We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
A TOTAL OF 90 Irish beaches and marinas have been awarded Blue Flags this year, equaling the all-time record.
The 80 beaches and 10 marinas is two greater than last year.
The Blue Flag award is given to beaches and marinas that have excellent water quality and also maintain other standards including safety standards.
It is an international award which is operated in Ireland by An Taisce. When the first awards were presented in 1988 only 21 flags were awarded. Beaches that receive the award follow specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.
(Click here to see the full-sized image)
The county with the most Blue Flags this year is Donegal, with 12 beaches and two marinas
Ballybunion North beach failed to achieve a water quality rating sufficient to obtain Blue Flag status, while due to lower-than-normal sand levels, Wexford County Council had to withdraw the Blue Flag awarded to Courtown beach.
At Cil Mhuirbhigh on Inis Mór, the Covid-19 restrictions meant that it was not possible for a lifeguard to be stationed at the beach for the bathing season – meaning the flag had to be withdrawn.
However, if those factors change at the Wexford and Galway beaches they will be allowed to fly Blue Flags this year.
Sixty Irish beaches were also recognised with Green Coast awards, which recognise beaches that have a high environmental quality.
Youghal Claycastle in Cork this year achieved Blue Flag status for the first time since 2011, while Bertra in Mayo and Bundoran in Donegal regained the Blue Flag they had lost in 2019.
This summer, many of the Blue Flag beaches will not receive anything like the normal level of visitors as Covid-19 travel restrictions remain in place.
Currently, people are only permitted to travel within their own county or 20km from home – meaning beaches are out of reach for many.
The full list of Blue Flag beaches can be viewed here.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Curracloe beach Wexford is and always will be the best beach. Not that I’m biased or anything.
@Tom Harpur Photography: I assume you’ve been to every beach in the country?
@Tom Harpur Photography: easily the nicest beach in Ireland.
@Tom Harpur Photography: must agree, pity us tourists flock to it
@Tom Harpur Photography: You obviously havent been to Donegal.
I give this article a brown flag as the map is blurry
The link to the photo doesn’t work….
Our local beach got a brown flag.
@Dave Nomates: Was there brown trout on it?
Rosses point in Sligo has to be the best beach in Ireland and it is only a fifteen minute drive from Sligo town.
@Frances Faller: It was always Mullaghmore for me. Unfortunately last time I was there the beach was covered in dog crap.
how the f””””k would we know been locked down since march wouldn’t know the way to the beach now
@frank_1916: Lobby the government for a “To the beaches roadmap”
My local beach got a brown flag thanks to Irish Water
Bertra is a lovely place, but it used to be a terror for jellyfish.
@Logan Shepherd: What did they do to the poor jellyfish?!
@Cormac Laffan: Avoided them mostly :-)
Kinnagoe Bay and the Murder Hole in Donegal deserve notable mentions!! Beautiful and amazing…
If there is no lifeguard and no noticeboard with details of water cleanliness then it doesn’t matter how fabulous the beach is. It won’t get a flag.
Co Meath no Blue flag again none in Mornington, Bettystown or Laytown Local Councilers and Meath County Council don’t care to invest in necessary safety infrastructure.
Dublin’s come off very poorly
@Emer Caffrey: ain’t that a fact.
@Emer Caffrey: surprised that Portmarnock got a flag… the place is like a rubbish tip after the weekends.
have your say