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If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, your community, and yourself, the Wild & Well Festival in Sligo is the place to be from the 5-7th of September! Held at the Annaghmore House in Collooney, this one-day event is a celebration of holistic wellness, featuring an eclectic mix of yoga, breathwork, dance, creative workshops, and more. What’s On? Expect a great lineup of activities and performances, from sound baths and drumming circles to live music by acts like Domhan and Kila 4. The festival also offers men’s and women’s circles, wellness talks, and a variety of creative workshops. Market stalls and food vendors will be on hand to keep you nourished throughout the day. Here’s the full lineup: Live Music (All Day!) Yoga (Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Dance, Kundalini) Breathwork Drumming Creative Workshops Men’s Circles Women’s Circles Cacao, Hawthorn, & Nettle Sound Bath Kirtan Tribal Twerk Speakers & more! Additional Information & Tickets The festival will take place at Annaghmore house from the 5-7th of September. Gates Open at 8:30am, arrive with breakfast & music from 9am, opening session at 10am, closing performance ends at 8pm. Tickets start from €70 for adults, with various pricing options available depending on the experiences you’d like to include. Don’t miss out on this chance to deepen your connection with nature, others, and yourself in the stunning Wild West of Ireland. Click here for more details and to grab your tickets.

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 25th and Sunday the 27th of July across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Galway International Arts Festival to Forest Fest in Laois and much, much more. Galway International Arts Festival - 14.07-27.07 The 48th Galway International Arts Festival in 2025 will take place from the 14-27th of July and will feature a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events from artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course Ireland and Galway! Read more here. Earagail Arts Festival - 12.07-26.07 15 days of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus & carnival on Ireland’s North West Atlantic seaboard in 2025. Read more here. The Dublin Block Party - 26.07 Dublin Block Party - 26.07 The Dublin Block Party returns for its third year this July, continuing its mission to celebrate community, creativity and connection in the heart of Dublin 2.  Founded by artist Maser, and presented by Atelier Now, this one day event will transform Charlemont Square into a hub of live art, music, workshops and family friendly activities on Saturday, July 26th. Read more here. Forest Fest - 25.07-27.07 Forest Fest, a boutique independent music and arts festival, returns to the village of Emo in Co Laois this weekend for its third year! The event was established in 2022 by solicitor and indie-rock fan, Philip Meagher, when he envisaged a festival primarily targeted towards a more mature audience. The three-day festival has several music stages, a funfair with rides for all ages, circus shows, workshops, various art installations and a host of street entertainers. Read more here.

The act of running a bath can feel quietly radical. The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick has leaned into that idea with its Botanical Baths - private, lakeside tubs infused with essential-oil mineral soaks chosen for mood, muscle recovery, or better sleep. Framed by the property’s show-stopping open‑air spa, complete with Roman‑style heated pool beneath a glittering disco ball, cedar hot tubs, and the island of Ireland’s only heated pebble beach, the botanical experience serves as both intimate retreat and playful wellness experiment. What Exactly Is the Botanical Bath? You book a 60‑minute private tub  positioned at the lake. Before you lower yourself into the warm water, a spa host will guide a quick consultation: What brings you here? Muscle repair after a hill walk, stress release, an evening wind‑down before sleep? Based on that, you select a shot  of handcrafted mineral‑rich organic essential‑oil salts, each blend formulated for a slightly different therapeutic emphasis: Feel Good  – Bergamot, sweet orange, rosemary: uplifting citrus and gently stimulating herbals for mood lift and light mental clarity. Sleep Time  – Chamomile, lavender: the classic pre‑bedtime duo to settle nervous system arousal and float you toward drowsiness. Repair & Restore  – White willow, eucalyptus, arnica: a recovery‑leaning blend that speaks to sore muscles, post‑exercise fatigue, and general bodily reboot. Your chosen soak is poured in, the water turns aromatic, and the clock stretches. Drinks