9 Best Beaches in Northern Ireland – 2025 Ultimate Travel Guide
9 Highly Rated Beaches in Northern Ireland: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
Looking for the best beaches in Northern Ireland? Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic escape, or a solo adventure, this in-depth guide covers everything you need—from vivid descriptions and travel tips to hotels, restaurants, activities, and local secrets.
Bookmark this page for your next coastal getaway!
Beaches distance from Belfast
| Beaches | Distance from Belfast |
|---|---|
| 1. Helen’s Bay Beach | 11 miles |
| 2. Tyrella Beach | 28 miles |
| 3. Murlough Beach | 33 miles |
| 4. Whiterocks Beach | 60 miles |
| 5. Castlerock Beach | 60 miles |
| 6. Portstewart Strand | 62 miles |
| 7. Benone Strand | 64 miles |
| 8. Downhill Strand | 64 miles |
| 9. Whitepark Bay | 65 miles |
1. Helen’s Bay Beach
Description:
Helen’s Bay Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach on Belfast Lough, surrounded by the woodland of Crawfordsburn Country Park. It’s ideal for swimming, picnics, and coastal walks, with excellent water quality and a peaceful setting.
Distance from Belfast: 11 miles (18–21 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: A2 east from Belfast to Bangor, follow signs to Helen’s Bay.
- By Public Transport: Direct train from Belfast Lanyon Place to Helen’s Bay (22 min), short walk to the beach.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Car park, toilets, disabled parking, wheelchair-accessible paths.
- No lifeguards.
- Dogs allowed, restrictions during bathing season.
Family-Friendliness:
- Safe, shallow water; playgrounds and woodland walks nearby.
Best Time to Visit:
- Early summer for picnics and wildflowers.
Nearby Hotels:
- The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn
- Culloden Estate & Spa
- Marine Court Hotel
- Rayanne House
- Clandeboye Lodge Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- Crawfordsburn Country Park Café
- The Old Inn Restaurant
- The Parlour Bar & Restaurant
- The Esplanade Bar & Restaurant
- The Guillemot Kitchen Café
Unique Features & Activities:
- Woodland trails, birdwatching, and picnic spots.
Nearby Attractions:
- Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bangor Marina.
2. Tyrella Beach
Description:
Tyrella Beach is a wide, flat, sandy beach stretching two kilometres, backed by 25 hectares of protected dunes in a conservation area. Awarded Blue Flag and Green Coast status, it’s a haven for water sports, scenic walks, and family picnics. The beach is car-free, with off-beach parking and a lifeguard in summer.
Distance from Belfast: 28 miles (39–50 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: A24 and A25 to Downpatrick, then follow signs to Tyrella Beach.
- By Public Transport: Bus from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Downpatrick (1 hour), then local bus or taxi to the beach.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Off-beach parking, accessible boardwalk, benches, ramp to viewing platform.
- Toilets (including accessible) and baby changing.
- Lifeguards in July and August.
- Dogs restricted 10am–6pm during bathing season.
Family-Friendliness:
- Safe, clean waters; ideal for families and groups.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer for swimming and water sports.
Nearby Hotels:
- Tyrella House
- Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa
- Avoca Hotel
- Enniskeen Country House Hotel
- Denvir’s Hotel
Nearby Restaurants:
- The Cuan, Strangford
- Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Downpatrick
- Murphy’s Bar & Restaurant, Downpatrick
- The Artisan Cookhouse, Downpatrick
- Balloo House, Killinchy
Unique Features & Activities:
- Horse riding, kite surfing, and sand dune walks.
Nearby Attractions:
- Downpatrick Cathedral, St. Patrick Centre.
3. Murlough Beach
Description:
Murlough Beach is a five-mile sandy expanse beneath the Mourne Mountains, backed by a 6,000-year-old dune system. It’s part of a National Nature Reserve, making it a hotspot for walking, wildlife spotting, and kite surfing.
Distance from Belfast: 33 miles (55 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: A24 south to Newcastle, then signs for Murlough National Nature Reserve.
- By Public Transport: Train to Ballymena, bus to Newcastle, then taxi to the beach.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- National Trust car park (fee applies), toilets, basic amenities.
- Dogs welcome but must be controlled in nature reserve areas.
Family-Friendliness:
- Great for walking, sand dunes to explore, and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and autumn for birdwatching and wildflowers.
