NI's Best Beaches

We're throwing all our hopes into the unseasonably good weather actually sticking around for a while yet. If you're like us you've spent plenty of time in your garden and probably even visited the beach nearest to you. However, with beaches across NI qualifying for a Blue Flag quality award this year, there are many wonders out there waiting for you.

Castlerock Beach

The sandy beach at Castlerock is backed by an extensive system of sand dunes which form part of the Binevenagh AONB. Here you have the best of both worlds; a lovely wide beach with plenty of wild charm but with all the convenience of having the holiday village of Castlerock nearby.
From the basalt cliffs and the promenade at the western end of the beach the River Bann is just over half a mile away. The further west you head the more open and quiet the beach becomes.
To the east of the beach, set amongst the dunes, is the championship course of Castlerock Golf Club, while the adjacent area is home to a National Trust bird sanctuary.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – Yes Dog friendly beach? – Restrictions apply to certain sections of the beach from 01 May to 30 Sept. Signs at the beach entrance have further information. Activities – Good fishing, Rock pooling Facilities – Toilets, Town centre nearby, Shop, Promenade

Cranfield Bay

The long south-facing sand and shingles beach is set in the idyllic mouth of Carlingford Lough, with the majestic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains.
The beach is covered at high tide.
Type of beach – Sand & shingle Lifeguard service – No Dog friendly beach? – Dogs restricted. Activities – Kayaking/canoeing, Jet-skiing, Wind surfing Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities, First aid point, Shop, Slipway

Crawfordsburn Beach

One of two beaches to be found in Crawfordsburn Country Park, it is said to be "by far the best" within the Belfast area. This of course means that the beach is extremely popular and its excellent water quality means it is ideal for swimming.
The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – No Dog friendly beach? – Restricted Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Disabled facilities, Shop

Downhill Strand

The seven mile long Downhill Strand beach, also known as Magilligan Point, is found in the town of Castlerock, County L'Derry.
Recently used as a filming location for Dragonstone in Games of Thrones, the beach has "some of the most scenic coastline in Northern Ireland", with sand dunes and a waterfall.
The beach also boasts the historic Mussenden Temple, which sits on the edge of cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Downhill is both an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Type of beach - Sandy Lifeguard service - Yes Dog friendly beach? - Yes Activities - Donkey rides, Good fishing, Swimming/bathing, Surfing Wind surfing, Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, First aid point, Shop

Magilligan Strand – Benone Beach

A seven-mile stretch of sandy beach running from Downhill to Magilligan Point at the mouth of Lough Foyle.
The beach, which is backed by one of the largest dune systems in the UK, is popular all year round with a number of outdoor activities and events, including surfing and other water sports.
The beach forms part of a local Nature Reserve, with a cafe, a caravan park and a supervised paddling pool. Boardwalks offer access through the dunes.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – Yes Dog friendly beach? – Dog free zone within Blue Flag award area 01 May to 30 September inclusive. Activities – Good fishing, Jet-skiing, Kite surfing, Sailing, Swimming/bathing, Surfing Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities, Children’s play area

West Strand Beach

Also known as West Bay or Millstrand, West Strand is a popular resort beach in the heart of Portrush.
Bounded at its northern end by the busy harbour and flanked along its eastern boundary by a well used pedestrian/cycle promenade, the beach is easily accessed from the town centre.
West Strand Beach is protected through ASSI designation due to buried peat deposits and ancient sands. Embedded within the peats are the fossilised remains of ancient trees including alder and birch which once populated the area around 7,000 - 9,000 years ago.
There is also believed to be a pod of porpoises that live in the harbour.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – No Dog friendly beach? – Yes Activities – Crazy golf/putting, Sailing Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities, First aid point, Lost child centre, Town centre nearby, Shop, Promenade

Murlough Beach

Murlough comprises of a wide flat sandy beach with a pebble ridge above high water mark. It is backed by an ancient sand dune system throughout its 5m length.
A large area of the dunes is designated as a National Nature Reserve, which is a fragile 6,000 year old sand dune system.
It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – No Dog friendly beach? – Yes Activities – Kite surfing, Surfing, Wind surfing Facilities – Toilets, Disabled facilities

Portstewart Strand

Owned and managed by the National Trust, Portstewart Strand is one of NI's finest beaches, boasting two miles of golden sand, backed by nature-packed dunes.
It is also possible to drive straight onto the sand, making it ideal for families.
Visitors to the beach also benefit from new toilets, external showers and improved first aid facilities. A new shop stocks beach supplies and souvenirs, with all proceeds going towards conservation of the area.
The beach is ranked 99th in CNN's World's 100 Best Beaches.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – No Dog friendly beach? – Yes Activities – Kayaking/canoeing, Donkey rides, Jet-skiing, Wind surfing Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities, First aid point, Lost child centre, Town centre nearby, Shop, Beach hut hire

Tyrella Beach

A small enclosed beach and dune complex within Dundrum Bay, near Clough.
The beach is a car free zone however there are good off-beach parking facilities. The clean waters invites water sport enthusiasts and the beach provides a safe haven for families and groups who wish to picnic in a clean environment.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – Yes Dog friendly beach? – Dogs are not allowed between 10am and 6pm during the bathing season. Activities – Diving & snorkelling, Good fishing, Kite surfing, Swimming/bathing, Surfing, Wind surfing Facilities – Toilets, Disabled facilities, First aid point, Lost child centre, Shop

Whiterocks Beach

Forming the eastern end of the East Strand/Curran Strand in Portrush, Whiterocks beach is famous for its white chalk cliffs, and is also a popular location for surfing and surf kayaking. I
Its unique limestone cliffs have been eroded over time into a labyrinth of spectacular caves and arches including Shelagh's Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and Lion's Paw. There are plenty of shops and facilities in the surrounding area.
Type of beach – Sandy Lifeguard service – Yes Dog friendly beach? – Dogs are not allowed in July and August. Activities – Kayaking/canoeing, Swimming/bathing, Surfing, Water skiing, Wind surfing Facilities – Cafe/restaurant, Toilets, Disabled facilities

For more information on beaches in NI and across the UK, go to beachni.com and thebeachguide.co.uk.

All photos courtesy of thebeachguide.co.uk