Cork County Council to Raise 25 Blue and Green Flags over County’s Beaches in 2025

County Cork’s beaches have been recognised by An Taisce with 11 Blue Flags and 14 Green Coast Awards for 2025, as well as two Blue Flags for Marinas.

The prestigious awards were presented at a special ceremony in Curracloe, Co Wexford by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

The Blue Flag Beaches are Barleycove; Fountainstown; Garretstown; Garrylucas, White Strand; Inchydoney East Beach; Inchydoney West Beach; Owenahincha, Little Island Strand; Redbarn; Tragumna; Youghal Front Strand; and Youghal, Claycastle.

The County Cork recipients of Green Coast Awards are Ardnahinch, Shanagarry; Garnish Beach, Lehanmore; Ballynamona Beach; Sherkin Island, Silver Strand Beach; Ballyrisode; Cadogan's Strand; Dooneen Pier; Rocky Bay; Fountainstown Beach; Ring; Galley Cove; Red Strand; Oysterhaven; and Inchydoney East. Kinsale Marina and Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina also retained their Blue Flag status.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said,

County Cork boasts the longest coastline in Ireland, and we are incredibly proud of our Blue Flag beaches and Green Coast areas. These locations are dotted all along the County Cork coast and on our beautiful offshore islands meaning you’re never far from an award-winning beach. The Green Coast Award is a special one and it is wonderful to have 14 recipients once again this year.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. To qualify, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich Cork coastal heritage and diversity.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added,

Portrait of the Chief Executive, Moira Murrell
Download original image

Moira Murrell

Chief Executive

Cork County Council Headquarters, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork, Ireland. Eircode: T12 R2NC.

The Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of volunteers, local communities and Cork County Council. Ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thapú chun comhghairdeas a dhéanamh le gach duine a bhí páirteach, go háirithe na hoibrithe deonacha áitiúla a dhéanann a ndícheall chun a chinntiú go gcoimeádfaidh ár dtránna a stádas sármhaith.