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Downhill Stand

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

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About

Downhill Beach is part of an 11km/7 mile stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out. Downhill Beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025. Cars are permitted on this beach throughout the year. Please heed signage at entrance regarding accumulation of soft wind-blown sand.

Downhill beach and dunes, together with Benone and Magilligan beach and dunes, is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the quality of the sand dunes and associated flora and fauna. This special landscape offers opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland. The Temple offers breath-taking views of the North Coast and dramatic 18th century ruins waiting to be explored. It is one of the most scenic strands in Ireland with views to counties Donegal, Antrim and Derry/Londonderry.

Facilities include:
On-beach free car parking (please take note of tidal and soft sand conditions)
Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Serivice (July & August 10am - 6pm daily)
Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th September)
Horse riding (restrictions apply 1st May – 30th September, permitted before 11am and after 7pm)
Toilets at beach entrance

Downhill Beach is used in the filming of Game of Thrones® as Dragonstone, where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”

The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and rail and transport links. Other nearby destinations include the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart.

Facilities

Establishment Features

Toilets
Wifi

Parking & Transport

On site parking

Provider Preferences

Dogs accepted by arrangement

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

Map & Directions

View Map & What's Nearby

Opening Times

* All year round

What's Nearby

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

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0.51 miles away
Hezlett House

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Castlerock Beach

Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill…

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Benone Strand

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

2.12 miles away
Gortmore View Point

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Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering…

3.69 miles away
Binevenagh Nature Reserve

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St Aidan's Church and Holy Well

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Magilligan Martello Tower

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Magilligan Point Nature Reserve

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Coleraine Town Hall

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West Strand

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Margey & Bjourson Art Studio & Gallery

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Explore More

Benone Strand, LimavadyBenone Strand, multiple recipient of the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025, 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.

Portstewart Strand and Barmouth, PortstewartBetween 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.

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

West Strand, PortrushWest Strand Beach, also known as West Bay or Mill Strand is a popular resort beach in the heart of the busy seaside resort of Portrush. The beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025. Bounded at its northern end by the busy harbour and flanked along its eastern boundary by…

East Strand, PortrushEast 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.

Whiterocks, PortrushWhiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors. The beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025.

Whitepark Bay, DunseverickThe 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.

Castlerock Beach, CastlerockCastlerock 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 is a recipient of the Blue Flag Award in 2025.

Magilligan Point Nature Reserve, LimavadyMagilligan 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.