Photography by Ciaran Culligan
(L-R)Grainne Fogarty, Administrative Officer with Louth County Council; David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council; Garreth Fitzpatrick, General Services Supervisor with Louth County Council; Joanna Kelly, Director of Services with Louth County Council; Irene McGahon, Senior Executive Engineer with Louth County Council; and Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council pictured at the Blue Flag raising ceremony at Port Beach.
Louth County Council has announced that Clogherhead, Port and Templetown beaches have retained their Blue Flag status for 2026, while Seapoint Beach in Termonfeckin has once again been awarded Green Coast status.
Now in its 41st year, the Blue Flag programme is recognised internationally as a symbol of excellence in water quality, environmental management, safety and environmental education. The Green Coast Award, now in its 23rd year, recognises beaches with excellent water quality and exceptional natural beauty.
The awards highlight the ongoing commitment of Louth County Council, local communities and coastal groups in maintaining the county’s beaches. Volunteers continue to play an important role in helping to keep these coastal areas clean, safe and welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Speaking at the Blue Flag raising ceremony at Port Beach, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly said:
“Our coastline and beaches are a key part of Louth’s identity and something we are all very proud of. Our Blue Flag beaches are important local amenities that people enjoy every day. These awards recognise the work of our communities, volunteers and council staff in protecting these special places for everyone to enjoy.”
Chief Executive, David Conway, added:
“We are very proud to retain these prestigious awards for our beaches, which reflect the ongoing commitment of Louth County Council, coastal groups and local communities.
“In particular, I would like to acknowledge the important role of volunteers, along with the council team, whose dedication helps to maintain the high standards that make our beaches such valued amenities.
“We remain committed to working in partnership to protect and enhance our coastline for the benefit of everyone.”
A total of 95 Blue Flag awards and 73 Green Coast Awards were presented across the country for the 2026 season.
Louth County Council also advises that its Beach Lifeguard Service will return this weekend, starting from Saturday, 6th June, marking the start of the 2026 bathing season. Lifeguards will be on duty at the Blue Flag beaches of Port, Templetown, and Clogherhead on weekends throughout June, daily during July and August, and again on weekends in September until Sunday, 15th September, operating from 11:00am to 6:00pm. Visitors are reminded to always swim between the red and yellow flags, follow lifeguard instructions, never block emergency access routes, and take basic water safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
For more information on Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches visit beaches.ie.
