IF you fancy hitting the coast as temperatures continue to soar there's no shortage of beaches across Ireland recognised as being "world class".
Just yesterday, on the first official day of the 2016 bathing season, 10 beaches across the north were awarded the internationally recognised 'blue flag' status.
It comes just days after 85 beaches in the Republic were also recognised for their high standards of facilities and water quality.
The beaches to reach the benchmark include some of the most popular holiday resorts in Co Down - Cranfield Bay, Crawfordsburn, Murlough Beach and Tyrella as well as Castlerock, Benone, Downhill and Portstewart Strand in Co Derry.
Portrush West and Whiterocks also retained their blug flag award, while two marinas in Ballycastle and Ballyronan were also given the status.
Newcastle in Co Down is among the beaches not to gain the status.
The international Blue Flag award, which is administered locally by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, is recognised as a mark of excellence in 49 countries.
Blue Flag beaches offer the highest standard of visitor facilities including toilets, lifeguards if necessary, first aid during peak hours and disabled access onto the beach.
A further 11 beaches received the Seaside Award, which recognises beaches with safe and clean bathing water as well as appropriate facilities for the number of visitors they receive in both resort and rural settings.
Last week, 85 blue flags were awarded in recognition of high standards at beaches and marinas in the Republic.
Four beaches - Redbarn and Garretstown in Cork, Portrane in Co Dublin and Ross Beach in Co Mayo - lost the status having secured the award last year.
Speaking at an awards event in Portrush yesterday, Stormont environment minister Michelle McIlveen said she was "delighted that once again so many of Northern Ireland’s beaches have received the coveted Blue Flag and Seaside Awards".
"These awards are testament to the hard work and dedication of those who manage our beaches," she said.
"These hard-won awards let people around the world know that Northern Ireland is open for business and that our beaches are first class destinations: clean, healthy and safe to enjoy."
Ian Humphreys of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said having such high standard beaches, while improving the quality of life, also helped attract visitors.
Sophie Bachet Granados, international director of the Blue Flag programme, said: "I've had the chance to see some of the beautiful beaches here and speak to the operators and I’m very impressed by the standards."