Without Leaving the Tub Each Botanical Bathing station is enabled for QR code ordering  from the nearby Beach Bar. Scan, tap, sip. Mocktails, bubbles, or a soft drink, delivered tubside so you don’t break the spell. If you’ve booked as part of a Botanical Bliss  day spa package, you’ll also enjoy a one‑course spa lunch  served in the Palm House during your access window. The Wider Spa Ecosystem Although the Botanical Bath is the star of this article, its impact is amplified by everything that surrounds it. Plan time to circulate through the spa’s other zones either before or after your soak: Roman Bath (heated outdoor pool)  beneath a 2‑metre disco ball. Cedar Hot Tubs  hugging the lakeside edge, great for small‑group chats. Heated Pebble Beach, reportedly the only one of its kind on the island of Ireland, where warmed underfoot textures simulate a Mediterranean shoreline. Aroma Steam Room, Swedish Sauna & Salt Chamber, classic thermal hydrotherapy sequence for circulation, detox support (indirectly via sweating), and respiratory aid. Relaxation Cabanas, Heated Loungers & Chill‑Out Spaces, cool‑down and integration zones; ideal after your botanical soak to let the body recalibrate. Beach Bar + Palm House Spa Dining, hydration, electrolytes, and nourishing food matter after extended heat exposure. Why a Botanical Soak Feels So Good While a lakeside tub is obviously pleasurable, several evidence‑aligned wellness mechanisms are at play: 1. Hydrothermal Regulation Warm immersion dilates peripheral blood vessels, improves circulation, and can ease muscular tension. Post‑bath cooling (stepping into fresh air or moving to a cooler zone) encourages gentle vascular exercise. 2. Aromatherapeutic Signalling Volatile compounds from essential oils engage the olfactory system, one of the brain’s fastest emotional pathways. Lavender and chamomile are widely associated with reduced perceived anxiety; citrus oils like bergamot may elevate mood; eucalyptus has a clearing, invigorating presence. 3. Mineral Contact + Skin Barrier Support While transdermal absorption varies, mineral‑salt baths can soften skin, support mild exfoliation, and create an osmotic gradient that feels detoxifying. Arnica and willow bark are traditionally linked to musculoskeletal comfort; even if systemic uptake is minimal, the ritual focus enhances body awareness. 4. Nature Exposure & Biophilic Calm Multiple studies link even short green/blue space exposure (trees, water) with decreased stress markers. The Rabbit’s lakeside placement lets you pair warm hydrotherapy with visual access to horizon and water movement. 5. Social + Relational Wellbeing Because the baths can be booked for pairs or small groups (check package specifics), the experience doubles as relational self‑care. How to Book & Time Your Botanical Bath You can fold a botanical soak into several visit types. Below is a planning guide; always confirm current details when booking. 1. Add‑On for Day Spa Guests If you’re already booked on a day spa experience, you can bolt on a 60‑minute private lakeside Botanical Bath  for an additional fee (recently advertised at £80). Ideal if you want the core spa circuit plus an elevated personal segment. 2. Botanical Bliss  Day Spa Package (Morning Access) Designed for duos or friends who want a fuller immersion without staying overnight. Typical inclusions: Spa access from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 60‑minute private Botanical Bathing experience . One‑course Spa Lunch with a soft drink  in the Palm House. From £79 per person  on recent rate examples; seasonal pricing may vary. 3. Seasonal Stay Packages Featuring Botanical Bathing The property periodically releases overnight bundles (e.g., summer offers such as Hop to It , Midweek Moments , or The Full Works ) that either include or allow you to upgrade to a Botanical Bath session. These packages often layer in spa access from midday on arrival through the following morning, dining credits, and sometimes treatments. Booking Tip:  These tubs are limited; secure your slot when reserving accommodation or spa access - don’t wait until check‑in. If You Decide to Stay Overnight Staying on‑site turns a wellness day into a full reset. Guestrooms range from crash‑pads (perfect if spa time is your priority) to bolder luxe quarters, some with copper bathtubs on private terraces  warmed by chimineas, playful décor touches (Brer Rabbit wallpaper, neon), and upscale in‑room amenities (Dyson dryers, retro kettles, mini Marshall speakers). Overnight packages routinely include the Duo Clay Ritual , a hands‑off mud treatment in a private room overlooking the lake, so factor that into your scheduling if you’re layering heat experiences. To book, visit rabbithotel.com .

