Seven new bathing water sites identified for Northern Ireland in 2025

In a significant boost for Northern Ireland’s coastal and inland recreational offerings, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the formal identification of seven new bathing water sites, marking the first such designations since 2018.

The announcement was made during Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’s 2025 Beach and Marina Awards on Tuesday, an event celebrating the region’s commitment to maintaining high-quality beaches and marinas.

The newly identified sites—Brompton Bay (Bangor), Cushendall, Donaghadee, Drain’s Bay, Portmuck, Rea’s Wood (Antrim), and Warrenpoint—bring the total number of formally recognised bathing waters in Northern Ireland to 33.

Notably, Rea’s Wood on Lough Neagh is the first inland bathing site to be included, a move that underscores efforts to expand safe and accessible swimming locations while addressing ongoing environmental challenges.

Enhancing Public Health and Water Quality

Minister Muir highlighted the importance of these designations in ensuring safe bathing experiences for the public.

“Northern Ireland has some of the best beaches and bathing waters in these islands,” he said. “Up until now, Northern Ireland has had 26 formally identified bathing waters. I am delighted to announce that I am adding a further seven sites to this list before this year’s bathing season.”

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) rigorously monitors these sites during the bathing season, which runs from 1 June to mid-September each year. Weekly water quality tests are conducted, with results made publicly available to help bathers make informed decisions about when and where to swim.

“To provide confidence to the public, my Department regularly monitors these sites during the bathing season,” Minister Muir added. “The information is publicly available to allow bathers to make informed choices as to when to swim.”

DAERA’s efforts extend beyond monitoring. Through the Better Beaches Forum, the Department collaborates with bathing water operators to improve water quality, enhance beach cleanliness, upgrade signage and facilities, and keep the public informed about the condition of Northern Ireland’s beaches.

This work also supports Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’s prestigious Blue Flag Awards, which recognise beaches and marinas that meet stringent environmental and management standards.

“My Department also supplies this important information to Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to be used in the assessment for the prestigious Blue Flag Awards that we are here to celebrate today,” Minister Muir noted.

A Milestone for Inland Bathing: Rea’s Wood

The inclusion of Rea’s Wood on Lough Neagh as Northern Ireland’s first inland bathing site is a landmark achievement, but it comes with unique challenges.

Lough Neagh has faced significant issues with blue-green algae, prompting DAERA to issue bathing advisories for Rea’s Wood since mid-July last year.

Minister Muir emphasised the public health focus of the bathing water programme, particularly at this site.

“The primary focus of the bathing water programme is to provide good public health advice to bathers. This is particularly important for Rea’s Wood with the on-going blue-green algae problem,” he said.

As part of the Executive-approved Lough Neagh Action Plan, DAERA leads an Inter-Agency group to deliver timely advice to swimmers at Rea’s Wood, ensuring their safety amid ongoing environmental concerns.

The Minister also underscored the broader need to improve water quality across Northern Ireland. “It also demonstrates the need to improve water quality across Northern Ireland so health, environmental, and economic opportunities and benefits can be realised. A need I am committed to delivering,” he stated.

Criteria for Bathing Water Designation

The identification of new bathing water sites follows strict criteria set by DAERA, including the number of bathers or users at a site and the availability of facilities such as toilets, parking, and signage.

The seven new sites have been carefully selected to meet these standards, ensuring they provide safe and enjoyable environments for visitors. Existing bathing water sites, such as Ballycastle, Portrush Whiterocks, and Murlough in County Down, will continue to be monitored alongside the new additions.

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Bathing Season

The formal identification of the new sites will be enshrined in legislation before the start of the 2025 bathing season on 1 June.

This development is expected to enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination for high-quality coastal and inland recreation, while reinforcing the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship and public health.

As Northern Ireland prepares for the upcoming bathing season, Minister Muir’s announcement signals a proactive approach to improving access to safe swimming locations and addressing water quality challenges. With the addition of these seven sites, bathers across the region can look forward to enjoying an expanded range of clean, well-managed beaches and waterways.