The Galway Coast

Beaches

Co. Galway has a total of six blue flag beaches. The international Blue Flag award is given in recognition of excellent environmental management of beaches and marinas. There are 29 criteria that must be met in order to be awarded a Blue Flag, which fall under the following categories:

1. Environmental Education and Information

2. Safety and Services

3. Water Quality

4. Environmental Management

The six blue flag beaches in Co. Galway include:

• Traught Beach, Kinvara
• The Long Point, Loughrea Lake
• Trá an Dóilín, An Cheathrú Rua
• Trá Mór Coill Rua, Indreabhán
• Trá Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór
• An Céibh, An Spidéal

A further four areas have achieved the Green Coast Award, which distinguishes beaches of environmental excellence. The award is open to Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In Galway, the following areas have the Green Coast Award:

• Dogs Bay, Roundstone,
• East End, Inish Boffin,
• Inis Oirr, Aran Islands
• Aillebrack, Ballyconneely