Art in the Wild  at Windrush Farm isn’t your average art class. It’s a quietly radical return to making things by hand, from scratch, with what the land offers. Led by an artist and an ecologist, it invites you to spend a morning gathering, grinding, sketching, and printing - no experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to see the woods a little differently. What’s the Buzz About? Run by artist Lucy and ecologist Sophie, this 4 hour workshop (10 am–2 pm) focuses on leaving your stresses at home and getting creative in nature - which is guaranteed to be good for your soul (and they even have marshmallows around the campfire!). Forest Forage & Explore An immersive nature walk, guided by ecologist Sophie & artist Lucy, where you’ll forage and gather natural materials to make your own art from the wild, and learn a little about the ecology and folklore of our flora and fauna in our beautiful nature reserve. DIY Wild Art Supplies You will be taught how to make your own Hapa-Zome (Japanese leaf dyeing) eco-printed carrier bag, turn our home-grown willow into charcoal to make beautiful leaf prints, craft your own eco-friendly sketchbook, and create brushes, pencils, quills and pigments from foraged natural materials. Crafting Your Keepsakes All materials are included and you will take away an eco-printed organic cotton shopper bag, charcoal leaf prints (that you’ll want to hang on your wall!), sketchbook and natural art materials.  Light refreshments (coffee/tea & cake!) as well as roasted marshmallows on the campfire will be provided! All of these workshops are suitable for absolute beginners, and no previous experience is necessary. Workshops are best suited to adults and older teenagers (16+, accompanied by an adult), however family friendly options are available for private bookings upon request. The maximum group size is 10 people. When & Where? Workshops run from 10am – 2pm, and are held in a craft studio on the family farm in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. For dates and availability, please click here. Additional Details As the workshops are held on a working farm and include an outdoor element, participants will need to bring suitable clothing (e.g. wellies/boots, rain jacket, warm layers on colder days). The workshops do consist of some outdoor elements in natural areas on uneven ground. The nature trail includes some slopes, and travels over small logs etc. and the nature trail and farm paths are not currently wheelchair accessible. However, workshops may be adapted to suit participants with additional physical needs and we ask you to please get in touch prior to booking to discuss your needs. What It Costs €120 per person, which includes all materials and refreshments. Ready to let your wild side create? Head to the Windrush Farm website  to book your spot and embrace your inner woodland artist.

What better way to spend the summer than by attending a wellness retreat? Here’s our pick of the top 5 wellness retreats in Ireland! 1. The Cliffs of Moher Retreat – Liscannor, Co. Clare   Located on the Wild Atlantic Way with uninterrupted views of the ocean, this escape offers a mix of yoga, meditation, and nourishing food. Their “Renewal Retreat” is designed to help you reset with daily yoga classes, guided meditation, sea swims, and nourishing meals using locally sourced produce. The warmth of the retreat’s underfloor heating and their sea-view sauna is the cherry on top. Why it’s perfect: Ideal for those looking to embrace mindfulness, get moving, and soak in Clare’s dramatic coastal beauty.   Visit Cliffs of Moher Retreat for more information. 2. Creacon Wellness Retreat – New Ross, Co. Wexford   Tucked away in the Wexford countryside, Creacon Wellness Retreat is perfect for those looking for balance of body, mind, and spirit. Their “Mindful Reset” packages offer everything from mindfulness meditation and energy healing to restorative yoga sessions. A key focus here is their nutritious menu, carefully curated to support physical and emotional wellbeing. Creacon is also home to unique workshops in journaling, vision boarding, and stress reduction techniques—perfect for locals looking to plan a mindful and productive year. Why it’s perfect: A holistic mix of mental clarity, creative exercises, and delicious food.   Visit Creacon Wellness Retreat for more information.   