Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Portstewart Beach
Portstewart, County Londonderry

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Outdoors, Nature & Wildlife > Beaches

Discover the Best Beaches in Northern Ireland

With a wild Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Irish Sea on another, it’s natural that Northern Ireland is home to some of the best and most spectacular beaches in Europe. The naturally stunning formations of the coastline provide long stretches of golden sand and impressive sand dunes, with a backdrop of mountains, cliffs, caves and even temples. Every beach is different, and every beach offers something different, but on all of them you’ll find that same Northern Ireland sense of inspiration and exhilaration.

Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast and is one of Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation due to its large bird colony. From its sandy shoreline, visitors are rewarded with breath-taking views of the Causeway Coast and can enjoy many of the walks the Island has to offer. With accommodation available on the Island, late April to early July is a great time to visit as it’s puffin season: so don’t miss the opportunity to see them along with lots of other sea birds.

Rathlin Island can be reached by ferry from the pretty harbour town of Ballycastle, worth a few hours in its own right as there is plenty of interest here, not least watching out for the goats that roam the flanks of Fair Head beyond the harbour mouth. From Ballycastle, a cycle trail will bring you eventually to the quaint village of Cushendun. Originally designed in 1912 as a village of only seven houses, this designated conservation area is home to charming tea rooms. It is here that you’ll find the beloved sculpture of ‘Johann’ the goat – a famous Cushendun resident.

Castlerock Beach, County Derry-Londonderry

A Blue Flag beach, Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. The beach and dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

This is one of these everything goes beaches where people from all walks of life come together to swim, surf, bodyboard, paddleboard, walk, build sandcastles, sunbathe and even pony trek on the clear sands.

Benone Beach, County Derry-Londonderry

With seven miles of sandy shoreline from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone Beach forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches and one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland. This Blue Flag beach is a firm favourite throughout the year for families, activity enthusiasts and those looking for a leisurely stroll. On a clear day visitors can take in the great views of Binevenagh Mountain whilst exploring the sand dunes.

All this wide open space and gentle sea breezes makes it ideal kite-flying country, for young and old alike. So if you’re entertaining kids or entertaining your child-like self this is the place to fly those colourful kites as high as you like.

West Strand, Portrush, County Antrim

West Strand Beach is flanked on either side by the busy harbour port of Portrush and a pedestrian and cycle promenade which follows the coastline. With shops, amusements and restaurants nearby, this Blue Flag beach resort is a family favourite throughout the holidays.

If it’s surfing you’re after, you’re certainly in the right place here. Pull on a wetsuit and learn how to surf, body board or stand up paddle board at one of Northern Ireland’s great surf schools, such as Portrush Surf School which you’ll find at Portrush Yacht Club, or the legendary Troggs Surf School. After a day of adrenaline-fuelled fun you’ll need to chill out and eat and you’re spoiled for choice here, so check out Kiwi’s Brew Bar.

Portstewart Strand, County Antrim

Maintained by the National Trust, Portstewart Strand is an area of stunning natural beauty and of scientific interest. It holds the prestigious Blue Flag award and is perfect for family fun holidays and picnics. It is also a favourite for visitors wishing to take part in activities such as surfing, swimming and horse riding. (parking available, National Trust charges apply).

Make a meal out of this full-on beach experience by heading for Harry’s Shack for a bite or two. The sand from your shoes will sprinkle beneath the table as you eat. With breath-taking sea views, this cool and laidback beach side eatery majors on locally caught fresh fish and produce from the owner’s farm.

Downhill Beach, County Derry-Londonderry

Downhill Beach is situated within the Bineveagh area of outstanding natural beauty and is set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes and the stunning Mussenden Temple. Downhill - part of an 11km stretch of sand and surf – offers a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and family-friendly facilities, making this Blue Flag beach an ideal place to explore.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the beachside experience, then this is the place for a long barefoot walk as the waves tickle your ankles and seabirds call out from the cliffs above. A dawn walk here will have the sun rising over the cupola of Mussenden Temple behind you. With the walk done, venture to Frank Owens Bar in Limavady and catch one of the iconic Doors of Thrones while you’re at it.

Tyrella Beach, County Down

The award-winning Tyrella beach and dune conservation area is a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay, Downpatrick, County Down. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes. Awarded the prestigious Seaside Award annually since 1997, it has also maintained the Blue Flag award since 2011.

Murlough Beach, County Down

Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6,000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and is an excellent area for walking and birdwatching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. With its shingle beach and four mile Blue Flag strand, there are nature trails to explore, activities for kids, and wildlife to discover.

You’ll get a different perspective on the coast and wildlife around here if you take a RIB ride with Strangford Sea Safari just up the road from Murlough. You can get up close to the seals and, if you’re lucky, porpoises and dolphins. If you’re very, very lucky you might even see the visiting pod of Orcas that chase bait fish into the lough.

Back on dry land, the pretty conservation village of Strangford is the perfect stop-off point for a relaxing lunch or stroll around the harbour. From here you can explore Strangford Lough, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and Northern Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. Hop on board the ferry and sail across the lough to Portaferry. Take a tour of Portaferry Castle’s historical grounds, or simply walk along the marina and take in the views all round.

Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim

You’ll also find Ballycastle beach backing onto Ballycastle Golf Club, five minutes from the town centre. Approximately 1.2 kilometres in length, the beach is predominantly sand with some shingle and has a promenade at the western end.

Cranfield Beach, County Down

Popular with family and water sport enthusiasts alike, Cranfield beach can be found in an idyllic location at the mouth of Carlingford Lough. With the majestic Mourne Mountains offering a dramatic backdrop, it is a picture perfect beach and was awarded Blue Flag status again in 2016.

