The prestigious awards were presented at a special ceremony in Curracloe, Co Wexford by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD.

The Blue Flag Beaches are Barleycove; Fountainstown; Garretstown; Garrylucas, White Strand; Inchydoney East Beach; Inchydoney West Beach; Owenahincha, Little Island Strand; Redbarn; Tragumna; Youghal Front Strand; and Youghal, Claycastle.

The County Cork recipients of Green Coast Awards are Ardnahinch, Shanagarry; Garnish Beach, Lehanmore; Ballynamona Beach; Sherkin Island, Silver Strand Beach; Ballyrisode; Cadogan's Strand; Dooneen Pier; Rocky Bay; Fountainstown Beach; Ring; Galley Cove; Red Strand; Oysterhaven; and Inchydoney East. Kinsale Marina and Royal Cork Yacht Club Marina also retained their Blue Flag status.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. To qualify, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich Cork coastal heritage and diversity.