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The Journal
16-05-2025
- The Journal
This year's blue flags have been awarded - did your local beach get one?
A RECORD NUMBER of Blue Flags have been handed out to beaches and marinas around Ireland this year. A total of 99 beaches and marinas have been awarded and recognised for having excellent water quality and for maintaining other standards, including safety standards. It is an international award which is operated in Ireland by An Taisce. You can view a map of this year's beaches, here . Map of this year's Blue Flag beaches. Below are the following beaches who have been awarded. Co Donegal: A total of 14 beaches and marinas were awarded Blue Flags in Co Donegal this year. The list includes: Bundoran, Co Donegal Carrickfinn, Co Donegal Culdaff, Co Donegal Downings, Co Donegal Fintra, Co Donegal Killahoey, Co Donegal Magherawarden (Portsalon), Co Donegal Marblehill, Co Donegal Murvagh, Co Donegal Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal Portnoo /Narin, Co Donegal Stroove, Co Donegal Greencastle Marina, Co Donegal Rathmullan Marina, Co Donegal Co Louth Three beaches and marinas have been awarded Blue Flags in Co Louth this year: Port/Lurganboy, Co Louth Clogherhead, Co Louth Shellinghill/Templetown, Co Louth Co Cork A total of 14 beaches and marinas have been awarded Blue Flags in Co Cork: Redbarn Beach, Co Cork Barley Cove, Co Cork Inchydoney East Beach, Co Cork Fountainstown, Co Cork Youghal Front Strand, Co Cork Barley Cove, Co Cork Garretstown, Co Cork Garrylucas, Co Cork Inchydoney West Beach, Co Cork Owenahincha, Co Cork Tragumna, Co Cork Youghal Claycastle, Co Cork Kinsale Yacht Club, Co Cork The Royal Cork Yacht Club, Co Cork Advertisement Co Sligo Three beaches in Co Sligo have received Blue Flags this year: Mullaghroe, Co Sligo Rosses Point, Co Sligo Enniscrone, Co Sligo Co Dublin Four swimming hotspots in the capital have been awarded Blue Flags: Portmarnock/Velvet Strand, Co Dublin Seapoint, Co Dublin Donabate, Balcarrick Beach, Co Dublin Killiney, Co Dublin Co Wicklow Four beaches and marinas in Co Wicklow have been awarded this year: Brittas Bay North Beach, Co Wicklow Brittas Bay South Beach, Co Wicklow Greystones, Co Wicklow Magherabeg, Co Wicklow Co Clare Ten swim and surf spots in Co Clare will have Blue Flags flying this summer: Ballycuggeran (Killaloe), Co Clare Fanore, Co Clare Kilkee, Co Clare Lahinch, Co Clare Mountshannon, Co Clare Spanish Point, Co Clare White Strand Doonbeg, Co Clare White Strand Miltown Malbay, Co Clare Kilrush Marina, Co Clare Cappagh Pier, Co Clare Co Kerry A total of 14 beaches and marinas in The Kingdom have been awarded: Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry Ballybunion North, Co Kerry Ballybunion South, Co Kerry Ballyheigue, Co Kerry Banna, Co Kerry Derrynane, Co Kerry Fenit Strand, Co Kerry Inch, Co Kerry Kells, Co Kerry Rossbeigh, Co Kerry Ventry, Co Kerry White Strand Cahersiveen, Co Kerry Fenit Marina, Co Kerry Portmagee Seasonal Visitors Pontoons, Co Kerry Co Wexford Eight beaches and marinas in Wexford have received Blue Flags this year: Ballinesker Beach, Co Wexford Curracloe, Co Wexford Morriscastle, Co Wexford Rosslare, Co Wexford Carne, Co Wexford Kilmore Quay Marina, Co Wexford New Ross Marina, Co Wexford Ballymoney North Beach, Co Wexford Co Waterford Four swimming locations in Waterford have been awarded this year: Clonea, Co Waterford Councillors Strand Dunmore East, Co Waterford Ardmore, Co Waterford Tramore Beach, Co Waterford Co Galway A grand total of 11 beaches have been given Blue Flags this year: An Trá Mhór (Inverin), Co Galway Cill Mhuirbhigh (Aran), Co Galway Loughrea Lake, Co Galway Salthill, Co Galway Silverstrand, Co Galway Silverstrand Dugort, Co Galway Trá an Dóilin (An Cheathrú Rua), Co Galway Traught, Co Galway Portumna, Co Galway Trá Inis Oírr (Main Beach), Co Galway Céibh an Spidéil, Co Galway Co Mayo Nine beaches in Mayo have received Blue Flags this year: Bertra, Co Mayo Clare Island, Co Mayo Dooega, Co Mayo Elly Bay, Co Mayo Keel, Co Mayo Keem, Co Mayo Mulranny, Co Mayo Ross Killala, Co Mayo Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, Co Mayo Co Westmeath & Co Meath Killinure Point, Co Westmeath, an in-land swimming spot, has been awarded a Blue Flag. Bettystown Beach, Co Meath in the neighbouring county has also received a Blue Flag this year. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Revealed: Ireland's best beaches at the Blue Flag awards – as one county tops the list
