Blue Flags 2025: Record number of Irish beaches given top award – see the full list

Tomas Doherty

A record number of Irish beaches and marinas have been awarded a blue flag for the 2025 bathing season.

The environmental group An Taisce gave blue flag status to 89 beaches, beating the previous record of 85, while 10 marinas also got the award.

Kerry is the county with the most blue flags with 15, followed by Donegal with 14.

Several beaches regained their blue flag after missing out in recent years, including Cappagh Pier in Co Clare, Céibh an Spidéal in Co Galway, Ballymoney North beach in Co Wexford, and Tramore and Dunmore East in Co Waterford.

Keel Beach on Achill Island in Co Mayo was awarded a blue flag for the 37th consecutive year.

One of the world’s most recognised eco-labels, the blue flag programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats around the globe.

The green coast award was given to 70 beaches for 2025, matching the record-setting total awarded last year. This award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Such sites are classified as exceptional places to visit and enjoy Ireland’s rich coastal heritage and diversity.

The green coast awards also recognise the work of coastal groups, which are comprised of thousands of volunteers who participate in community clean-ups.

Ten beaches were awarded both the blue flag and green coast award: Fountainstown and Inchydoney East beach in Co Cork; Balcarrick, Donabate in Fingal; Salthill and Silverstrand beaches in Galway City; Trá Inis Oírr in Co Galway; Baile an Sceilg in Co Kerry; Bettystown in Co Meath; and Enniscrone and Rosses Point beach in Sligo.

The 2025 awards were presented by Minister for Housing and Heritage James Browne at a ceremony held in the Ravenport Resort in Curracloe, Co Wexford, on Friday afternoon.

"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," he said.

"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."

Cathy Baxter, director of education and community action at An Taisce, said there were an unprecedented number of sites receiving awards this year.

"We would like to congratulate all the local authorities, marina operators and Clean Coasts groups responsible for managing the awarded beaches and marinas to the excellent standards required," she said.