Nearby Hotels:
- Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle
- Burrendale Hotel, Country Club & Spa
- Donard Hotel
- Enniskeen Country House Hotel
- Briers Country House
Nearby Restaurants:
- Villa Vinci, Newcastle
- Percy French, Newcastle
- Great Jones Craft & Kitchen
- Brunel’s Restaurant
- Olive Bizarre
Unique Features & Activities:
- Birdwatching, kite flying, and guided nature walks.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mourne Mountains, Tollymore Forest Park.
4. Whiterocks Beach
Description:
Whiterocks Beach is famed for its dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and arches stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. A Blue Flag beach, it’s a magnet for surfers, walkers, and families, with seasonal lifeguards and equipment hire available.
Distance from Belfast: 60 miles (1 hr 15 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: M2 north, A26 to Coleraine, then signs to Portrush/Whiterocks.
- By Public Transport: Train to Coleraine, then bus or taxi to Portrush/Whiterocks.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Free car parking, boardwalk access, disabled toilets, showers.
- Seasonal lifeguards (July & August).
- Dogs allowed (restrictions June–September).
Family-Friendliness:
- Sand, caves, and safe swimming; popular for water sports.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer for surfing and family fun.
Nearby Hotels:
- Royal Court Hotel
- Bayview Hotel Portballintrae
- Portrush Atlantic Hotel
- Inn on the Coast
- Adelphi Portrush
Nearby Restaurants:
Unique Features & Activities:
- Surfing, cliff walks, and sea cave exploration.
Nearby Attractions:
- Dunluce Castle, Giant’s Causeway.
5. Castlerock Beach
Description:
Castlerock Beach is a one-kilometre sandy stretch framed by dunes and the River Bann estuary, with Blue Flag status. It’s popular for swimming, surfing, and family days out, and the dunes are a Special Area of Conservation.
Distance from Belfast: 60 miles (1 hr 8–13 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: M2/A26 north to Coleraine, then A2 west to Castlerock.
- By Public Transport: Direct train from Belfast Lanyon Place to Castlerock (1 hr 30 min).
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Free parking, boardwalks, seasonal lifeguards (July & August), disabled toilets and parking.
Family-Friendliness:
- Safe for swimming, surfing, and sand play.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer for family activities and water sports.
Nearby Hotels:
- Castlerock Holiday Park
- Downhill Beachhouse
- The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
- Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn
- Roe Park Resort, Limavady
Nearby Restaurants:
- Crusoes Coffee Shop
- The Surf Shack
- The Angler’s Rest
- The Point Bar & Restaurant
- Bob & Berts Coleraine
Unique Features & Activities:
- Dune walks, estuary birdwatching, and surfing.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne.
6. Portstewart Strand
Description:
A two-mile sandy Blue Flag beach managed by the National Trust, Portstewart Strand is famed for its dunes, wildlife, and views of Mussenden Temple. It’s a top spot for families, surfers, and walkers, and you can drive onto the beach for a fee.
Distance from Belfast: 62 miles (1 hr 30 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: M2/A26 north to Coleraine, then signs to Portstewart.
- By Public Transport: Train to Coleraine, then bus/taxi to Portstewart.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Car access onto the beach (fee for non-members), lifeguards in summer, visitor centre, toilets.
Family-Friendliness:
- Safe, zoned swimming; sand dunes for play; waymarked wildlife trails.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer for family fun and water sports.
Nearby Hotels:
Nearby Restaurants:
Unique Features & Activities:
- Dune hiking, surfing, and birdwatching.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mussenden Temple, Portstewart Promenade.
7. Benone Strand
Description:
Benone Strand is a seven-mile Blue Flag beach with golden sand, spectacular views of Binevenagh Mountain, and easy access. It’s ideal for adventure sports, swimming, and family outings, with a tourist complex offering pools, tennis, and more.
Distance from Belfast: 64 miles (1 hr 14 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: M2/A26 north to Coleraine, then A2 west to Benone Beach.
- By Public Transport: Train to Castlerock, then bus/taxi to Benone.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Ample parking, accessible boardwalks, lifeguards in high season, Benone Holiday & Leisure Park with pools, tennis, and café.
Family-Friendliness:
- Pools, play areas, golf, and activities for all ages.
