Three new Blue Flags announced for Mayo beaches

MAYO beaches have been awarded three additional Blue Flags this year.

Bertra, which last flew a Blue Flag in 2020, has regained its status, as has Clare Island, which lost it in 2022 for not having achieved the 'excellent' classification for water quality, while Old Head has been awarded a Blue Flag for the first time since 2012.

Mayo now boasts 12 Blue Flag beaches after all the other nine beaches retained their status, An Taisce announced today at its annual awards.

The full list of Blue Flag beaches is:

Dooega, Achill Island

Dugort Beach, Achill Island

Elly Bay, Belmullet

Golden Strand, Achill Island

Keel, Achill Island

Keem, Achill Island

Mullaghroe, Belmullet

Mulranny beach

Ross, Killala

Bertra, Westport

Clare Island

Old Head, Louisburgh

Mayo also received six Green Coast awards: Rinroe, Srah, Cross, Termon, Tránaun beach on Inishturk, and the newly awarded Carrowniskey beach in Louisburgh, which has regained its status.

The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.