Kerry has been awarded the most Blue Flags of any county this year.
The Blue Flag Award is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards, presented to beaches and marinas of excellent quality.
Kerry’s 16 Blue Flags this year are an increase on last year’s total of 15, with a historic first Blue Flag award for a tourism boat in South Kerry.
13 beaches in Kerry were awarded Blue Flags, and two marinas.
The beaches are Ballinskelligs, Ballybunion North, Ballybunion South, Ballyheigue, Banna Strand, Derrynane, Fenit, Ventry, Inch, Kells, Maharabeg, Rossbeigh, and White Strand in Cahersiveen.
All of these are managed by Kerry County Council, as is the Fenit marina which was also awarded a Blue Flag.
Portmagee marina, which is managed by Kilrush Maritime Ltd, was also awarded a Blue Flag.
For the first time, a tourism boat has been awarded a Blue Flag, which is the Skellig Bounty, operated by Aqua Terra Boat Tours on Valentia Island.
All recipients of the Blue Flag had to adhere to specific criteria in water quality, waste management, biodiversity protection, education, information, safety, and accessibility.
Green Coast Award winners have also been announced, which recognise beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality, and natural beauty.
Five beaches in Kerry received a Green Coast Award; Ballinskelligs, Béal Bán, Waterville, Castlegregory, and Littor.
Ballinskelligs is one of just 12 beaches in Ireland to receive both a Blue Flag and Green Coast Award.
Both the Blue Flag and Green Coast Award programmes are managed by An Taisce, and the awards were presented at a ceremony in Youghal this afternoon.
