Ireland's Blue Flag Marinas and Tourism Boats

15/09/26: Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches lower their flags for the last time in 2026 

The Blue Flag season for beaches in Ireland coincides with the bathing season which runs from June 1st to September 15th. Blue Flag sites are only awarded for one season at a time.  The marina and tourism boats Blue Flag season can extend beyond September 15th where facilities and services are in place to comply with the criteria. Some marinas are seasonal and fly the flag for a shorter duration. Beaches, marinas and boats are awarded the Blue Flag due to their adherence to a strict criteria in the areas of:

  • Environmental Information and Education
  • Water quality
  • Safety and Services
  • Environmental Management
  • Accessibility

During the season inspectors will assess each Blue Flag beach, marina and boat to ensure compliance with the criteria. In Ireland, we are particularly fortunate to have a varied and beautiful coastline with many pristine beaches that are open and free for the public to enjoy. To ensure their standard we continue to make strident efforts to protect and improve our waters. This will ensure that we, and future generations, can continue to enjoy this wonderful resource.

 

Withdrawal of the Blue Flag Award

Where an awarded beach or marina does not comply with the award criteria, the flag may be permanently or temporarily withdrawn. In such instances information about the reason for a withdrawal of the award flag must be posted clearly at the beach or marina. Where the non-compliance(s) can be resolved in a short period of time the local authority/marina operator must inform the National Operator of re-compliance with the criteria and present the appropriate documentation to demonstrate this. At this point the flag can then be raised at the awarded beach or marina again. Where re-compliance cannot be achieved in a reasonable period of time the award flag may be withdrawn for the remainder of the award season. On September 15th annually all awarded Blue Flags are lowered as this is the last day of the Blue Flag and bathing season for beaches in Ireland.

 

15/05/26 95 Blue Flag Beaches, Marinas and Ireland’s First Blue Flag Tourism Boat Awarded for 2026 Season

Full Press Release available here.