Eighty-one beaches and five marinas have been awarded the International Blue Flag for 2015 by An Taisce.
Overall that is six more than 2014.
The Blue Flag awards are an international recognition of excellence in water quality, safety features, visitor facilities, management, information and environmental education.
Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly said the awards are something to be cherished and a testament to the sterling efforts of local authorities, An Taisce and local communities.
There are two first time recipients this year, Ballinesker Beach in Co Wexford and the Marina at Kinsale Yacht Club in Co Cork.
In addition, seven beaches which had previously lost their Blue Flag status managed to regain it this year.
They included Redbarn and Garretstown in Cork, Rossbeigh in Kerry, Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point in Clare, as well as Mulranny and Bertra in Mayo.
Against that, three beaches, Brittas Bay North in Co Wicklow, Enniscrone in Co Sligo, and Skerries South Beach in Fingal, lost their status this year.
They all failed in relation to water quality.
In addition to the Blue Flag awards for officially identified bathing areas An Taisce also awarded 58 National Green Coast awards for non-identified bathing waters which do not have the full range of facilities required for Blue Flag status but are still considered to be excellent places to visit.
