Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Beaches and marinas that achieve this accolade must meet a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and beach management.

There are few regions in Europe to match the quality of Mayo's beaches and the County is the proud holder of 12 Blue Flag awards.

Beach Locations - Blue Flag awards for 2017

• KILLALA: Ross Strand

• LOUISBURGH: Carrawmore Beach

• ACHILL: Keem Beach, Keel Beach, Dugort Beach, Golden Strand, Dooega Beach

• BELMULLET: Mullaghroe Beach, Elly Bay Beach

• CLARE ISLAND

• MURRISK: Bertra Beach

• MULRANNY: Mulranny Beach

Green Coast Beaches

The Green Coast Award is a symbol of environmental excellence that was established to promote and protect rural beaches in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Beaches bearing the award boast excellent water quality as well as a ‘natural, unspoilt environment’, meaning they may not be compatible with the level of infrastructure and management generally associated with traditional, urban resort beaches.

The Green Coast Award Beaches in Mayo for 2017 are:

• Carrowniskey, located 15 km south of Louisburgh

• Cross-Erris Peninsula, located on the west coast of the Mullet Peninsula with view of Inis Glora island

• Termon, near Aghleam village on the east coast of the Blacksod Mullet Peninsula

• Srah, located 5 km south of Bunnahowen village, between Erris and Belmullet

• Portacloy, located in Portacloy Bay

• Silver strand, located 30 km from Louisburgh town on the L1830.

Most of them are candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) or form part of Special Protection Area (SPA) or are proposed National Heritage Area (pNHA), but all are areas of high ecological value.