The programme, now in its 39th year in Ireland, aims to promote environmental management standards for beaches, marinas, and eco-tourism boats worldwide.

This year also marked the first time a tourism boat in Ireland received a Blue Flag award. The Skellig Bounty, operated by Aqua Terra Boat Tours on Valentia Island, received the accolade.

Other notable developments included Duncannon Beach receiving a Blue Flag for the first time since 2007, while Bunmahon Beach regained Blue Flag status for the first time since 2012.

County Kerry received the highest number of Blue Flags in 2026, with 16 awards.

However, six beaches awarded Blue Flags in 2025 did not retain the designation for 2026. They were Lahinch Beach; Fountainstown Beach; Portsalon Beach; Ardmore Beach; Counsellors' Strand; and Ballymoney North Beach.

"Having failed to achieve an ‘Excellent’ classification over the latest evaluation period, 2022 to 2025, none of these beaches met the water quality standard required to be awarded a Blue Flag for the coming bathing season," a spokesperson said. 

"All of these beaches attained a water quality classification of Good, the second highest classification possible under the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008."

Meanwhile, 73 Green Coast Awards were presented for the 2026 bathing season.

The Green Coast Awards recognise beaches with clean environments, excellent water quality, and natural beauty. The awards also highlight the work of voluntary Clean Coasts groups involved in community clean-ups and beach management alongside local authorities.

County Cork received the highest number of Green Coast Awards in 2026, with 13 beaches recognised.

Cork also recorded the highest combined number of award flags overall, with 25 accolades, including Blue Flags awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club and Royal Cork Yacht Club.

County Wexford and County Waterford received the second-highest number of Green Coast Awards, with 10 beaches each recognised.

Nature and biodiversity minister Christopher O'Sullivan praised the work of communities involved in maintaining coastal areas.

“These awards are testament to the hard work of local authorities and local communities around the country to keep our coastal areas clean," he said. 

"The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards and I’m proud to see so many Irish beaches and marinas receive this status."

An Taisce operates the Blue Flag programme in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Overall, 53 countries operate the Blue Flag programme globally, with more than 5,200 beaches, marinas, and tourism boats set to receive Blue Flag status this year.

Speaking at Friday’s event, Tracey Lydon, head of operational projects, education, and community action at An Taisce, said: "We are pleased to be welcomed to East Cork, to recognise the beaches, marinas and tourism boat awarded the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards for the 2026 season. 

"The local authorities, Clean Coasts groups, marina operators, and tourism boat operator responsible for their management have committed considerable effort to ensure that these sites and boat meet the high standards required by The Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards. 

"I would like to extend my congratulations to all the award recipients on their achievements and to express my gratitude on behalf of An Taisce to Cork County Council for hosting us here in Youghal, the home of two Blue Flag beaches on this occasion."