The Blue Flag awards for 2026 were announced on May 15, 2026, by An Taisce, the environmental charity that operates the program in Ireland. A total of 85 beaches and 7 marinas received the prestigious certification, which recognizes high standards in water quality, safety, environmental education, and accessibility.
Among the new additions are 10 beaches, including Ballybunion North in County Kerry and Curracloe in County Wexford. Two beaches lost their Blue Flag status: one in County Donegal and one in County Cork, due to water quality issues or infrastructure changes, according to An Taisce's statement.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Dublin, with Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O'Brien praising the efforts of local authorities and communities. The full list is available on the Blue Flag Ireland website, with details on each beach's facilities and environmental initiatives.
Blue Flag criteria include strict limits on bacterial levels in water, regular monitoring, and provision of amenities like lifeguards and waste bins. Ireland has consistently ranked among the top countries for Blue Flag beaches in the Northern Hemisphere.
