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.

Between March 30, 1883 and May 30, 1884, a Quaker named James Hack Tuke organised 11 ships to go on 15 sailings: nine to Boston and six to Québec, to transport 3,300 men, women and children from dirt-poor — (literally) — families from Elly Bay, a small inlet of Blacksod Bay in north-west Mayo, to make a better life for themselves in the ‘New World’.

The number of Irish beaches securing coveted Blue Flag status has hit an all-time high.