Date: 20 May 2025
Donegal’s stunning coastline shines once again!
Donegal County Council once again welcomes the announcement that the county has the second highest tally of Blue Flag beaches in the country with Donegal and Kerry local authorities awarded the most Blue Flags for 2025 with 14 for each county.
A record number of Irish beaches and marinas have been awarded a blue flag for the 2025 bathing season. The environmental group An Taisce awarded blue flag status to 89 beaches, beating the previous record of 85, while 10 marinas also received awards.
Beaches in Donegal which received Blue Flags are Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin/Portnoo, An Charraig Fhinn, Killahoey, Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh, Portsalon, Culdaff, Stroove, in addition to marinas at Greencastle and Rathmullan.
In addition, beaches at Dooey, Magheroarty, Drumnatinney, Ballyheirnan and Port Arthur (regaining its award) have all received Green Coast awards for 2025.
Lifeguards are employed on all Blue Flag Beaches and Rathmullan beach over the bathing season form 1st June to 15th September.
The 14 Blue Flag beaches in Donegal are all currently wheelchair accessible and beach wheelchairs are available to the public at each beach.
Donegal County Council encourages the public to enjoy our award-winning beaches in a safe and sustainable manner. Beach users are also reminded to take care in, or on the water and take note of water safety precautions. The public are also asked to leave no trace on our beaches, other than footprints. If bins are provided dispose of your waste in a bin otherwise, please take your waste with you to dispose of it in a responsible manner.
It is extremely important for the county that it receives this international recognition for our beaches and the role that they play in the county’s economy. Also, we acknowledge and thank all the local communities, and the roles they play, working alongside Donegal County Council in ensuring that the county secured these awards.
Donegal’s world class beaches along with its spectacular scenery and friendly welcome make it a great place to live, work and visit.