Ballintoy Harbour Beach, County Antrim

Game of Thrones® fans will recognise Ballintoy Harbour as the filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands. Known as the ‘raised beach’, it sits near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Found at the end of a small winding road, Ballintoy Harbour Beach features secluded bays, rock pools and sandy coves that you can spend time exploring before stopping off at the nearby village of Ballintoy. This picture-perfect stop-off point is an ideal location where you can sit back and relax. You’ll find Roark’s Kitchen a little away from the harbour.

Portrush Whiterocks, County Antrim

Stunning limestone cliffs and recognisable headlands such as the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and the Lion’s Paw have made Portrush Whiterocks Beach a must-see destination for local and international visitors. With its amazing waves, this Blue Flag beach is a regular hotspot for surfers and bodyboarders riding the surf.

It really is an everything beach for everyone – sandcastle builders, wave-riders, dog walkers, sun-bathers and sand-walkers.

As you can see, there’s a beach for everyone and everything here in Northern Ireland – and this is only a handful - each offering a unique perspective on our spectacular seascapes and the adventures to be had here.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 22

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
12 reviews
Helen's Bay Beach

Helens Bay

Address

Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helens Bay, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
22 reviews
Carnlough Harbour

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2884 1285

GlenarmMarina@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of this picturesque village, located on the Causeway Coastal Route. It's a well known Game of Thrones® film location, recognisable as the Free City of Braavos Canal.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Benone Strand

Limavady

Address

53 Benone Avenue, Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, BT49 0LQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7775 0555

benone.complex@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
East Strand Beach

Portrush

Address

Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 7234

colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

East Strand Beach in Portrush is a famously golden sandy beach, with views of The Skerries and Causeway headlands. This is a popular destination for groups of families and friends, with lots of great seaside facilities to enjoy.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Groomsport Beach

Groomsport

Address

Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JP

Telephone
028 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

Groomsport has one of Northern Ireland's few fully accessible beaches for all ages and abilities, located close to Bangor in County Down.

More Info
Whitepark Bay

Dunseverick

Address

Whitepark Road, Dunseverick, County Antrim, BT54 6NS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7084 8728

northcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
Millisle Beach Park

Millisle

Address

Ballywalter Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2HS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Millisle Beach Park is an area of 150 metres of golden sand and a relatively safe bathing seawater lagoon extending out 50 metres. A jetty, slipways and paddling pool complement the lagoon area.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
120 reviews
Cranfield West Beach

Kilkeel

Address

Cranfield, Kilkeel, County Down, BT34 4LN

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

info@visitmournemountains.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
72 reviews
Downhill Beach

Castlerock

Address

Mussenden Road, Downhill, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 4723

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Downhill is a golden sandy beach stretching from Downhill Cliffs in the east towards Magilligan Point. It's overlooked by one of Northern Ireland's leading landmarks, Mussenden Temple, and benefits from classic views of the Donegal Coast and beyond.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
West Strand Beach

Portrush

Address

Portstewart Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 7234

coleraine.vic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

West Strand Beach, also known as West Bay or Millstrand is a popular resort beach in the heart of the busy seaside resort of Portrush. Bounded at its northern end by the busy habour and flanked along its eastern boundary by a well used…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
348 reviews
Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle

Address

Carrickmore Road, Ballycastle, County Antrim, BT54 6QS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 2024

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is approximately 1.2 kilometres in length.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
237 reviews
Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

Portstewart

Address

Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7083 6396

portstewart@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering sand dunes of Portrush Strand Beach. This area of natural beauty and of scientific interest is owned and managed by the National Trust.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
15 reviews
Ballywalter Beach

Ballywalter

Address

Springvale Road, Ballywalter, County Down, BT22 2PE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 6846

ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
51 reviews
Browns Bay Beach & Ferris Bay

Islandmagee

Address

Browns Bay Road, Islandmagee, County Antrim, BT40 3RX

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8232

parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Beach

Popular award winning rural beach positioned in a delightful sandy bay, at the northern tip of Islandmagee, just off the Causeway Coastal Route. Perfect for picnics, walking, swimming, windsurfing or just enjoying the great outdoors.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviews
Ballyholme Beach

Bangor

Address

Bank's Lane, Groomsport Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5EG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 0069

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
115 reviews
Castlerock Beach

Castlerock

Address

Sea Road, Castlerock Stand, Castlerock, County Londonderry, BT51 4RE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7034 7234

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. Castlerock has been awarded a Northern Ireland Seaside Award 2020.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Murlough Beach

Newcastle

Address

Dundrum Road, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0LW

Telephone
03301374046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

This 5 mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation.

Price
Free

More Info
Magilligan Point Nature Reserve

Limavady

Address

Magilligan Point, Point Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0LP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7035 9977

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Magilligan Point is the tip of one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles. The way the coastline constantly changes here is of particular interest and is one of the main reasons the site has been declared a nature reserve.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Newcastle Beach

Newcastle

Address

Newcastle Promenade, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0AA

Telephone
03301374046

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Beach

Sand & pebble beach located on the south down coast.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
Tyrella Beach

Clough

Address

Clanmaghery Road, Clough, County Down, BT30 8SU

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4046

delamont.park@nmandd.org

Price
Price £4.00 to £30.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Beach

Tyrella beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area.

Price
Price £4.00 to £30.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply) - Parking Charges apply Easter to September Weekends Only 10:00 - 18:00 Daily during July and August 10:00 - 18:00
Parking & Transport
- On site parking