Cork beaches win prestigious accolades from An Taisce

More than two dozen Cork beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag and/or Green Coast Award by An Taisce, recognising them as some of Ireland’s best beach destinations.

At a ceremony held in the Galway Bay Hotel overlooking Salthill Blue Flag beach yesterday, out of the 25 beaches awarded, Fountainstown and Inchydoney East Beach were among 10 beaches awarded both titles nationally.

Further under the initiative for this year, 11 Cork beaches, out of 85 beaches and nine marinas across Ireland, were awarded the Blue Flag, one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. These included Fountainstown, Barley Cove, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney East and Inchydoney West, Owenahincha, Redbarn, Tragumna, Youghal Front Strand, and Youghal Clay Castle.

For the same period, 70 beaches were awarded the Green Coast Award, an increase of four sites on last year’s awardees, 14 of which were in Cork. Cork beaches awarded include Ring, Ardnahinch, Ballynamona, Inch Strand, Fountainstown, Rocky Bay, Inchydoney East, Red Strand, Sherkin Island Silver Strand Beach, Cadogan’s Strand, Ballyrisode, Galley Cove, Dooneen Pier, and Garnish Beach.

Lucky

“It is my great pleasure to congratulate all of the recipients of International Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards,” said Government chief whip and Minister of State at the Department of Education, Hildegarde Naughton said, speaking at the awards ceremony.

“We all know just how lucky we are to have such beautiful water quality and natural beauty across our shores and this year’s recipients are testament to just how exceptional and rich in diversity that our beaches are.

“I want to wish a very happy and safe bathing and swimming season to everyone,” she added.

The director of the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce, Cathy Baxter said: “We were delighted to be welcomed to Salthill for the opportunity to celebrate the beaches and marinas awarded for the 2024 season.

“The local authorities, marina operators, and Clean Coasts groups responsible for their management have worked tirelessly to ensure that these sites meet the excellent standards required.”

The Green Coast Award is operated in Ireland by An Taisce with the support of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, and Fáilte Ireland.