3. BrookLodge & Macreddin Village – Aughrim, Co. Wicklow   For a slice of luxury that feels worlds away yet remains so close to home, BrookLodge & Macreddin Village in Wicklow is an idyllic escape. Their “Wellness Escape” combines indulgence with restoration. With access to the indoor-to-outdoor Vitality Pool, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, this retreat makes it easy to switch off and focus on yourself. Pair your spa treatments with a delicious, organic meal at the onsite Strawberry Tree Restaurant, Ireland’s first certified organic dining spot. Why it’s perfect: Luxury meets wellness in the heart of the Garden of Ireland—ideal for a short, restorative break.   Visit BrookLodge & Macreddin Village for more information.   4. Dzogchen Beara – Allihies, Co. Cork   For those really craving deep peace and a focus on mental wellbeing, try out Dzogchen Beara, a Tibetan Buddhist meditation centre overlooking the wild Atlantic. Located in the Beara Peninsula in Cork, the centre runs regular “Rest & Reflect” weekends and mindfulness meditation workshops, offering the perfect chance to switch off, de-stress, and enjoy solitude in spectacular surroundings. Participants can stay in the eco-friendly accommodations or simply take part in the day workshops. Why it’s perfect: A peaceful, reflective space with a focus on mindfulness and stunning Atlantic views.   Visit Dzogchen Beara for more information.  5. The Monart Destination Spa – Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford   If ultimate relaxation is what you need, Monart Destination Spa in Wexford is the perfect escape. Known as one of Ireland’s leading wellness destinations, Monart is strictly adults-only, offering a luxurious space to unwind. Their Wellness & Spa Packages include access to the world-class thermal suite, relaxation rooms, and rejuvenating spa treatments like aromatherapy massages and hydrotherapy baths. Set amidst 100 acres of woodlands, the natural surroundings are ideal for peaceful strolls or quiet reflection. Why it’s perfect: Award-winning luxury combined with tranquil natural beauty—ideal for a complete mind and body reset.   Visit Monart Spa for more information.   These top-notch Irish wellness retreats offer the perfect chance to hit the reset button and rediscover mindfulness!

Every month, Olivia of The Light Practice  hosts Soul Sessions - a kind of group therapy-yoga class with heart-to-hearts over a cacao ceremony - and it might just be your new favourite way to hit the reset button. Ceremonial Cacao These gatherings are rooted in the ancient ritual of drinking ceremonial cacao, which is nothing like your average hot chocolate - Ceremonial cacao is made with integrity in Guatemala. It has been ethically produced by indigenous people who have used it for ceremonial & medicinal purposes for centuries and honour its sacredness. It is said that there is an energy, a spirit, sometimes referred to as Mama Cacao, that works through this plant and helps to activate a feminine energy within you. This energy helps you get out of your head and into your heart, where you can experience deeper relaxation, love, compassion, creativity and connection with yourself. Alongside this, cacao is packed with magnesium, iron, calcium, anti-oxidants and other things that make it one of the world’s most nourishing superfoods: Anandamide - Known as the "bliss molecule", the word "Ananda" is sanskrit and means happiness and really helps to boost our mood and feelings of love, joy and acceptance. Theobromine - Promotes the release of dopamine with cognitive enhancement properties it improves our focus and concentration, helping us get much deeper into our meditation and helps with connecting to our inner selves. This is cacao in its purest form, rich in flavour and purpose, known for opening the heart and soothing the mind. And Olivia doesn’t just pour and dash - she invites others to join her on a mat, journal and perform breathwork. The Session Once everyone has arrived and cacao is served, Olivia gently guides the group through breathwork and meditation. And yes, you can absolutely come alone. In fact, many do. There’s no pressure to share, no need to have any spiritual background. You can sip, sit, and just listen if that’s what you need that day. Olivia’s background as a holistic counsellor means she knows how to hold space. The location for these sessions changes regularly - sometimes Phoenix Park, sometimes St Anne’s Park in Raheny, occasionally Blackrock Beach. People describe leaving the circle feeling lighter, clearer, and energised. Maybe it’s the theobromine, or just the magic of slowing down with intention and a warm drink in hand. How to Book So how do you join in? Soul Sessions typically cost €25–€33 depending on the location. They run monthly, usually on calm evenings from 7 to 9pm, and you can book your spot directly through The Light Practice website .

