Cork tops the table as Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards announced

More than 20 beaches and marinas in Cork have been recognised with accolades at the annual An Taisce International Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards 2025.

The awards saw a nationwide total of 99 beaches and marinas awarded a Blue Flag, as well as 70 beaches awarded a Green Coast Award.

Of the 169 national awardees, a total of 23 beaches in Cork and two marinas were honoured with Blue Flags and/or Green Coast Awards.

Among the 11 beaches awarded a Blue Flag in Cork were Barleycove, Garrettstown, Owenahincha, Youghal Front Strand, Garrylucas, Inchydoney West, Redbarn, Tragumna, and Claycastle, as well as Inchydoney East and Fountainstown.

The Kinsale Yacht Club marina and the Royal Cork Yacht Club marina were also awarded Blue Flags.

Among the 14 beaches honoured with a Green Coast Award were Ring, Ardnahinch/Shanagarry, Ballynamona, Oysterhaven, Rocky Bay, Red Strand, Silver Strand beach on Sherkin Island, Cadogan’s Strand, Ballyrisode, Galley Cove, Dooneen Pier, and Garnish Beach in Lehanmore.

Inchydoney East and Fountainstown achieved a dual award status with Green Coast Awards, in addition to their Blue Flags.

This year, Cork was the county awarded the most Green Coast Awards, and was also the county with the highest combined number of award flags.

Presenting the awards at the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe on Friday James Browne TD, the housing, local government and heritage minister, said that “great credit” should be given to those who manage and maintain Ireland’s coastal amenities.

“I am honoured to present a record number of awards [this year],” said Mr Browne.

“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.”