Waterford has secured 13 coastal awards for the 2026 bathing season, including three Blue Flags and 10 Green Coast Awards.

Tramore, Clonea and Bunmahon have all been awarded Blue Flags by An Taisce for the coming season. Bunmahon receives the recognition for the first time since 2012, following what An Taisce says is a significant improvement in bathing water quality between 2022 and 2025.

In addition to the Blue Flag awards, Waterford celebrated a significant increase in Green Coast Awards from An Taisce, rising from six to ten award-winning beaches in 2026. The Green Coast Awards recognise beaches for their unspoilt environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Bunmahon, Clonea, Tramore and Whiting Bay were newly added to this year’s list of Green Coast recipients, along with Balyquin, Curragh, Goat Island, Guillamene Cove, Kilfarassey and Newtown Cove.

While Counsellor’s Strand in Dunmore East and Ardmore Beach were not deemed eligible for Blue Flag status this year, the bathing water at both locations has been classified as of good quality. 

Intense rainfall events occurred more frequently and across the entire bathing season in 2025, resulting in increased runoff from multiple sources. This had an impact in both Ardmore and Dunmore East reducing the water quality from excellent to good status according to Waterford City and County Council.

In total, 95 Blue Flags were awarded nationwide this year, including 85 beaches, nine marinas and one tourism boat. Kerry received the highest number of Blue Flags overall, while Cork secured the highest combined number of coastal awards.

The Green Coast Awards recognise beaches for water quality, natural beauty and environmental management, while the Blue Flag is one of the world’s best-known environmental quality awards for beaches and marinas.

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