In 2024, Ireland continues to shine with its prestigious Blue Flag beaches, renowned for their exceptional water quality, safety, environmental education, and management standards. The Blue Flag is a globally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that meet stringent criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This accolade is a testament to the commitment of local communities and authorities in maintaining the pristine condition of these coastal areas.
To qualify for the Blue Flag status, beaches must adhere to the following criteria:
1. Water Quality: Excellent water quality, with regular testing for pollutants and contaminants.
2. Environmental Education: Information about the local ecosystem, environmental initiatives, and awareness programs.
3. Environmental Management: Cleanliness, waste management facilities, and responsible land use to preserve the natural habitat.
4. Safety and Services: Availability of lifeguards, first aid, appropriate facilities, and safety measures to ensure visitor well-being.
Below is the comprehensive list of Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches and marinas, organized by province and county:
Leinster Blue Flag Beaches
Louth Blue Flag Beaches
- Shelling Hill/Templetown
- Port, Lurganboy
- Clogherhead
Meath Blue Flag Beaches
- Bettystown
Dublin Blue Flag Beaches
- Balcarrick Beach, Donabate
- Portmarnock, Velvet Strand Beach
- Seapoint
- Killiney
Wicklow Blue Flag Beaches
- Greystones South Beach
- Brittas Bay North
- Brittas Bay South
Wexford Blue Flag Beaches
- Morriscastle
- Ballinesker
- Curracloe
- Rosslare Strand
- Carne
Munster Blue Flag Beaches
Waterford Blue Flag Beaches
- Clonea
- Ardmore
Cork Blue Flag Beaches
- Youghal Front Strand
- Youghal Claycastle
- Redbarn
- Fountainstown
- Garrylucas, White Strand
- Garretstown
- Inchydoney East Beach
- Inchydoney West Beach
- Owenahincha, Little Island Strand
- Tragumna
- Barleycove
Kerry Blue Flag Beaches
- Derrynane
- Baile an Sceilg
- White Strand, Caherciveen
- Kells
- Rossbeigh, White Strand
- Inch
- Ventry
- Maharabeg
- Fenit
- Banna Strand
- Ballyheigue
- Ballybunion South Beach
- Ballybunion North Beach
Clare Blue Flag Beaches
- Kilkee
- White Strand Doonbeg
- Spanish Point
- White Strand Miltown Malbay
- Lahinch
- Fanore
- Ballycuggeran
- Mountshannon, Lough Derg
Connacht Blue Flag Beaches
Galway Blue Flag Beaches
- Salthill
- Silver Strand
- Traught, Kinvara
- Portumna
- Loughrea Lake
- Tra Inis Oirr
- Cill Mhuirbhigh
- An Tra Mor
- Tra an Doilin
Mayo Blue Flag Beaches
- Clare Island
- Bertra
- Old Head
- Mulranny
- Dooega
- Keel
- Keem
- Dugort Beach
- Golden Strand
- Mullaghroe
- Elly Bay
- Ross
Sligo Blue Flag Beaches
- Enniscrone
- Rosses Point
Ulster Blue Flag Beaches
Donegal Blue Flag Beaches
- Bundoran
- Rossnowlagh
- Murvagh
- Fintra
- Naran/Portnoo
- Carrickfinn
- Killahoey
- Marble Hill
- Downings
- Portsalon
- Culdaff
- Stroove
Blue Flag Marinas
Wexford Blue Flag Marina
- Kilmore Quay Marina
- New Ross ‘Three Sisters’ Marina
Cork Blue Flag Marina
- Royal Cork Yacht Club
- Kinsale Yacht Club
Kerry Blue Flag Marina
- Portmagee
- Fenit Marina
Clare Blue Flag Marina
- Kilrush Marina
Westmeath Blue Flag Marina
- Quigley’s Marina
Donegal Blue Flag Marina
- Rathmullen Marina
These destinations are perfect for a summer getaway and serve as exemplary models of sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
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