Yesterday, a record number of Blue Flags were awarded around the country, with 89 beaches and 10 marinas securing the prestigious environmental award. A total of 70 beaches also received the Green Coast Award for 2025, recognising a clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Ten beaches across the country managed to achieve dual status, with both a Blue Flag and Green Coast Award, securing their status among the country's finest. On this illustrious list were; Cork was the county that achieved the most Green Coast Awards this year with 14, and the Rebel County also has the highest combined number of award flags with 27, including the Blue Flags awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club and The Royal Cork Yacht Club and 11 Blue Flags awarded to beaches managed by Cork County Council. Only Cork was awarded more than the 10 Green Coast Awards handed to Wexford beaches this year, ensuring the sunny south-east also remains a go-to destination for beach lovers this summer. In terms of Blue Flag beaches, major improvements were noted at Cappagh Pier in Clare; Counsellors' Strand in Dunmore East and Tramore Beach in Co Waterford and Ballymoney, North Beach, in Co Wexford. The 89 beaches awarded Blue Flags represent 60pc of Ireland's identified bathing waters. This is the second highest percentage of identified bathing waters to receive a Blue Flag to date. Some Blue Flags of note for 2025 included Céibh an Spidéal in Co Galway, which has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012. Keel Beach on Achill Island in Co Mayo has been awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year, the beach having retained its Blue Flag status each season since it was first awarded in 1989. Three other beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag in 37 non-consecutive seasons, Clonea in Waterford and Banna and Ballyheigue, both in Co Kerry. Kerry is the county with most Blue Flags in 2025 with 15. Fourteen of these are managed by Kerry County Council and one, Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons, is managed by Kilrush Maritime Ltd. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The local authorities with most Blue Flag awarded sites are Kerry County Council and Donegal County Council, both have been awarded 14 Blue Flags this year. It was appropriate that in glorious Wexford sunshine, a stone's throw from one of the country's finest beaches at Curracloe, Local Government Minister James Browne met with representatives of An Taisce to reveal the list of Ireland's Blue Flag beaches and marinas. Delighted to see so many beaches and marinas in his home county feature on the list, Mr Browne noted the major strides being made in coastal communities right across the country. 'Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather – anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today,' he said. 'Given that the Blue Flag programme is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety, I am honoured to present a record number of awards today – 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards. 'We've come a long way since the beginning of Ireland's Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and two marinas were recognised. 'This didn't happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy.' Director of education and community action at An Taisce, Cathy Baxter added her congratulations to all the local authorities, marina operators and clean coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Revealed: Ireland best beaches at the Blue Flag awards – and it's Cork topping the list
Friday saw a record number of Blue Flags awarded around the country, with 89 beaches and 10 marinas securing the prestigious environmental award. A total of 70 beaches also received the Green Coast Award for 2025, recognising a clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Ten beaches across the country managed to achieve dual status with both a Blue Flag and Green Coast Award, securing their status among the country's finest. On this illustrious list were; Cork was the county that achieved the most Green Coast Awards this year with 14, and the Rebel County also has the highest combined number of award flags with 27 including the Blue Flags awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club and The Royal Cork Yacht Club and 11 Blue Flags awarded to beaches managed by Cork County Council. Only Cork was awarded more than the 10 Green Coast Awards handed to Wexford beaches in 2025, ensuring the sunny south east also remains a go-to destination for beach lovers this summer. In terms of Blue Flag beaches, major improvements were noted at Cappagh Pier in Clare; Counsellors' Strand in Dunmore East and Tramore Beach in Co Waterford and Ballymoney, North Beach, in Wexford. The 89 beaches awarded Blue Flags represent 60pc of Ireland's identified bathing waters. This is the second highest percentage of identified bathing waters to receive a Blue Flag to date. Some Blue Flags of note for 2025 included Céibh an Spidéal in County Galway, which has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012. Keel Beach on Achill Island in County Mayo has been awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year, the beach having retained its Blue Flag status each season since it was first awarded in 1989. Three other beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag in 37 non-consecutive seasons, Clonea in Waterford and Banna and Ballyheigue, both in County Kerry. Kerry is the county with most Blue Flags in 2025 with 15, 14 of these are managed by Kerry County Council and one, Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons is managed by Kilrush Maritime Ltd. