Youghal Front Strand in Cork, Ardmore in Waterford, Duncannon in Wexford, Rush South beach in North Dublin, Clifden and Ballyloughane in Galway and Lilliput on Lough Ennell in Westmeath, all failed to make even the lowest level of cleanliness, according to an official report.
And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewage pollution was behind the contamination.
The agency also issued advice to maintain standards on beaches and bathing spots. Simple but effective measures include reminding people to bring their rubbish home, bag dog fouling rather than bury it in sand, and lift any leftover food to keep seagulls away.
Nevertheless, 103 other bathing spots in the country did make the grade and were deemed safe and clean.