Nine Irish marinas are among the locations awarded Blue Flag status for the 2026 season by An Taisce at a ceremony in Youghal, Co Cork. A total of 95 Blue Flags were awarded nationwide, covering 85 beaches, nine marinas and one tourism boat. The Skellig Bounty in Co Kerry became the first tourism boat in Ireland to receive Blue Flag status.
The awards recognise standards in water quality, biodiversity protection, safety, accessibility and environmental management. Speaking at the ceremony, Tracey Lydon of An Taisce said marina operators, local authorities and coastal communities had shown “considerable effort” in maintaining the required standards.
Coastal Shine — Whiting Bay in Co Waterford is among three beaches in the county receiving first-time Green Coast Awards for the 2026 season
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said the awards reflected the work of communities and councils in protecting coastal areas. “The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards, and I’m proud to see so many Irish beaches and marinas receive this status today,” he said.
Kerry received the highest number of Blue Flags overall, with 16 awards, including Portmagee Marina and the Skellig Bounty tourism vessel.
Cork recorded the highest combined total of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards with 27. The county also received 13 Green Coast Awards, the highest in Ireland this year.
Among the returning Blue Flag beaches were Duncannon in Wexford and Bunmahon in Waterford, both restored after improvements in bathing water quality.
Golden Return — Duncannon Beach in Co Wexford has regained Blue Flag status for the first time since 2007 after improved bathing water quality assessments
Dual Honour — Bunmahon Beach in Co Waterford has secured both Blue Flag and Green Coast status for 2026, marking its first Blue Flag since 2012
Six beaches lost Blue Flag status for 2026 after failing to achieve the required “Excellent” bathing water classification.
The Green Coast Awards, which recognise environmental quality and community stewardship, reached a record 73 beaches nationwide.
An Taisce said the awards highlight continued efforts to promote sustainable coastal tourism and environmental protection around Ireland’s coastline.
| 2026 Blue Flag And Green Coast Awards Summary | |
|---|---|
| Total Awards | 168 |
| Blue Flags Awarded | 95 |
| Green Coast Awards | 73 |
| Blue Flag Beaches | 85 |
| Blue Flag Marinas | 9 |
| Blue Flag Tourism Boat | 1 — Skellig Bounty, operated by Aqua Terra Boat Tours, Valentia Island, Co Kerry |
| Dual Award Beaches | 12 beaches received both Blue Flag and Green Coast status |
| Most Blue Flags | Co Kerry, with 16 Blue Flags |
| Most Green Coast Awards | Co Cork, with 13 Green Coast Awards |
| Highest Combined Total | Co Cork, with 25 award flags |
| First Blue Flag Since 2007 | Duncannon Beach, Co Wexford |
| First Blue Flag Since 2012 | Bunmahon Beach, Co Waterford |
| Record Green Coast Total | 73 beaches awarded for the 2026 bathing season |
| 2026 Bathing Season | 1 June to 15 September 2026 |
