Irish beaches bask in European approval

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.

There were six more flags awarded this year than in 2014 — Rossbeigh in Kerry, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point in Clare, and Bertra and Mulranny in Mayo all won back their award after losing out last year due to storm damage, while Ballinesker in Wexford achieved Blue Flag status for the first time.

In Cork, Redbarn and Garretstown reclaimed Blue Flags, while Garrylucas, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, Barleycove, and Tragumna all managed to retain theirs.