Mindful strolling, a splash of fresh air, and some surprisingly insightful wellness chat, all led by someone who actually knows what she’s talking about. Sound good? Here's everything you need to know about holistic guided walks. What Exactly Is  a Holistic Guided Walk? Led by Ilona Madden, Certified Nutritional Therapist, Health & Lifestyle Coach, and Approved Tourist Guide of Ireland, each walk is a thoughtfully crafted experience that mixes gentle movement with practical wellness wisdom. Here’s what’s on the path: Scenic walks  in and around Dublin or Wicklow Mindful movement and breathing tips  to help you slow down and reconnect On-the-go wellness coaching, from food to sleep to stress, Ilona drops real-life advice as you walk Local foodie stops, coffee, snacks, and artisan producers to round things off nicely Who’s It For? Honestly? Anyone with a body and a brain. Especially if you: Want to dip your toes into wellness without diving into the deep end Prefer your “self-care” with a side of scones Are looking for a relaxed way to get moving, connect with others, and learn something useful Simply love a good walk with good company No Lycra or fitness levels required. Just comfy shoes and an open mind. Where & When? The walks are scheduled regularly in beautiful spots around Wicklow and Dublin , including parks, forests, and gentle countryside trails. Each session lasts about 90 to 120 minutes , depending on the route and weather. Check the latest dates via wellnesstourguide.ie . How Much? Each walk is priced between €15 and €25 , depending on the location and any bonus activities included (like food tastings or guest speakers). If the idea of wellness feels intimidating, this is the gentle intro you’ve been waiting for. You come for the walk, but leave with a calmer mind, a happier body, and probably a few new friends.

Dublin City Council invites you to come along and join in the fun at the annual St. Anne’s Park Rose Festival which takes place in St. Anne’s Park from 10.00am – 6.00pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025. This free festival is jam-packed with activities for the whole family. There will be plenty of stalls with plants and flowers for sale, arts and crafts.   Set in the 270-acre historic St. Anne’s Park, the festival offers an enjoyable, entertaining and fun day out for all the family. The Rose Garden is now in its fifty year and the festival is held at the peak of flowering season for roses, it is a fantastic opportunity to see these beautiful flowers at their best.  Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge will be in attendance sharing information with the public about @baclegaeilge and the Irish speaking and learning opportunities in the city. Expect great fun and friendly conversation – everyone is welcome, no matter what level of Irish you have!  There will be musical acts including Fused, Back Stage Bandits and the Dublin Ukelele Collective who will play throughout the weekend. The Peak Discovery climbing wall is back along with Axe Throwing with the Axe Club and of course the Biodiversity village. There is children’s entertainment with Silly Billies soft play area, performances by Reuben the Entertainer and the Dublin City Council Library Bus will be on site too.   This year we are offering free Yoga and Tai Chi for all those in attendance. Food vendors with food from far and wide will be on site with Kinara and Bob’s Pizza and many more.   Dublin Cycling Campaign will be supervising a managed bicycle parking area at the festival, accessible via Mount Prospect Avenue. Cycling is encouraged and they have bike goodies to give away to lucky customers! Guests are encouraged to travel on foot or via public transport where possible. Several Dublin Bus routes serve the Raheny area. Avoid congestion and enjoy a greener journey. Please note that car parking is now cashless, all parking must be paid digitally — please come prepared with a card or contactless payment method.   Join us for a weekend of flowers, family fun, music, crafts, and community spirit set in the beautiful St Anne’s Park Rose Garden. We can't wait to see you there for a fantastic weekend of celebration and community!

If your soul’s been crying out for a bit of TLC (and your usual yoga class isn’t quite cutting it), there’s a secret tucked away in the woods of Kilternan that might just blow your chakras wide open - in the best way. Enter: Shamanic Healing at The Healing Forest . No, you won’t be drinking anything weird or chanting into the void. It's more like “spiritual NCT” than “lost in the jungle.” It’s holistic healing for the modern soul, rooted in ancient tradition, but designed for today’s stress, grief, confusion, and general 21st-century madness. So… What Is  Shamanic Healing, Anyway? We asked ourselves the same question. And the answer? Surprisingly lovely. At The Healing Forest, shamanic practitioner and life coach Luke gently guides you through a 90-minute one-on-one healing journey - no prior spiritual experience necessary. It 's a deeply calming therapy session, forest walk, and energy tune-up all in one. It’s designed to clear emotional blocks, help you feel more connected to yourself, and maybe even offer a little insight into life’s bigger picture. Your Shamanic Session A Calming Forest Walk – You’ll start by walking through woods in Kilternan, grounding your energy and leaving everyday worries behind. An Honest Chat  – Luke will ask a few gentle questions to get a feel for what’s going on in your life. Think of it as catching up with a very intuitive friend. Custom Healing Work  – Depending on your needs, Luke draws from a mix of: Shamanic journeying Soul retrieval (don’t worry, he explains everything) Sound healing with drums and rattles Reiki Hypnotherapy Crystals (yes, they sparkle) And even some CBT-style reframing for the logical brains among us Every session is completely tailored to you. No two journeys are alike. Wait, Soul Retrieval?! Don’t panic - it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. In shamanic terms, when we experience emotional trauma (a breakup, grief, burnout), little pieces of our inner spark can go missing. Luke works to “retrieve” these and gently reintegrate them. Most people say they feel lighter, clearer, and deeply restored  afterwards. When & Where These sessions take place at The Healing Forest, Kilternan, Co. Dublin. They last around 90 minutes and are priced at €110 per session. To book, visit https://www.thehealingforest.ie/shamanic . Who Should Try It? You don’t have to be a full moon ritual enthusiast to benefit. This is perfect if you: Are feeling burnt out, stuck, or overwhelmed Are grieving, anxious, or in emotional pain Want to reconnect with your intuition or creativity Are just plain curious about alternative healing (we get it) It’s not for you if you’re expecting quick fixes or wild theatrics. This is gentle, grounded work with real emotional depth. If you’re open-minded, even just a little curious, Shamanic Healing at The Healing Forest  is an experience unlike any other in Ireland. You won’t come out wearing feathers (unless you want to), but you will  leave feeling more connected, clear-headed, and maybe even a little bit magic.

