Get set for bathing season and please remember to respect the water, says council

While this week’s weather has been a bit of a let down compared to the recent stretch of warm, sunny days, Fingal County Council has still taken the opportunity to show off the Blue Flags and Green Coast Award it has received ahead of the 2025 summer bathing season which is set to officially begin on June 1^st.

Balcarrick Beach in Donabate, with its 3.4km stretch of sand, vibrant rockpools, and healthy sand dunes, has received both a Blue Flag and a Green Coast Award for the fourth consecutive year, making it one of only 10 locations in Ireland to achieve this double recognition.

Further to the south, Velvet Strand in Portmarnock has once again been honoured with a Blue Flag, having first received one in 2014 and maintaining it ever since.

Velvet Strand’s continued recognition underscores the commitment of Fingal County Council and the local community to maintaining high standards for beachgoers and preserving the natural environment.

Director of Operations in Fingal, MaryT Daly said: “The Blue Flag and Green Coast awards we received in 2025 highlight our continued commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural beauty of the 88km Fingal coastline.

“As we enter the busy summer season, we encourage everyone visiting our beaches this year to do their part in preserving these special places by using the bins provided or taking their litter home.

“Litter left behind not only harms wildlife and the environment but can also affect water quality.”

During the summer bathing season – which runs from 1 June until mid-September – water quality at designated beaches will be regularly monitored by the EPA, and results will be made available to the public at www.beaches.ie.

All ten identified beaches have met “excellent” for the pre-season samples taken this week.

If we get test results that don’t meet the standards we have a process in place for notifying beach users and will also look to share this via our social media channels.

It is also worth remembering that after a heavy rainfall event it is important to avoid contact with the water for at least 48 hours to prevent the risk of getting a recreational water illness.

As we head into the bathing season, Fingal County Council reminds all beachgoers to ‘Respect the Beach, Respect the Water, and Respect Other Users.’

Being safe should always be top of mind when visiting the coast—whether swimming, walking, or simply enjoying the surroundings.

And please take your litter home, follow lifeguard guidance where present, and look out for one another.

Lifeguards will on duty at designated beaches from 11am to 7pm on weekends from Saturday 31 May, and then daily during July and August.

Additionally, our lifeguards will be present on Blue Flag beaches during the first two weekends of September.

Fingal is also urging dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Just one instance of dog poo can contaminate an area the size of a tennis court, posing a serious risk to public health.

To highlight this, see this informative animation that illustrates the real impact of not picking up after your dog: https://youtu.be/7bas6zvBmM4

Each year, local authorities must identify official bathing areas for monitoring.

Fingal County Council is seeking input from swimmers to help decide whether to maintain current designations or add new ones in popular but unlisted swimming spots.

Submissions on this can be made at: https://consult.fingal.ie/en/consultation/public-consultation-identification-bathing-waters-fingal-bathing-season-2026

Fingal boasts an 88-kilometer coastline featuring a variety of beaches, each with its unique charm.

For details on locations visit: https://fingal.live/2p8rdrrw.

Learn more about what it means to gain Blue Flag status: https://youtu.be/D0cXhVXOLgA.