Ards and North Down Celebrates 2026 Blue Flag and Seaside Award Success

22nd May 2026

Ards and North Down’s stunning coastline has once again been recognised among the best in the UK and Ireland, with several local beaches and marinas achieving prestigious Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2026. These internationally respected awards highlight excellence in water quality, environmental management, safety and visitor experience.

L-R: Eric Randall, CEO, Sinead Murray, LEQ manager; and John Thompson, Board Member at Live Here Love Here, join Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Gillian McCollum and Kevin Baird, Harbour Master, Ards and North Down Borough Council. 

This year, Ards and North Down Borough Council had the honour of hosting the ceremony in The Stables, Groomsport. The event, delivered by Live Here Love Here, brought together councils, beach and marina operators, volunteers and environmental partners to celebrate excellence in coastal management across the region.

Ballywalter South Beach, Cloughey Beach, Groomsport Beach and Millisle Beach have all retained their Seaside Award status, recognising them as clean, safe and well‑managed beaches - ideal for families, walkers and water lovers alike.

Eric Randall, CEO of Live Here Love Here, presenting Kevin Baird, Harbour Master at Ards and North Down Borough Council the Blue Flag Award for Bangor Marina, at the 2026  Beach and Marina Awards in Groomsport.

Meanwhile, Bangor Marina has once again earned the coveted Blue Flag Award, one of the world’s most recognised standards for water quality, safety, accessibility and environmental management in marinas.

The borough’s continued success reflects the hard work of council teams, community volunteers and partner organisations who help protect and enhance our coastline throughout the year. Initiatives such as Live Here Love Here, regular beach cleans and environmental education programmes all contribute to maintaining these high standards.

A full breakdown of this year’s award‑winning locations and what the recognition means for residents, visitors and the local tourism economy is available at Live Here Love Here.