It's time for our weekend roundup! Here's what's on this weekend, between Friday the 18th and Sunday the 20th of July across Ireland. We've got a great lineup of things to do, from the Galway International Arts Festival to the Beach BBQ Festival in Bray and much, much more. Beach BBQ Fest Bray Seafront - 19.07-20.07 Bray’s sizzling Beach BBQ Festival is back this July, set to ignite the summer party vibe once more! This family-friendly event unfolds along the stunning seafront. Enjoy an incredible selection of activities, featuring a funfair, demos, games, DJ performances, and delicious BBQ and food trucks during the weekend of July 19th and 20th. Immerse yourself in the lively outdoor atmosphere from 11 am to 7 pm daily. Read more here. Galway International Arts Festival - 14.07-27.07 The 48th Galway International Arts Festival in 2025 will take place from the 14-27th of July and will feature a wealth of theatre, music, comedy, visual art, dance, and literary events from artists from Africa, America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and of course Ireland and Galway! Read more here. Earagail Arts Festival - 12.07-26.07 15 days of music, theatre, visual arts, film, literature, circus & carnival on Ireland’s North West Atlantic seaboard in 2025. Read more here. West Cork Literary Festival - 11.07-18.07 A world-class, inclusive 8-day literary festival in West Cork, featuring renowned and emerging international and Irish writers, masterclasses and events for all ages. Read more here. Rose Festival St. Anne's Park - 19.07-20.07 Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services are celebrating 50 years of the Rose Garden with the return of the Rose Festival to St. Anne’s Park from 10.00am – 6.00pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025. This free festival will have activities for the whole family, including stalls with plants and flowers for sale and arts & crafts for kids. For all the staff who participated in Irish lessons, BAC Le Gaeilge will be there so you can speak a cúpla focal. There will be musical acts including Fused, Back Stage Bandits and the Dublin Ukelele Collective who will play over the weekend. Read more here. Colombian Day at the National Stadium - 19.07 Join the Colombian community and friends to celebrate the Colombian Independence Day and experience Colombian music, dance, culture, food, festivities and fun! This will be the 3rd annual edition of the festival and this year we have a much bigger and more suitable venue with a fantastic stage, sound system, lights and very big dancefloor. Read more here.

