Five Cork beaches have been deemed safe for swimmers ahead of the weekend.

Cork County Council had issued Prior Warning Notices for Youghal Front Strand, Youghal Claycastle, Garryvoe, Tragumna, Cadogans and Fountainstown beaches last week after heavy rain affected the quality of the bathing water.

Bathers were warned to avoid swimming in these locations until they were given the all-clear by microbiologists and reduce the risk of illness by avoiding swallowing or splashing water and washing hands before handling food.

Now Cork County Council has given the all-clear, lifting the Prior Notice in consultation with the HSE, so if you fancy a dip this weekend, all you need to worry about is the icy temperatures.

A statement read: “Good news for some Cork beaches, the Prior Warning Notice has been lifted from Youghal Claycastle, Garryvoe, Cadogans Strand, Fountainstown, and Tragumna, water quality has been recorded as excellent, and compliant with the Bathing Water Regulations.”

A Prior Warning Notice is still in place for Youghal Front Strand and Prohibition Notices not to swim are also still in place for Whiddy and Warren beaches.