In Galway City and County there are fourteen beaches and two lakes where Lifeguards are employed during the Summer Season and all Blue Flag beaches are assigned Lifeguards.
Blue Flag Awards
The Blue flag is awarded annually. It is an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education, services and safety.
The following beaches received the Blue Flag Award in 2025:
- The Long Point, Loughrea Lake, Loughrea
- Trá Inis Oírr, Inis Oírr
- Trá an Dóilín, An Cheathrú Rua
- An Trá Mhór, Indreabhán
- Portumna Bathing Area
- Traught, Kinvara
- Céibh an Spidéil, Spidéil
- Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór
Green Coasts Awards
The Green Coast awards recognise bathing areas in less developed, scenic, unspoiled locations which have: -
- Excellent water quality
- Environmental management plan drawn up in consultation with local stakeholders
The following beaches received the Green Coast Award in 2025:
- Poll na gCaorach, Formna, Inis Oirr
- Aillebrack, Ballyconneely
- Trá Inis Oírr
- Dumhach , Inishbofin
- East End, Inishbofin
- Rinvyle Beach, Tully
For more information on the Green Coast Award programme contact An Taisce Education on 01 4002229 or log on to Green Coasts here Green Coast Award - Beach Awards (GCA).
Further information on bathing water quality in County Galway is available at http://www.bathingwater.ie.
Beach Brochures
Contact our Environment team
Address
Environment Department
Áras an Chontae
Prospect Hill
Co. Galway
H91 H6KX