Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean 2026 Registrations Now Open

An Taisce's Clean Coasts Programme has confirmed that registrations are open for the 2026 Big Beach Clean, the annual clean-up that marks the end of Ireland's bathing season.

Volunteers across the country are invited to remove litter from beaches, waterways and towns over the Big Beach Clean weekend, which runs from 18 to 20 September 2026. Registrations opened on 11 August 2026 and close on 7 September 2026.

The event forms part of the International Coastal Cleanup, a global citizen science action led by Ocean Conservancy. Volunteers who register will receive a free beach clean-up kit and are encouraged to record their findings using the Marine Litter Data Cards or the Clean Swell app.

Last year, over 500 groups registered nationwide, with almost 11,000 volunteers removing over 60 tonnes of litter from Ireland's coastline. Data gathered by volunteers has previously informed national campaigns such as "Bin the Butt" and "Break Up with Plastic", and has contributed to international policy changes, including bans on certain plastic items such as bags and straws, and laws prohibiting smoking on beaches.

Kia Ireland is sponsoring the Big Beach Clean for a third consecutive year, providing free clean-up kits to registered volunteers.

Bronagh Moore, An Taisce's Clean Coasts Manager:

"The threat to our Ocean has never been greater so it's hugely important that we continue to show up to help protect it. Thousands of volunteers join us every year for the Big Beach Clean and we're looking forward to seeing even greater numbers this year. Every piece of litter removed and recorded not only creates a tangible benefit for our Ocean but also helps inform future campaigns both nationally and internationally. Collectively our individual actions during the Big Beach Clean contributes [sic] massively to the global protection of our Ocean. Make sure you sign up to be a part of the movement!"

Cathal Kealey, Head of Marketing and PR at Kia Ireland:

"We are delighted to return for the third consecutive year as sponsor of the Big Beach Clean. Our support will ensure that cleanup kits are distributed to all volunteers that sign up to registered cleanups across the country. On a global level, Kia continues to support The Ocean Cleanup which is an organisation that has stated a long-term objective of removing 90% of floating ocean plastic worldwide by 2040. In addition to using recycled materials in vehicle production, Kia continues to explore pathways for collected plastic waste to be recycled and reused and have [sic] recently launched a boot liner accessory which contains 40% recycled ocean plastic. In line with our global cleanup initiatives that are designed to combat ocean pollution, we would urge as many people as possible to register for their local beach clean this September."

More information and registration is available at cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/big-beach-clean.