Ireland’s coast has just earned its brightest haul of eco-credentials since the Blue Flag programme began here in 1988. At a ceremony in Curracloe on 16 May, An Taisce unfurled 89 Blue Flags for bathing beaches and 10 for marinas - four more beaches than last year and the highest total on record. The awards certify excellent  water quality, strong safety cover, robust environmental management and plentiful visitor information for the 2025 season, which runs 1 June – 15 September for beaches (marinas keep the flag flying until 31 May 2026). The headline numbers 99 flags in all : 89 beaches + 10 marinas. 70 Green Coast Awards  (for wilder, less-serviced strands), matching last year’s record. 10 “dual” beaches  clinched both flags, including Balcarrick (Donabate), Salthill and Fountainstown. Keel, Achill Island  keeps its unbroken streak with 37 consecutive Blue Flags since 1989. Where the blue shines brightest County 2025 Blue Flags Quick-glance highlights Kerry 15 Banna’s surf breaks, Inch’s seven-kilometre crescent, Rossbeigh’s dunes Donegal 14 Bundoran’s waves, Carrickfinn’s machair meadows Cork 11 (+14 Green Coasts) Twin Inchydoneys, yacht-watching at Kinsale Mayo 11 Keem’s turquoise bowl, Mulranny’s causeway Clare & Galway 9 and 10 respectively Lahinch’s lively prom; brand-new flag at Céibh an Spidéal , first since 2012 Kerry and Donegal now share the crown for most Blue Flag sites  when marinas are included (each counts 14 beaches plus one marina). Newcomers, comebacks … and one goodbye Céibh an Spidéal, Co Galway  raises a Blue Flag for the first time in 13 years, thanks to sustained water-quality gains. Greencastle Marina, Co Donegal  re-joins the list after renovations, while Cappagh Pier (Clare), Ballymoney North (Wexford) and two Waterford favourites: Counsellors’ Strand and Tramore, win back their flags with “excellent” quality ratings. Golden Strand, Achill Island  loses its flag for 2025 due to an accessibility issue, though it secures Green Coast status instead. The Blue-Flag marinas for 2025 Rathmullan and Greencastle (Donegal), Fenit (Kerry), Kilrush & Portmagee (Clare/Kerry), Kinsale Yacht Club , Royal Cork Yacht Club, Quigley’s Marina on Lough Ree, plus Kilmore Quay and New Ross in Wexford round out the ten award-winning berths—ideal launchpads for coastal cruising or dolphin-watching. Why travellers should care The Blue Flag isn’t just a banner for bragging rights; it gives visitors hard evidence that: Water quality is tested at least fortnightly  and must meet the EU’s highest “excellent” classification. Lifeguards or lifesaving equipment  and clear safety signage are mandatory in season. Accessible toilets, waste management and environmental-education displays  are audited throughout summer. The flag signals both a safe swim and a shore worth stewarding! Five blue-flag day-trips for every kind of beachgoer Family & facilities:   Rosses Point, Co Sligo  – paddling shallows, an ice-cream van that never seems to leave, and Yeats Country sunsets. Wild-swimmer heaven:   Ballycuggeran, Lough Derg, Co Clare  – freshwater dips fringed by oak woods, with a floating platform for mid-stroke somersaults. Surf town vibes:   Lahinch, Co Clare  – cafés piled with chowder ten steps from the slipway. Island escape:   Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór  – cycle from the ferry to the pier-side bathing cove in under ten minutes. Low-key luxe:   Garretstown, Co Cork  – morning yoga on the sand, then lobster rolls in nearby Kinsale. Before you go Check daily water-quality notices - temporary withdrawals can follow heavy rain. Respect dog-ban hours  (usually 11 a.m.–7 p.m.) on the busiest Blue Flag strands. Lend a hand at one of the many Clean Coasts  beach-clean events; several dual-award beaches post volunteer timetables on site. With a record-breaking 89 ribbons fluttering this summer, Ireland’s “blue beaches” map reads like an invitation - north to south, east to west, there’s a certified swim spot within easy reach of every holiday base.

JoJo Siwa has announced a headline show at The Academy, Dublin on September 29 - the opening night of her upcoming Infinity Heart tour across Europe. Siwa first rose to fame as a bow-wearing preteen on the US reality show Dance Moms and later built a multimillion-dollar brand aimed at children, with music, merchandise, TV shows and her hair accessory brand 'JoJo Bows'. In recent years, she has shifted toward an image catered towards older audiences. Her 2024 single 'Karma' has racked up over 70 million streams, followed by the release of the Guilty Pleasure EP, recent single 'Iced Coffee' and a cover of the 80s classic 'Bette Davis Eyes'. The 22-year-old has remained a constant presence in reality TV, appearing on US shows Dancing With the Stars , The Masked Singer  and Special Forces. Tickets The Infinity Heart tour will visit 18 cities including London, Manchester, Paris, and Cologne, wrapping up in Warsaw on October 15. Tickets for the Dublin date are priced from €42.70 and go on general sale Monday, July 21 at 10 am via Ticketmaster with an MCD presale on Friday, July 18 at 12 pm.