 11am to 4pm, March through November. R319, Keel, Achill Island. Just pull in.
Opening Hours
Open March to November only. Closed December to February.
Good to Know
Full wheelchair access with accessible toilets
High chairs and baby-changing facilities
60 seats with Atlantic views
Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners accepted
Wine, beer, and Irish coffee
Knitwear, homeware, and wool products