The prestigious Blue Flag Award is presented to beaches to recognise their adherence to stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
An Irish staycation sounds even more appealing this year as a record-breaking 83 Irish beaches are awarded Blue Flags.
Gaining four more than last year, this year’s awards set a new record for the number of Irish beaches to receive Blue Flag status.
Pristine beaches – looking after the coast
A record-breaking 83 Irish beaches and ten marinas have been awarded Blue Flags. Coastal areas that comply with a number of stringent criteria, including upholding water quality, receive the annual award.
Inchydoney East beach in County Cork received the award for the first time and we agree as it is one of the best beaches in Cork. In contrast, several other beaches across the Emerald Isle held onto their Blue Flag status from previous years.
Globally, an impressive 4820 beaches, marinas, and boats across almost 50 countries have received the prestigious award this year.
A prestigious award – raising environmental awareness
A record-breaking 83 Irish beaches have been awarded Blue Flags, and the full list of 93 sites was unveiled last week.
An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, operate the global award in Ireland. An Taisce work to conserve Ireland’s natural environment and built heritage.
Ireland’s tourist hotspots, Donegal and Kerry, received the most Blue Flags. They each gained 14 awards for their gorgeous beaches and marinas.
Among the Irish beaches to receive the Blue Flag award are the popular Portsalon Beach and Fintra Beach. Others include Keem Beach, Salthill Beach, and Inch Beach, which is one of the best beaches near Limerick.
Are you planning where to go for your Irish staycation this summer? If so, you may want to consider the beach quality of wherever you plan to go!
Looking to summer 2021 – a summer of staycations
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on across Ireland and the rest of the world, international travel and foreign holidays are off the cards for many this year.
Thus, it’s great news for those planning an Irish staycation as a record-breaking 83 Irish beaches are awarded Blue Flags. All we need now is for the sun to stay out!
Alongside the list of 93 spots to receive Blue Flags, a further 63 beaches have received the Green Coast Award.
The committee of volunteers grant the Green Coast Award to coastal areas with clear waters and clean beaches.
In total, 109 beaches from County Donegal to County Wicklow to County Cork have received the Green Coast Award.
