Donal Hickey: Warmest water around Ireland is at Cork and Kerry coasts

However, for far too long, waterways here have been treated as sewers. According to the EPA, just 51% of sewage here is treated to EU standards, whereas the European average is 90%

Pupils from St Colman's Community School, Midleton, Shanagarry National School, Scoil Réalt na Mara, Ballycotton, Scoil Íosagáin Farranree, Cork City, Castlemartyr National School, Scoil Bhríde Midleton, and Kyle National School, Youghal at Garryvoe beach as part of a Blue Flag Education supported by Cork County Council, in association with Clean Coasts Ballynamona.

Many people taking their first 'dip' of the year in the ocean may not notice, but changes are happening in the seas around us.

Despite the sunny, warm spell, some swimmers report a chill in the water and the water safety advice is to stay within your depth as a warm body can experience cold water shock. For all that, a new report from the Marine Institute (MI) says there’s been a 0.5°C rise in sea surface temperatures on our colder north coast during the past 10 years.