Crowds of visitors exploring market stalls and food vendors at the Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle, County Antrim.

What's On

For such a small corner of the world, you’ll find there’s very rarely a dull moment in…

Close-up of visitors at the Master Craft Chocolate Experience in Kilkeel, County Down, holding tasting samples during an artisan chocolate tasting workshop.

Food & Drink

Tuck into the best places to eat in Northern Ireland – from cosy pubs and seaside chippies to…

Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Best Beaches in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's coastline punches well above its weight. From the sweeping Atlantic strands of the Causeway Coast to the sheltered bays of Strangford Lough and the dramatic shoreline of the Mournes, the best beaches in Northern Ireland offer something genuinely world-class - whether you're after surf, sand, wildlife, or simply a long walk with extraordinary views.

For families and visitors looking for a quality guarantee, our Blue Flag beaches - awarded annually for outstanding water quality, facilities, safety, and environmental management - are the place to start. Below you'll find Northern Ireland's current Blue Flag award winners followed by more beautiful beaches worth exploring along the coast.

Northern Ireland's Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most trusted beach quality awards, managed in Northern Ireland by Keep NI Beautiful. In 2026, nine beaches across Northern Ireland hold the prestigious Blue Flag - each one meeting strict international standards for water quality, safety, and environmental care. These are the best beaches in Northern Ireland for a guaranteed high-quality coastal experience.

County Antrim & the Causeway Coast

County Down

County Londonderry

More Beautiful Beaches Along the Northern Ireland Coast

Beyond the Blue Flag awards, Northern Ireland's coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and scenic strands well worth exploring. Here are some of the best:

Ballycastle Beach
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Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the Causeway Coastal Route on the…

Whitepark Bay
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Whitepark Bay

The spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. In…

Ballyholme Beach
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Ballyholme Beach

Ballyholme Beach is a suburb beach in the seaside town of Bangor. The beach is sandy and is…

Newcastle Beach
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Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the South Down coast. Newcastle Beach…

Helen's Bay Beach
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Helen's Bay Beach

Helen's Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These…

Ballywalter Beach
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Ballywalter Beach

Ballywalter Beach is a long, sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all. Bathers and walkers can…

Millisle Beach Park
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Millisle Beach Park

Located on the Ards Peninsula’s east coast, this is a popular location for day trips to the beach…

Carnlough Beach
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Carnlough Beach

Carnlough Beach curves gracefully along a natural horseshoe-shaped bay on the Causeway Coastal…

Groomsport Beach
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Groomsport Beach

Groomsport, best known for its picturesque harbour that was once a major fishing port and its…

Ballygally Beach
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Ballygally Beach

Ballygally Beach – A Coastal Gem on the Causeway Coastal Route Nestled just 10km north of…

Benone Strand
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Benone Strand

Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025, is a must-see when…

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised environmental awards for beaches, managed in Northern Ireland by Keep NI Beautiful on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education. To hold a Blue Flag, a beach must meet strict annual criteria across four areas: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information, and safety and services.

In practical terms, a Blue Flag beach means excellent certified bathing water, clean and well-maintained facilities, lifeguard cover during the bathing season, and a strong environmental commitment. Northern Ireland's Blue Flag awards are announced each May. This page reflects the 2026 award holders.

For the latest information, visit Keep NI Beautiful.

Several of Northern Ireland's Blue Flag beaches are also designated Inclusive Beaches - find out which beaches offer free mobility equipment loan schemes and fully accessible facilities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

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