County Cork Boasts Record Number of Award-Winning Beaches for 2025

Cork County's coastline has been honoured with 11 Blue Flags and 14 Green Coast Awards for 2025, along with two Blue Flags for local marinas, cementing the region's reputation for exceptional coastal amenities.

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

Cork's Blue Flag beaches for 2025 include 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 also secured 14 Green Coast Awards for 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.

Additionally, Kinsale Marina and Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina both retained their Blue Flag status, highlighting the county's comprehensive commitment to marine excellence.

Mayor of Cork County, Councillor Joe Carroll, expressed pride in the county's coastal achievements:

"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 accolades. To qualify, beaches must meet and maintain stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria. Meanwhile, the Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty, celebrating locations that showcase Cork's rich coastal heritage and diversity.

Cork County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell added:

"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."