No wonder everyone loves to holiday in Cork.

The Rebel County scooped the most combined awards in An Taisce’s International Blue Flag and National Green Coast Awards or 2026.

Fittingly, the awards were presented at a ceremony hosted by Cork County Council in Mall House, Youghal, County Cork this afternoon.

A total of 168 awards were presented, with Cork receiving the most Green Coast Awards in 2026, with a total of 13 beaches being awarded. Cork also achieved the highest combined number of award flags with an overall total of 25, including the Blue Flags awarded to Kinsale Yacht Club and The Royal Cork Yacht Club.

Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty

Cork’s Blue Flag Beaches for 2026 are:

• Barleycove
• Garretstown
• Garrylucas, White Strand
• Inchydoney East Beach
• Inchydoney West Beach
• Owenahincha, Little Island Strand
• Redbarn Beach
• Tragumna
• Youghal Front Strand
• Youghal, Claycastle
• Blue Flag Marina: Kinsale Yacht Club
• Blue Flag Marina: Royal Cork Yacht Club

Cork’s Green Coast Awarded beaches for the 2026 bathing season are:

• Red Strand
• Ardnahinch
• Ballynamona
• Ballyrisode
• Cadogan’s Strand
• Dooneen Pier
• Galley Cove
• Garnish Beach
• Inchydoney East
• Oysterhaven
• Ring
• Rocky Bay
• Silver Strand, Sherkin Island

Inchydoney Beach scooped both a Blue Flag and a Green Coast Award, achieving dual award status. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty, sites that are exceptional places to visit.

“These awards are testament to the hard work of local authorities and local communities around the country to keep our coastal areas clean.” said Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan, TD.

“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 today. Those who receive this award have demonstrated high standards around water quality, biodiversity protection and have shown strong collaboration with local tourism service providers to lead the way in sustainable coastal management”.