Time to get Cork beaches sparkling with 2026 Big Beach Clean

Cork volunteers are being encouraged to sign up to An Taisce’s Clean Coasts programme with registration now open for the 2026 Big Beach Clean, the annual clean-up which marks the end of the bathing season in Ireland.

Volunteers are asked to join the action to clean litter from their local beaches, waterways and towns, while contributing to a global effort to combat marine litter.

In 2025, more than 500 groups registered to host a clean up nationwide, with almost 11,000 volunteers ultimately removing more than 60 tonnes of litter from the marine environment.

The Big Beach Clean is held as part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which is a global beach cleaning action led by Ocean Conservancy.

Upon signing up, participants receive all the equipment they need to conduct a successful beach clean and complete a marine litter survey.

Data collected in the survey by volunteers in previous years has informed national clean coast campaigns such as “Bin the Butt” and “Break Up with Plastic”.

The survey data has also helped to shape significant policy changes worldwide, including the banning of certain plastic items like bags and straws or the implementation of laws to prohibit smoking on beaches.

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce’s clean coasts manager, said collective action can make a significant contribution to the global protection of our oceans.

“The threat to our ocean has never been greater so it’s hugely important that we continue to show up to help protect it.

“Thousands of volunteers join us every year for the Big Beach Clean and we’re looking forward to seeing even greater numbers this year.

“Every piece of litter removed and recorded not only creates a tangible benefit for our ocean, but also helps inform future campaigns both nationally and internationally.”

For more information and to register, visit cleancoasts.org