Blue Flag Beaches

Waterford Blue Flag Beaches

Waterford currently has three designated blue flag beaches in which applications are submitted yearly in an attempt to gain blue flag status. 

● Bunmahon 
● Clonea East 
● Tramore

Bunmahon

Bunmahon Beach is a sliver of golden sand backed by sand dunes and protected by tall cliffs. A Blue Flag beach, it’s safe and clean, with lifeguards on duty during July and August. Head to the top of the cliffs for panoramic coastal views. Nearby are hidden coves as well as remnants of the area’s copper mining industry. The Mining Trail is just one of the routes that passes this way

Clonea Strand 

Clonea is an extensive popular sandy beach. The beach itself is wide, sloping gently and more then a mile long. The beach is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season. There are camping and caravan parks nearby. Clonea beach can be accessed by driving from Dungarvan east on the R675 towards the coast following signs for Clonea.

Tramore
The long rolling waves in Tramore attract swimmers, and, of course, surfers. People power walk or stroll up and down the golden sands from early morning to sunset.

Tramore beach is popular for beach angling. The estuary flowing into the back strand has produced a number of specimen flounder and bass in recent years. Other species in the nearby coastal waters include pollock, dogfish, dabs, coalfish and whiting. The cliffs around the resort offer excellent rock and reef fishing.

How can you help!
The public has an important part to play in seeing that a beach keeps its Blue Flag. Litter, uncontrolled dogs, dog fouling, trampling on dunes, vandalism to facilities are all things that can cost s beach its flag. You can visit the following website to find full information about criteria, international blue flag beaches and marinas, maps etc.

www.blueflagireland.org

Blue Flag Beaches

What is the Blue Flag?

 

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3500 beaches and marinas in 33 countries in the Northern hemisphere. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and operated by the independent non-profit organisation the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

Blue Flag Award Ireland

In Ireland the Blue Flag is operated by An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland. An Taisce have over 20 years experience of operating the Blue Flag Programme and maintains excellent links at a national and international level with organisations involved in beach management.

You can contact the Irish Blue Flag Manager on + 353 1 4002210 or by using the contact form here

Blue Flag Criteria

The award of a Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 32 criteria covering the aspects of:

Some criteria are imperative (I), some are guideline (G) and some are non-applicable (NA) for certain regions. All imperative requirements have to be fulfilled, and in addition a maximum number of guideline criteria. All Blue Flags are only awarded for one season at a time. If some of the imperative criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn. 

Further Information on the Blue Flag Programme is available from the International Blue Flag website: www.blueflag.org

The Blue Flag programme in Ireland is funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.