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ur dogs may be decidedly unimpressed every June 1st, but Greystones’ swingin’ South Beach has been awarded its annual Blue Flag.
One of three flags awarded Wicklow beaches this year, the other two were Brittas Bay North and, hey, Brittas Bay South.
This latest flag in our cap should go rather nicely with our record high-five from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Down one from 2022’s record high of 95, 94 beaches across Ireland have been awarded Blue Flag status – a big leap from 1988’s 19 beaches and marinas – whilst 70 Green Coast Awards were also handed out for 2024.
The Blue Flag – which here extends from the second arch to the old lifeguard steps – is one of the world’s most recongised eco-labels, originating in France in 1985, and going European-wide two years later.
Since then, Ireland has come on in leaps and bounds, with 164 beaches and marinas this year garnering Blue or Green flag. Full details here.