Swimmers, dippers and other water users are being invited to share their views as part of this year’s process to identify designated bathing areas across Fingal.
From sea swims along the coast to dips in rivers and lakes, swimming is an important part of life in Ireland. Each year, local authorities are required to identify bathing waters so they can be properly monitored and managed.
These designated locations are assessed for water quality, public usage, and safety, helping to ensure they remain suitable for swimming.
As part of this process, Fingal County Council is seeking feedback from people who regularly use these waters.
Input is welcome on both existing designated sites and other locations that are popular for swimming but not currently included.
This feedback helps ensure that official designations reflect how waters are actually used by the public.
Irish and European legislation requires bathing waters to meet strict microbiological standards.
Identified sites are monitored throughout the bathing season, and in many cases, they are also prioritised for services such as lifeguard cover during the summer months.
For each designated bathing water, the Council prepares a detailed profile outlining the surrounding catchment area, potential sources of pollution, and measures in place to respond to any water quality issues.
This helps to safeguard public health and maintain confidence in our bathing waters.
Fingal has 88km of coastline from Sutton to Balbriggan, with a wide variety of well-loved swimming locations, including:
· Balbriggan Beach
· Balcarrick Beach, Donabate
· Brook Beach, Portrane
· Burrow Beach, Sutton
· Claremont Beach, Howth
· Loughshinny Beach
· North Beach, Rush
· Portmarnock Beach
· South Beach, Rush
· South Beach, Skerries
It should be noted that Malahide Beach is not currently classified as a bathing water, but lifeguards are present based on a Water Safety Ireland risk assessment (constant red flag conditions).
If you are a regular swimmer, your local knowledge can help shape decisions about these areas. When making a submission, you may wish to consider:
- How the site is used for swimming and recreation
- The number of people who use it
- Access and available facilities
- Any health or safety considerations
Submissions can be made online via Public Consultation on Identification of Bathing Waters in Fingal for Bathing Season 2027 | Fingal County Council Online Consultation Portal
or in writing to:
Operations Department (Bathing Waters)
Fingal County Council
Grove Road
Blanchardstown
Dublin 15
Further information on bathing water quality, including recent results and classifications, is available at www.beaches.ie and through the EPA’s Bathing Water in Ireland reports.
Closing date for submissions is Friday, 25th September 2026.
For more details on Fingal’s beaches and bathing water quality, visit: www.fingal.ie/beaches-bathingwaterquality