Ireland's Blue Flag Beaches: A 2025 Milestone for Coastal Sustainability

Introduction

There’s something amazing about standing on an Irish beach and seeing a Blue Flag fluttering in the breeze. It means the water is clean, the area is well looked after, and that somewhere along the line, a group of people worked hard to protect that stretch of coast. This year, that moment means more than ever.

For the 2025 bathing season, Ireland has been awarded a record 89 Blue Flags and 10 marina flags, the highest number since the programme began. That’s not just a reason to celebrate, it’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction when it comes to caring for our beaches, protecting our environment, and taking pride in the natural places that bring so much value to our lives.

A Strong Year for the Coast

The Blue Flag is not easily earned. To qualify, beaches and marinas must meet strict standards in water quality, safety, cleanliness, and environmental education. Getting the award is no easy task, and keeping it year after year takes serious commitment.

This year, Kerry led the way with 15 Blue Flags, followed closely by Cork with 11. Cork also received 14 Green Coast Awards, the most of any county, this recognises beaches that are of high environmental quality and natural beauty. These are places that may not have full facilities but offer something even more valuable, a sense of unspoilt wildness, strong biodiversity, and deep connection to place.

Some well-known spots returned to the Blue Flag list this year. Tramore in Waterford and Cappagh Pier in Clarere gained their status after earlier losses due to water quality issues. In Galway, Céibh an Spidéal received a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012, showing just how much positive change is possible with local effort. Keel Beach on Achill Island marked an extraordinary milestone too, earning the award for the 37th year running.

Ten beaches also achieved the rare distinction of receiving both a Blue Flag and a Green Coast Award, among them Salthill, Rosses Point, and Inchydoney East. It’s proof that you can combine excellent amenities with true environmental care.

It’s About More Than Just a View

Blue Flags do more than make beaches look good on paper. They reflect how well a place is managed and protected. Each site is tested regularly for water quality, it must have clear safety measures in place, and it is expected to promote awareness of its local environment.

But the awards also point to something bigger, a shared belief that our coastlines are worth looking after. They remind us that beaches are not just summer spots, they’re living systems, shaped by tides, weather, human use, and policy decisions. They need attention, resources, and long-term thinking.

This is where sustainability becomes more than just a buzzword. It becomes a lived reality, something built into the way we manage land, water, and community spaces.

Why Water Sustainability Matters

The health of our seas and beaches doesn’t begin at the shoreline. It starts far inland. What we do on farms, in housing estates, on construction sites, and in towns has a direct impact on our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

That’s why water sustainability matters. Preventing agricultural run-off, cutting down on plastic pollution, managing wastewater properly, and restoring natural filters like wetlands and reed beds all play a part in protecting the coast.

Ireland’s marine and freshwater systems support a wide range of species and livelihoods. They are the backbone of local fisheries, tourism, aquaculture, and recreation. They also help protect us from flooding, absorb carbon, and provide habitats we cannot replace.

At the same time, these systems are under growing pressure. Rising sea levels, more intense rainfall, and nutrient build-up are already putting strain on some of our most treasured places. But the work being done right now, from upgrading treatment plants to planting buffer zones beside rivers, shows that change is possible when water is treated as a shared responsibility.

Where Do We Go From Here?

This record number of awards didn’t happen by chance. It reflects years of work by communities, councils, volunteers, and environmental groups. Improvements in infrastructure, tighter controls on pollution, and public awareness campaigns have all helped push the numbers up.

The challenge now is to keep that progress going. Sustainability is about staying the course, even when the spotlight fades.

Looking ahead, there are a few areas that will be key:

• Bringing land and sea planning together, so that farming, tourism, housing, and environmental protection are all pulling in the same direction.
• Using nature to our advantage, with wetlands, woodlands, and coastlines acting as buffers and filters.
• Building infrastructure that can handle what’s coming, from heavier rainfall to rising tides.
• Monitoring environmental health more closely, especially in vulnerable catchments and coastal areas

If we can continue to bring different sectors together. from agriculture to marine conservation, then Ireland can be a real leader in sustainable land and water management.

Ireland on the Global Stage

This isn’t just a good news story for us here at home. It sends a message internationally too. In a world that’s becoming more climate-conscious, countries that care for their environments will stand out.

Ireland’s record number of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards shows that we’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re doing the work. That matters, whether we’re welcoming tourists, bidding for funding, or taking part in international climate conversations.

There are also real economic benefits. Clean beaches draw visitors. They support small businesses, boost local pride, and help rural communities thrive. In 2024, coastal tourism played a major role in local economies, and this year’s achievements are likely to build on that momentum.

Even more importantly, it shows young people across the country that their future isn’t something to fear – it’s something they can help shape. When they see their local beach earning a Blue Flag, it tells them that progress is possible, and that their community is part of something bigger.

Conclusion

It’s been a brilliant year for Ireland’s beaches, no doubt. But the real story isn’t the flags, it’s what they stand for. They show that we care and that we’re putting in the effort, often quietly, to protect the places we love. From water testing to picking up litter or making changes on farms, it all makes a difference.

The challenge now is to keep going, to stay committed even when no one’s clapping because, this isn’t just about tourism., it’s about valuing the land and sea.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.