12th June 2026
Community Highlight – Friends of Rossnowlagh
Monthly beach cleans. Real work. Visible impacts for over 10 years.
Friends of Rossnowlagh is a volunteer-led community and environmental group dedicated to protecting, enhancing, and improving Rossnowlagh Beach and the surrounding natural and social environment. Through their efforts, Rossnowlagh Beach has been awarded Blue Flag Status in 2026.
The group was founded in 2016 in response to concerns about litter and the condition of Rossnowlagh Beach, and since then they have focused their work on four main themes:
Beaches
Friends of Rossnowlagh have organized regular beach clean-ups, partnered with the national Clean Coasts programme, and led campaigns to tackle the issues of litter and vandalism. They work with local authorities and volunteers to help keep the beach clean, safe, and welcoming for residents and visitors.
Coastal and Sand Dune Protection
A significant focus of the group’s work is dune conservation. They have raised awareness of coastal erosion affecting Rossnowlagh’s dune system, sought historical photographs to document dune changes over time, and promoted education around dune protection. The group has also supported dune protection training and awareness projects aimed at helping people understand the ecological importance and vulnerability of the dunes.
Environmental Education and Awareness
Friends of Rossnowlagh promotes the protection of Rossnowlagh’s wider coastal environment. Their activities include environmental awareness campaigns, participation in coastal conservation initiatives, monitoring issues such as littering and vandalism, and encouraging responsible use of the coastline. The group advocates for preserving Rossnowlagh’s natural beauty for future generations while supporting sustainable tourism and recreation through events, workshops, competitions, and information displays.
Community
Friends of Rossnowlagh is also a community development organization. They organize heritage walks, beach events, sandcastle and sculpture competitions, local history projects, and family-friendly activities that bring residents and visitors together. They also advocate for improved local amenities and infrastructure, including public toilets, outdoor recreation facilities, and swim shelters. These efforts help strengthen local pride, celebrate Rossnowlagh’s heritage, and create a connected community.
Friends of Rossnowlagh combines environmental stewardship with community development. The group works to protect Rossnowlagh’s natural environment while fostering a strong and engaged sense of community.
If you are interested joining the group on their next beach clean, please check out their website here.
