Planning a trip to the seaside this summer? One of County Louth’s best-known beaches has been recognised as one of the finest in the UK and Ireland.
Clogherhead Beach has secured a place in the Top 20 in a new study by roadside assistance provider The AA, which ranked 228 Blue Flag beaches across the UK and Ireland based on factors including safety, visitor reviews, parking costs, lifeguard services, water temperature and hours of sunshine.
The study awarded Clogherhead Beach an overall score of 68.52 out of 100, placing it 14th in the overall rankings.
Fenit Beach in County Kerry was the highest ranked Irish beach, finishing eighth with a score of 70.27.
To compile the rankings, researchers analysed hundreds of data points, including average Google review scores, daily parking charges, proximity to RNLI lifeboat stations, average water temperatures, July sunshine hours and Google search popularity.
Each beach received an overall score out of 100, with Exmouth Beach in Devon topping the list with a score of 76.42 to be crowned the best beach destination for 2026.
The research also identified the highest ranked beach in each region, highlighting some of the best coastal destinations for families planning summer days out.
Found the perfect beach? Before you pack the towels and set the sat nav, it’s worth taking a moment to think about the journey itself. A little forward planning can help you avoid unnecessary stress and make the most of your day by the sea.
AA Patrol of the Year, Lee Morley, says: “There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach during the summer holidays, and we’re extremely lucky to have so many beautiful destinations available to us on UK and Irish shores. But when you’re planning your next road trip, be it with family or friends, make sure that you plan ahead, as more car breakdowns occur in hotter temperatures due to overheating. https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover
