Causeway Coast and Glens celebrates record beach and marina awards success

L-R: Mark Strong, Coast and Countryside Officer, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; Eric Randall, CEO, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens; Sinead Murray, Local Environmental Quality Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; Eric Randall, CEO, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. Flags pictured: Blue Flag and Seaside Award

Photos: Phil Magowan / Press Eye

The Causeway Coast and Glens area has emerged as the top-performing region in Northern Ireland for coastal excellence, securing 12 accolades in this year’s prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.

The announcement was made during a formal ceremony hosted by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful at the Belfast Harbour Office.

Out of 22 winning coastal sites across five council areas, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council claimed more than half of the honours, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most scenic and well-maintained coastal regions on the island of Ireland.

Among the region’s accolades are six Blue Flag beaches, four Blue Flag marinas, and two Seaside Award-winning beaches.

In addition, Cushendall has been newly designated as a recognised bathing water location, further enhancing the area’s coastal profile.

Prestigious Recognition for Coastal Standards

L-R: Judith Hammond, Tourism Development Officer, Ards and North Down District Council; Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens; Eric Randall, CEO, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; Mark Strong, Coast and Countryside Officer, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; Sinead Murray, Local Environmental Quality Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; John Thompson, Board Member, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

The Blue Flag Award is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels, symbolising high standards in water quality, safety, environmental education, and management. This year, 16 sites across Northern Ireland earned the coveted Blue Flag status.

Ten of these award-winning Blue Flag sites are located in the Causeway Coast and Glens area:

• Benone Strand (receiving its 35th Blue Flag)

• Downhill Strand

• West Strand, Portrush

• East Strand, Portrush

• Castlerock Beach

• Whiterocks Beach

• Ballycastle Marina

• Rathlin Island Marina

• Coleraine Marina

• Portrush Harbour and Marina

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, pictured receiving the Seaside Award from with Eric Randall, CEO, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, expressed his delight at the results:

“We are overwhelmed that these prestigious awards have been allocated to our Council area.

“With 6 blue flag beaches, 2 seaside awards, recognition for 4 harbours and marinas, and of course, Cushendall now being designated as a bathing water location, it proves once again that our Council area is one of the most scenic on our island.

“Thank you to Keep NI Beautiful for these fantastic accolades and well done to all the Council officers who work hard to keep these sites pristine for residents and visitors to Causeway Coast and Glens.”

Seaside Awards and Environmental Commitment

Six Northern Ireland beaches have also received Seaside Awards, the national standard for well-managed and attractive beaches.

Ballycastle and Waterfoot beaches were recognised under this scheme, further affirming the area’s high quality of visitor experience and environmental standards.

L-R: Front row: Councillor Eugene McConnell, Chairperson, Mid Ulster District Council; Gillian Armstrong, Tryella Countryside Warden, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Eric Randall, CEO, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful; Mark Strong, Coast and Countryside Officer, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council; Sinead Murray, Local Environmental Quality Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

CEO of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Eric Randall, praised the efforts of local authorities and communities:

“We are extremely pleased that 22 beaches and marinas are being recognised with either a Blue Flag or a Seaside Award. Northern Ireland can rightly be proud of the amazing beaches and marinas we have to enjoy. Our offering is world class, and the public can be assured of an excellent experience when they visit one of these sites.

“As we recognise these areas, we need to take steps to protect them for future generations. All parts of government and society must proactively adopt approaches that reverse the devastating impact of the climate emergency and ensure that these areas thrive into the future.”

Commitment to Quality and Safety

Winning sites are assessed on stringent criteria including water quality, environmental education, cleanliness, safety, and accessibility. During the bathing season, Blue Flag and Seaside Award flags are raised at eligible beaches and marinas. If water quality temporarily falls below required standards, flags are lowered until conditions are deemed safe for public use.

Unlike bathing waters, Blue Flag Marinas maintain their flags all year round as they are not subject to the same seasonal assessments.

The awards demonstrate not only the natural beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastal areas but also the collective efforts of councils, local communities, and environmental bodies to uphold international standards in coastal management.