
According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA)’s Bathing Water Quality Report 2024, the quality of the majority of our bathing waters is rated either “excellent” or “good”.
A total of 122 bathing waters were rated as “excellent quality”, the highest number since 2014 — when the “excellent” classification was introduced — which is an increase of eight since 2023.
Just two bathing waters were classed as “poor”, down from five in 2023. These were Lady’s Bay, Buncrana, and Sandymount Strand, Dublin.
As a result, they will have swimming restrictions for this year’s season.
The annual report on bathing water quality in Ireland during 2024 is based on data supplied by local authorities who monitor and manage bathing waters in their area.
Each year, local authorities take samples of bathing waters just before and during the bathing season.