Best Time to Visit:
- Summer for swimming and outdoor activities.
Nearby Hotels:
- Benone Getaways
- Downhill Beachhouse
- Roe Park Resort, Limavady
- Ballymultimber Cottages
- The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
Nearby Restaurants:
- Angler’s Rest, Benone
- Waves Bistro
- Sea Shed Coffee & Surf
- The Point Bar & Restaurant
- Crusoes Coffee Shop
Unique Features & Activities:
- Surfing, beach volleyball, and nature trails.
Nearby Attractions:
- Binevenagh Mountain, Magilligan Point.
8. Downhill Strand
Description:
Downhill Strand is a seven-mile sandy beach beneath the iconic Mussenden Temple, forming part of an 11km stretch with Benone. It’s renowned for scenic walks, water sports, and panoramic views of Donegal, Antrim, and Derry/Londonderry. The beach is part of an Area of Special Scientific Interest, with dunes, waterfalls, and dramatic ruins.
Distance from Belfast: 64 miles (1 hr 15 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: A2 west from Coleraine to Downhill/Mussenden Temple.
- By Public Transport: Train to Castlerock, then bus/taxi to Downhill.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Car parking at both ends, lifeguards in season, cars permitted on much of the beach (except protected areas).
Family-Friendliness:
- Expansive sands, safe swimming zones, and dramatic scenery.
Best Time to Visit:
- Year-round for walks and photography.
Nearby Hotels:
- Downhill Beachhouse
- Roe Park Resort, Limavady
- Ballymultimber Cottages
- The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine
- Brown Trout Golf & Country Inn
Nearby Restaurants:
- Crusoes Coffee Shop, Castlerock
- Angler’s Rest, Benone
- Waves Bistro
- The Point Bar & Restaurant
- Bob & Berts Coleraine
Unique Features & Activities:
- Mussenden Temple, waterfall walks, and surfing.
Nearby Attractions:
- Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Temple.
9. Whitepark Bay
Description:
Whitepark Bay is a secluded arc of white sand between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Managed by the National Trust, it’s a haven for wildlife, with wildflowers in summer and dramatic headland views. It’s perfect for peaceful walks, fossil hunting, and photography.
Distance from Belfast: 65 miles (1 hr 15 min by car)
How to Get There:
- By Car: M2/A26 north to Ballymena, then B147/B146 to Whitepark Bay.
- By Public Transport: Train to Coleraine or Ballycastle, then Ulsterbus 252 to Whitepark Bay.
Facilities & Accessibility:
- Free but limited parking, short staircase/path to the beach, no lifeguards.
Family-Friendliness:
- Quiet, natural setting; ideal for exploring and wildlife watching.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late spring for wildflowers and peaceful walks.
Nearby Hotels:
- Ballygally Castle Hotel
- Whitepark Bay Youth Hostel
- The Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy
- Causeway Hotel, Bushmills
- Marine Hotel, Ballycastle
Nearby Restaurants:
- Bothy Coffee, Whitepark Bay
- The Red Door Tea Room
- The Fullerton Arms Restaurant
- The Smugglers Inn, Bushmills
- The Nook, Giant’s Causeway
Unique Features & Activities:
- Fossil hunting, wildflower walks, and coastal photography.
Nearby Attractions:
- Ballintoy Harbour, Giant’s Causeway.
FAQs About Northern Ireland Beaches
Q: Are these beaches dog-friendly?
A: Most are, but some have seasonal restrictions. Always check signage at each beach.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Some beaches offer free parking, while others (especially National Trust sites) may charge a fee.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Summer for swimming and activities; spring and autumn for peaceful walks and wildlife.
Q: Are there lifeguards?
A: Many beaches have lifeguards in summer—see each section above for details.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Sun protection, windbreak, picnic, camera, and plenty of water.
Travel Tips for a Perfect Beach Day
- Arrive Early: Parking fills up fast on sunny days.
- Check Tide Times: For safety and the best sand.
- Respect Nature: Stick to marked paths, protect dunes, and take your litter home.
- Try Local Food: Don’t miss out on local seafood and ice cream!
- Share Your Experience: Tag your beach photos with #[TopBestPlacesGuide]Beaches for a chance to be featured.
Note: Image credits: All beach images on this page are courtesy of discovernorthernireland.com