Clown-led Beach Clean and Circus Show, Keel, Achill Island

What to Expect

Circus250 mark Water Heritage Day at Keel on Achill Island on Sunday 23 August 2026 with two linked free events, running from midday to 4pm. The first is a clown-led beach clean from noon to 1pm, starting at Keel Playground, to help keep Keel Beach clean. Litter pickers and bags are provided, so all anyone needs to bring is boots and a jacket.

The second half moves indoors to Keel Community Hall for Juanita’s Big Problem from 3pm to 4pm, described by the company as a hilarious circus performance exploring one of the biggest challenges facing our oceans: plastic pollution. It uses clowning, physical comedy and circus skills to make the point rather than a lecture. Both parts are family-friendly and suitable for all ages, and both are free.

Good to Know

• Date: Sunday 23 August 2026
• Beach clean: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, from Keel Playground, F28 EA47. Litter pickers and bags provided
• Show: Juanita’s Big Problem, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Keel Community Hall, F28 XA33
• Price: Free, both events
• Suitable for: All ages
• Organiser: Circus250, bigtop@circus250.org
• Part of: Water Heritage Day

Getting There

Keel is on the south side of Achill Island, on the R319 about 15 minutes’ drive past the Michael Davitt Bridge at Achill Sound. Keel Playground and Keel Community Hall are both in the village, a short walk apart, with parking at the beach car park and around the village. Achill is reached from Westport in about an hour on the N59 and R319 through Mulranny, and from Castlebar in about an hour and twenty minutes. The bridge means no ferry is involved. Bus Eireann route 440 runs from Westport and Castlebar to Achill and stops at Keel, though Sunday services are limited, so check the timetable before relying on it. Late August weather on the Atlantic coast turns quickly, so bring waterproofs for the beach clean.