Swimming at Ballybunion in Co. Kerry, one of the south-west's foremost seaside resorts, has been placed off-limits after high levels of e.coli associated with animal and human faeces, or a combination, showed up on Monday.

Three popular beaches have been forced to lower their coveted Blue Flag.

Beaches and marinas across the country are bathing in the warm waters of European approval — 86 of them have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status.

As weather forecasts continue to suggest that 2013 will be the best summer the country has seen for years, four Irish Examiner writers profile their favourite beaches and hidden gems around the southern coastline.