An Taisce, the environmental charity that runs the Blue Flag programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education, announced its 2026 results in May: 95 Blue Flags nationwide, covering 85 beaches, nine marinas and, for the first time in the programme's history in Ireland, a tourism boat.

The Skellig Bounty, operating out of Co Kerry, became the first vessel in the country to earn Blue Flag status, joining the beaches and marinas that make up the rest of the tally. Alongside the international award, An Taisce also announced a record 73 Green Coast Awards, a separate, Ireland-only distinction recognising environmental quality and community stewardship on beaches that do not seek full Blue Flag certification.

Cork leads, and two beaches return

County Cork again topped the table, contributing the largest share of both Blue Flags and Green Coast Awards nationally, with 13 Green Coast Awards alone. Two long-standing sites, Duncannon in Co Wexford and Bunmahon in Co Waterford, returned to the list after works to restore bathing-water quality, a reminder that the award has to be re-earned every season rather than held indefinitely.

Marina operators, local authorities and coastal communities showed considerable effort in maintaining the required standards.

Every site had to meet the international programme's criteria on water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. The flags fly through the Irish bathing season, which runs from roughly June to September, and are subject to ongoing water-quality monitoring for the duration.