Fingal beaches fly Blue and Green Coast Flags again for 2026
Fingal County Council has been awarded two Blue Flags and a Green Coast Award for 2026, reaffirming the county’s coastline as one of Ireland’s cleanest, safest and best-managed as the summer bathing season gets underway.
Fingal County Council has been awarded two Blue Flags and a Green Coast Award for 2026, reaffirming the county’s coastline as one of Ireland’s cleanest, safest and best-managed as the summer bathing season gets underway.
Velvet Strand in Portmarnock and Balcarrick Beach in Donabate have once again secured Blue Flag status, one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Balcarrick Beach has also retained its Green Coast Award, recognising its natural beauty and the strength of local community stewardship.
Acting Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan Dockrell, said: “Fingal’s coastline is one of our greatest assets, and these awards show the standard we are maintaining year after year. They reflect a shared effort between our staff, communities and volunteers to protect and enhance these spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
Director of Operations, Sinéad Murphy, added: “Achieving these awards again in 2026 demonstrates consistent excellence across water quality, safety, and environmental management. Just as importantly, it highlights how education and community action are central to safeguarding our coastline for the future.”
The Blue Flag is awarded only to beaches meeting strict international standards in water quality, safety, environmental education and site management. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches that combine high environmental quality with strong community involvement.
With high visitor numbers expected again this summer, the Council is urging beach users to help protect these standards. Dog owners in particular are reminded to clean up after their pets, as even small one dog foul left behind can result in contamination the size of a tennis court. Multiplying that by even 10 dogs shows the massive impact that can have on people swimming or playing on beaches. Ultimately, it is dog owners who may face increased restrictions on beach use. Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bas6zvBmM4
Crews from Fingal County Council’s operations departments work tirelessly to keep beaches along the Fingal coastline tidy, playing a key role in ensuring they remain clean and litter-free during the busy summer months. While the council will continue to do its part, beach users are encouraged to take responsibility for their waste by removing all rubbish and unwanted items when leaving. Litter bins are available at all beaches, so there is no reason to leave waste behind.
Further information on Fingal’s beaches, including locations and facilities, is available at Find a Fingal beach.
