Five popular bathing locations across Mid and East Antrim have received “Excellent” water quality results for the week ending 16 August 2026.
Ballygally, Browns Bay, Carnlough, Drains Bay and Portmuck were all given the top result in the latest bathing water quality update.
Residents and visitors can also check the DAERA Bathing Water Quality Dashboard for official bathing water information across Northern Ireland.
Five Mid and East Antrim bathing waters receive excellent results
Mid and East Antrim bathing water quality has received a positive update, with five monitored coastal locations recording an “Excellent” result.
The latest figures cover the week ending Sunday 16 August 2026, with all five locations included in the update achieving the highest result.
The locations were:
- Ballygally – Excellent
- Browns Bay – Excellent
- Carnlough – Excellent
- Drains Bay – Excellent
- Portmuck – Excellent
The results will be welcome news for residents and visitors planning a trip to the Mid and East Antrim coast.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council provides further information about the area’s beaches on its Coastline and Beaches page.
Popular coastal locations included in latest results
The five locations stretch along the Mid and East Antrim coastline and include several popular beaches and swimming spots.
Ballygally, near Larne, is a well-known coastal destination, while Browns Bay and Portmuck are located on Islandmagee.
Carnlough and Drains Bay also received Excellent results in the latest update.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council lists Carnlough, Ballygally, Drains Bay, Portmuck and Brown’s Bay among the area’s sandy beaches.
For more information about the local coastline, visit:
What do bathing water quality results mean?
Northern Ireland’s identified bathing waters are monitored during the bathing season.
DAERA states that water monitoring normally takes place between mid-May and mid-September, with bathing season information made available between 1 June and 15 September.
Bathing waters can be classified as:
- Excellent
- Good
- Sufficient
- Poor
Further information about how water quality is assessed is available from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Check the latest bathing water results
Anyone considering swimming can check the latest official information using DAERA’s online service.
Check the DAERA Bathing Water Quality Dashboard
The dashboard provides water quality results for Northern Ireland’s identified bathing waters. However, DAERA advises that the results are not real-time.
Therefore, swimmers should also consider current weather, sea conditions and any warning signs displayed at the beach.
Check the latest bathing water information
Before heading for a swim, check the latest official water quality information and local beach guidance.
Positive news for the Mid and East Antrim coast
The latest Mid and East Antrim bathing water quality results provide a positive snapshot for some of the area’s best-known coastal locations.
With Ballygally, Browns Bay, Carnlough, Drains Bay and Portmuck all receiving Excellent results for the week ending 16 August, those considering a coastal visit can check the latest official information before travelling.
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