Cork and Kerry score big as 2021 list of Blue Flag beaches announced
Ten beaches and two marinas earned the Blue Flag in Cork this year, signifying a record annual haul for the Rebel County
The east beach at Inchydoney, Co. Cork. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time ever. File picture Denis Minihane.
Tue, 25 May, 2021 - 12:13
Steve Neville
Cork has enjoyed a record haul as it was announced that 93 sites across Ireland have achieved Blue Flag status for 2021.
Ten beaches and two marinas earned the prestigious Blue Flag in Cork this year, signifying a record annual haul for the Rebel County.
Record 93 Blue Flags awarded to beaches for 2021 rte.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rte.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Sea-swimming boom to see new facilities installed at locations around the country
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“The facilities are all-weather facilities so they are going to be unlike anything we currently have in Ireland and they will be a combination of what people may be used to seeing around the world.
“Basically, there will be an enclosed section to the building but it will be open on many sides.
“It will contain a number of showers, toilets, secure lockers and storage so people can leave their personal belongings while they are participating in their water-based activity.
“There will be an orientation area where visitors to the area who may not be familiar can understand what other things there are to do and see.
Naturally, any kind of coastal activities in this country are weather permitting, but if you don t mind a little drizzle here and there, take note of Lonely Planet s latest list of best beaches in Ireland and make yourself some glorious plans for the summer.
This list is not in any kind of order (although there s not a hope that Killiney Beach would be anywhere near the top if it was).
It is simply a list of decent beaches across the county, and ones that we will absolutely be hitting up once restrictions lift and it is safe to do so.
Lonely Planet has picked its top 10 beaches in Ireland, describing the 6,200km coastline here as a âbeachgoerâs paradiseâ.
The travel-guide publisherâs selection of beaches ranges from âquiet covesâ to âgreat stretches of golden sandâ, most of them along the western seaboard, with Co Donegal and Co Kerry particulary well represented.
Killiney Beach, just south of Dublin city, is the only beach on the east coast to make the list, with the surrounding bay being described as resembling the Bay of Naples, in Italy.
The guide recommends visiting the beaches on a sunny summerâs day, running your hands through the soft sand and imagining yourself 20 degrees closer to the equator. Hereâs the full list.