Achill’s beaches have been recognised in the latest Bathing Water Quality report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Achill’s four Blue Flag beaches – Dooega, Dugort (Silver Stand), Keel and Keem – were all included in the highest-quality ‘Excellent’ category following tests carried out in 2019. A fifth beach, Golden Strand (also at Dugort), was awarded a ‘Good Quality’ standard. It is the second year that Golden Strand has only achieved ‘Good’ status, as historically it has been rated ‘Excellent’ along with Achill’s other Blue Flag beaches. Further afield, bathing water in Mulranny and at two Belmullet beaches (Elly Bay and Mullaghroe) were also rated in the ‘Excellent’ category, as were five further Mayo beaches, making the county one of the best in Ireland for bathing water quality.
Speaking about the report, Chris McCarthy, Manager at Achill Tourism, said: “I am delighted to see that Achill’s outstanding waters have once again been recognised for their excellent quality. With the sunny weather at the moment it is such a shame our beaches cannot be enjoyed by visitors but they will still be here when it is safe to travel again. I would like to congratulate our neighbours in Mulranny, Belmullet, north Mayo and across Clew Bay for also achieving Excellent Quality ratings. Taken together it keeps County Mayo on the map as one of Ireland’s premier beach and sea bathing destinations.”
The full list of County Mayo beaches achieving Excellent Quality status is: Ross Beach, Killala; Rinrow Beach, Carrowtigue; Elly Bay, Belmullet; Mullaghroe Beach, Belmullet; Dugort Beach, Achill Island; Keem Beach, Achill Island; Keel Beach, Achill Island; Dooega Beach, Achill Island; Clare Island; Mulranny Beach; Bertra Beach, Murrisk; Carrowmore Beach, Louisburgh.
Three further Mayo beaches achieved Good Quality status: Golden Strand, Achill Island; Old Head Beach, Louisburgh; Carrowniskey, Louisburgh.
Details of individual beaches can be found online at beaches.ie.
The latest EPA report can be viewed and downloaded here (PDF document, 5.66MB).
