A Record 23 Flags Awarded Cork County Beaches

Cork County beaches have been awarded a total of 23 flags by An Taisce at the National Awards for 2021. In all, 10 Blue Flags and 13 Green Coast Flags were won, for beaches that achieve consistently excellent water quality as well as meeting beach infrastructure standards. In addition, Kinsale Marina and Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina retained their Blue Flag Status, while Inchydoney East beach has achieved its first Blue Flag this year, joining Inchydoney West beach which has held its flag continuously since 1993. 

The full list of flags awarded for County Cork for 2021 is as follows;

Blue Flag:  Barleycove, Garretstown, Garrylucas, Inchydoney East Beach, Inchydoney West Beach, Owenahincha, Tragumna, Warren-Cregane Strand, Youghal Claycastle and Youghal Redbarn.

Green Coast Award: Ballyrisode, Cadogan's Strand, Dooneen Pier, Fountainstown, Galley Cove, Garnish Beach-Lehanmore, Inch Strand, Inchydoney East, Red Strand, Ring, Rocky Bay, Shanagarry-Ardnahinch and Sherkin Island Silver Strand Beach.

The Blue Flags and Green Coast designation are awarded based on adherence to strict criteria including water quality & safety, environmental management systems, beach infrastructure and provision of environmental information and education. Meeting these demanding criteria represents significant investment in time and resources by not only Cork County Council but also local community groups whose support is essential and appreciated.  Resources allocated by Cork County Council include provision of parking, toilets, waste management, beach safety infrastructure, lifeguards and water quality sampling and testing. 

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, commented,

“Cork County has been awarded more flags than any other county in Ireland. The highest number of flags announced to date for Cork beaches reflects the ongoing efforts of our local coastal community groups and Cork County Council working hand-in-hand.  Now more than ever we’re appreciating our beaches for their amenity value and recognising the need to protect them.  Visitors to our county’s beaches can play their part this summer, take a picnic with you but be sure to take your rubbish home to keep our beaches beautiful & safe.”

More information on County Cork’s beaches, including water quality results can be found on www.beaches.ie and Cork County Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie.