County Cork Coastline Recognised with 27 Blue and Green Flags

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn says the high numbers of Blue and Green Flags for Cork County beaches is a testament to coastal community groups and Cork County Council working together.

Cork County Council has been awarded with 27 flags in total by An Taisce for 2024, including 11 Blue Flags, 14 Green Coast Awards and two Blue Flags for Marinas. The awards were presented at a special ceremony in Galway by Minister of State at the Department of Education, Hildegarde Naughton TD.

The Blue Flag beaches in County Cork are Barleycove; Fountainstown; Garretstown; Garrylucas; Inchydoney East Beach; Inchydoney West Beach; Owenahincha; Tragumna; Youghal Claycastle; Youghal Front Strand; and Youghal Redbarn.

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

Mayor O’Flynn said,

County Cork is home to the largest coastline in Ireland and it is wonderful to see so many of our beaches and marinas recognised by An Taisce once again. The communities in each of these locations take great pride in these amenities and work closely with Cork County Council to ensure they continue to be exceptional places to visit.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized environmental awards and 2024 is the 37th year that beaches and marinas have been awarded here in Ireland.

The Green Coast Award recognizes 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.
The Blue Flags and Green Coast designation are awarded based on adherence to strict criteria including water quality and safety, environmental management systems, beach infrastructure and provision of environmental information and education.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added,

Cork County Council and local community groups dedicate time and resources to meet the demanding criteria for these awards. The resources we provide include provision of parking, toilets, signage, waste management, beach safety infrastructure, lifeguards and water quality sampling and testing. I would like to congratulate all involved.