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The Local Authorities with most Blue Flag awarded sites are Kerry County Council and Donegal County Council, both have been awarded 14 Blue Flags in 2025. It was appropriate that in glorious Wexford sunshine, a stone's throw from one of the country's finest beaches at Curracloe, Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government James Browne met with representatives of An Taisce to reveal the list of Ireland's Blue Flag beaches and marinas. Delighted to see so many beaches and marinas in his home county feature on the list, Minister Browne noted the major strides being made in coastal communities right across the country. 'Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather – anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today,' he said. 'Given that the Blue Flag programme is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety, I am honoured to present a record number of awards today – 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards. 'We've come a long way since the beginning of Ireland's Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and 2 marinas were recognised. 'This didn't happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy.' Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce Cathy Baxter added her congratulations to all the local authorities, marina operators and clean coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Best beaches in Ireland revealed as Cork tops the list for Blue Flags and Green Coast awards
Today saw a record number of Blue Flags awarded around the country, with 89 beaches and 10 marinas securing the prestigious environmental award. A total of 70 beaches also received the Green Coast Award for 2025, recognising a clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Ten beaches across the country managed to achieve dual status with both a Blue Flag and Green Coast Award, securing their status among the country's finest. On this illustrious list were Balcarrick, Donabate in Fingal; Salthill and Silver Strand in Galway City, An Trá Inis Oirr in Galway County; Fountainstown and Inchydoney Beach East in Cork; Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs) in Kerry; Bettystown in Meath and Enniscrone and Rosses Point in Sligo. Cork was the county that achieved the most Green Coast Awards this year with 14 and the rebel county also has the highest combined number of award flags with 27 including the Blue Flags awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club and The Royal Cork Yacht Club and 11 Blue Flags awarded to beaches managed by Cork County Council. Only Cork was awarded more than the 10 Green Coast Awards handed to Wexford beaches in 2025, ensuring the sunny south east also remains a go-to destination for beach lovers this summer. In terms of Blue Flag beaches, major improvements were noted at Cappagh Pier in Clare; Counsellors' Strand in Dunmore East and Tramore Beach in Co Waterford and Ballymoney, North Beach, in Wexford. The 89 beaches awarded Blue Flags represent 60% of Ireland's identified bathing waters. This is the second highest percentage of identified bathing waters to receive a Blue Flag to date. Some Blue Flags of note for 2025 included Céibh an Spidéal in County Galway, which has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012. Keel Beach on Achill Island in County Mayo has been awarded a Blue Flag for the 37th consecutive year, the beach having retained its Blue Flag status each season since it was first awarded in 1989. Three other beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag in 37 non-consecutive seasons, Clonea in Waterford and Banna and Ballyheigue, both in County Kerry. Kerry is the county with most Blue Flags in 2025 with 15, 14 of these are managed by Kerry County Council and one, Portmagee Seasonal Pontoons is managed by Kilrush Maritime Ltd. The Local Authorities with most Blue Flag awarded sites are Kerry County Council and Donegal County Council, both have been awarded 14 Blue Flags in 2025. Delighted to see so many beaches and marinas in his home county feature on the list, Minister Browne noted the major strides being made in coastal communities right across the country. 'Presenting these awards on a great day in Curracloe and – in the current good weather – anticipating the happy days ahead for so many families on this very beach over the summer, I am particularly proud that the beautiful beaches and marinas from around my own home county of Wexford are amongst those recognised today,' he said. 'Given that the Blue Flag programme is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety, I am honoured to present a record number of awards today – 99 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards. 'We've come a long way since the beginning of Ireland's Blue Flag awards in 1988, when 19 beaches and 2 marinas were recognised. 'This didn't happen by magic. Great credit must go to local authorities, An Taisce, coastal communities and particularly all those local volunteers who have worked tirelessly around the country to keep so many of our coastal areas, beaches and marinas in pristine condition for us all to enjoy.' Director of Education and Community Action at An Taisce Cathy Baxter added her congratulations to all the local authorities, marina operators and clean coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas.
