A record-equalling 90 sites have been awarded Blue Flags this year.
To be granted Blue Flag status for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators must comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.
Bundoran in County Donegal and Bertra in County Mayo regained the status they lost last year.
Youghal Claycastle in County Cork has achieved Blue Flag status for the first time since 2011
There's bad news for beachgoers in North Co. Kerry as Ballybunion North beach has failed to achieve the excellent water quality rating needed to retain the flag for 2020.
Other areas of note include the decision by Wexford County Council to withdraw Blue Flag Status from Courtown beach due to lower than normal beach sand levels.
While Cill Mhuirbhigh on Inis Mor in County Galway will not fly the flag this year as there will not be a lifeguard in place due to the Covid 19 restrictions.
