Ireland made waves on 15 May 2026, as An Taisce announced the results of the annual International Blue Flag and National Green Coast Awards at a ceremony in Youghal, County Cork. A stunning 95 Blue Flags and 73 Green Coast Awards were distributed across 146 beaches, nine marinas, and — in a first for the country — one tourism boat.
Ireland’s coastline has long been one of the island’s greatest treasures. Now, with 2026’s official results in, you know exactly which beaches have earned the prestigious Blue Flag for water quality, safety, environmental management, and services. Here is your complete county-by-county guide.
The Top Counties for Blue Flags in 2026
Kerry — 16 Blue Flags
Kerry leads the nation with 16 Blue Flags in 2026, cementing its reputation as Ireland’s premier beach county. From the sheltered sands of Ballybunion to the wild Atlantic shores of the Iveragh Peninsula, County Kerry offers some of the most spectacular coastline in Europe. If you are planning a beach holiday in Ireland this summer, Kerry should be at the top of your list.
Cork — 25 Combined Awards (12 Blue Flags + 13 Green Coast)
Cork claimed more coastal accolades than any other county, with a combined total of 25 awards. Twelve beaches received Blue Flags, while a further 13 earned Green Coast status. The ceremony was fittingly held in Youghal, one of Cork’s most beloved seaside towns.
Mayo — 11 Blue Flag Beaches
With 11 Blue Flag beaches retained, County Mayo continues to punch above its weight when it comes to coastal excellence. The wild Atlantic Way passes through some of Mayo’s finest shores, including the legendary Keem Bay on Achill Island, often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Highlights and Firsts in 2026
This year brought some truly special milestones to Ireland’s coastal awards programme.
- Ireland’s First Blue Flag Boat: The Skellig Bounty, operated by Aqua Terra Boat Tours on Valentia Island in County Kerry, became the first tourism boat in Ireland to receive a Blue Flag award. Offering tours to the world-famous Skellig Michael, this is a remarkable achievement for Irish maritime tourism.
- Duncannon Beach Returns: Duncannon Beach in County Wexford received the Blue Flag for the first time since 2007, a welcome return for one of the southeast’s most popular family beaches.
- Bunmahon Beach Back in the Fold: Bunmahon Beach in County Waterford last held the Blue Flag accolade in 2012, making its 2026 return a cause for local celebration.
- Donegal: Two Donegal beaches lost their Blue Flag status this year, a reminder of the high standards required to maintain accreditation.
What Is the Blue Flag Award?
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards, presented by the Foundation for Environmental Education. To earn a Blue Flag, a beach must meet strict criteria across four categories: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services. In Ireland, An Taisce administers the programme on behalf of FEE.
Planning Your Irish Beach Break
With 95 Blue Flag beaches spread from Donegal to Wexford, and from Kerry to Dublin, you are never far from an award-winning stretch of Irish coastline. Whether you prefer the dramatic Atlantic swells of the west coast or the calmer waters of the Irish Sea on the east, 2026’s Blue Flag awards have confirmed that Ireland’s beaches are among the finest and cleanest in Europe.
The full list of 2026 Blue Flag beaches is available at beachawards.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Blue Flag beaches does Ireland have in 2026?
Ireland has 95 Blue Flag beaches in 2026, as well as nine Blue Flag marinas and one Blue Flag tourism boat — the first ever in Ireland.
Which county has the most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland?
Kerry has the most Blue Flag beaches of any county in Ireland in 2026, with 16 flags awarded. Cork leads when combined Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards are counted, with 25 total accolades.
What is the difference between a Blue Flag and a Green Coast Award?
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that meet strict criteria for water quality, safety, environmental management, and services. The Green Coast Award recognises naturally high-quality beaches in less commercially developed areas with excellent water quality and a clean, natural environment.
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