Mayo Beaches Shine as 20 Coastal Locations Receive 2026 An Taisce Awards
Mayo’s spectacular coastline has received another major vote of confidence, with 20 beaches across the county awarded Blue Flag or Green Coast status for 2026.
The awards, announced by An Taisce, recognise beaches that meet high standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility, community involvement and natural beauty. For Mayo, the 2026 results are a wonderful celebration of the county’s beaches, islands, coastal communities and the people who help care for them.
This year, 11 Mayo beaches received Blue Flag awards, with a further 9 beaches receiving Green Coast awards. The results place Mayo once again among Ireland’s standout coastal destinations, from the golden sands of Achill and Belmullet to island beaches, wild Atlantic coves and much-loved family favourites near Westport and Louisburgh.
The Mayo beaches awarded Blue Flags for 2026 are:
Bertra Beach, Murrisk; Clare Island, Louisburgh; Dooega Beach, Achill Island; Dugort Beach, Achill Island; Elly Bay, Belmullet; Keel Beach, Achill Island; Keem Beach, Achill Island; Mullaghroe Beach, Belmullet; Mulranny Beach; Old Head; and Ross Beach, Killala.
A further 9 Mayo beaches received Green Coast awards for 2026:
Carrowniskey Beach; Cross, Erris Peninsula; Rinroe; Srah Beach; Termon Beach; Tranaun, Inishturk; Cross, Louisburgh; Portacloy Beach; and Golden Strand, Achill.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s best-known environmental awards, recognising excellent beach standards and sustainable coastal management. The Green Coast Award celebrates beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality, natural beauty and the role of local communities in protecting these special places.
For locals, the awards are a proud reminder of just how lucky we are to have such incredible beaches on our doorstep. For visitors, they are one more reason to plan a Mayo coastal escape this summer.
Whether you’re dreaming of a swim at Old Head, a walk on Bertra, a day trip to Achill, a family outing to Mulranny, or a wild Atlantic adventure along the Erris coast, Mayo’s award-winning beaches offer endless ways to enjoy the sea, sand and scenery.
Want to start planning your next coastal day out?