Among its many treasures, Ireland is home to a remarkable collection of Blue Flag beaches that beckon travellers seeking sun, surf, and a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters. This newly updated list includes 84 beaches and 10 marinas.
From the wild and windswept shores of Donegal to the captivating beauty of County Cork, each Blue Flag beach in Ireland has its own unique charm. Picture yourself strolling along the soft sands, feeling the gentle caress of the sea breeze on your skin, and immersing yourself in the invigorating waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you seek the thrill of surfing towering waves, the serenity of secluded coves, or the lively atmosphere of bustling coastal towns, Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches have it all.
So, whether you’re a seasoned beach enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or simply longing for a serene escape amidst nature’s wonders, Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches offer an irresistible invitation. Pack your swimsuit, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to dive into bliss as we share Ireland’s most coveted coastal treasures.
Leinster
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
- Killiney
- Seapoint
Fingal County Council
- Balcarrick, Donabate
- Portmarnock, Velver Strand Beach
- Rush, South Beach
Louth Country Council
- Clogherhead
- Port, Lurganboy
- Shelling Hill/Templetown
Wexford County Council
- Ballinesker
- Ballymoney North Beach
- Carne
- Curracloe
- Morriscastle
- Rosslare Strand
- Brittas Bay South
- Brittas Bay North
- Greystones South Beach
Connacht
Galway City Council
- Salthill Beach
- Silverstrand Beach
Galway County Council
- An Trá Mór, Coill Rua, Indreabhán
- Bathing Place at Portumna
- Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór
- Loughrea Lake
- Trá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú Rua
- Trá Inis Oírr (Main Beach)
Mayo County Council
- Dooega Beach, Achill Island
- Dugort Beach, Achill Island
- Elly Bay, Belmullet
- Golden Strand, Achill Island
- Keel Beach, Achill Island
- Keem Beach, Achill Island
- Mullaghroe Beach, Belmullet
- Mulranny Beach
- Ross Beach, Killala
- Bertra
- Clare Island, Louisburgh
- Old Head
Sligo County Council
- Rosses Point Beach
101 Best Swim Spots in Ireland
Munster
Kerry County Council
- Baile an Sceilg (Ballinskelligs)
- Ballybunion North Beach
- Ballybunion South Beach
- Ballyheigue
- Banna Strange
- Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane)
- Fenit
- Fionntrá (Ventry)
- Inch
- Kells
- Maharabeg
- Rossbeigh, White Strand
- White Strand, Caherciveen
Clare
- Ballycuggeran
- Fanore
- Kilkee
- Lahinch
- Mounshannon, Lough Derg
- Spanish Point
- White Strand Doonbeg
- White Strang Miltown Malbay
Cork
- Barley Cove
- Fountainstown
- Garryluas, White Strand
- Inchydoney East Beach
- Inchdoney West Beach
- Owenahincha, Little Island Strand
- Redbarn
- Tragumna
- Youghal, Claycastle
- Youghal, Front Strand
Waterford City & County
- Ardmore Beach
- Clonea Beach
- Tramore Beach
Ulster
Donegal County Council
- Culdaff
- Bundoran
- Carrickfinn
- Downings
- Fintra
- Killahoey
- Marble Hill
- Murvagh
- Naran
- Portsalon
- Rossnowlagh
- Stroove
As well as the coastal recipients a number of marinas also received blue flag awards this year.
Blue Flag Marinas Awarded:
- Kinsale Yacht Club, Cork
- The Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina, Cork
- Kilrsh Marina, Clare
- Greencastle Marina, Donegal
- Rathmullan Marina, Donegal
- Fenit Marina, Kerry
- Portmagee Seasonal Pontoo, Kerry
- Quigley’s Marina Killinure Point, Westmeath
- Kimore Quay Marina, Wexford
- New Ross Marina, Wexford
Areas that reach an exceptionally high environmental standard receive a green costs award. Here are the areas that received that award this year.
Green Coast Awards:
Clare County Council
- Bishops Quarter
- Ballyallia Lake
- Carrigaholt Beach
- Seafield
Cork County Council
- Ardnahinch, Shanagarry
- Red Strand
- Ballynamona Beach
- Inch Strand
- Ring
- Oysterhaven
- Ballyrisode
- Galley Cove
- Cadogan’s Strand
- Garnish Beach, Lehanmore
- Dooneen Pier
- Fountainstown Beach
- Inchydoney East
- Rocky Bay
- Sherkin Island, Silver Strand Beach
Donegal County Council
- Ballyheirnan
- Dooey Beach
- Drumnatinney
- Magheroarty each
Fingal County Council
- Balcarrick Beach, Donabate
Galway City Council
- Salthill
- Silver Strand
Galway County Council
- Aillebrack/Silver Hill
- Renvyle Beach (The Whitestrand)
- Dumhach Beach
- East End Bay, Inisbofin
- Trá Inis Oirr
- Trá Poll na gCaorach, Inis Oirr
Kerry County Council
- Ballinskelligs
- Castlegregory
- Littor
- Béal Bán
- Louth County Council
- Seapoint Beach, Termonfeckin
Mayo County Council
- Rinroe
- Srah Beach
- Cross, Eris Peninsula
- Termon Beach
- Tránaun, Inishturk
- Carrowniskey Beach
Meath County Council
- Mornington
- Bettystown Beach
Sligo County Council
- Streedagh Beach
- Dunmoran Strand
- Rosses Point
Waterford City and County Council
- Annestown
- Ballyquin
- Curragh
- Goat Island Beach
- Guillamene Cove
- Newtown Cove, Tramore
- Kilfarrassey
Wexford County Council
- Baginbun Beach
- Ballyhealy
- Booley Bay
- Cahore Point Beach
- Cullenstown Strand
- Culleton’s Gap
- Grange
- Old Bawn Beach
- St. Helen’s Bay
- Rosslare Harbour Beach
A Stroke in the Right Direction
As regular swimmers in Ireland it is very reassuring to know that there are a large number of safe swimming locations on the Emerald Isle. It is also reassuring to know that the number of total recipients of water on beach quality environmental awards increased this year.
