Hit The Beach...

The sun really seems like it's here to hang out for a bit. Now, of course there have been a few days of absolute torrential downpours, but come on, even when it's raining would you not rather be hanging out on a beach.
In an effort to take full advantage of the weather while the going is good, we're packing up the cool box again. The cheese sandwiches are packed, the multi-pack of crisps are ready to go, and the bucket and spade can be bought along the way.
It's time to hit the beach...

Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle has many things going for it, not the least of which is the beach.
Found on the Causeway Coastal Route of Antrim, the sandy beach runs from Ballycastle's marina for just over a mile to Pans Rocks – a popular local fishing spot.
The beach is a popular surf spot, and despite there being no lifeguard service, it is said to be quite safe for swimming.
Dogs are welcome on the beach and a number of facilities, including toilets, first aid points and children's play areas are available.
While there you're also not far from Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Rathlin.

White Park Bay

Allegedly NI's best beach for collecting sea glass, White Park Bay is described as a "magnificent arc of white sand" that spans two headlands on a relatively secluded stretch of the North Antrim Coast.
Despite it's beauty the beach is often surprisingly quiet which has allowed it to become a haven for wildlife, with the dunes behind the beach teeming with wild flowers in the summer months.
The Bay itself and much of the nearby coast are under the stewardship of the National Trust.

Crawfordsburn Beaches

Within the already beautiful Crawfordsburn Country Park you'll find not one, but two great beaches to choose from.
To the left is Helen's Bay, a short little stretch of soft sandy and enticing water. It's not a big beach, the tide comes in quite a distance and it is extremely popular, given its proximity to Belfast and ease of access with the train station just a ten minute walk away, but it's still one of the best offerings along the north down coast.
Next to it, you'll find Crawfordsburn beach itself. It's a longer stretch of beach set within its own little natural bay. Again it is an extremely popular spot, but given the setting it's not surprising. The excellent water quality also means it is ideal for swimming.
The country park provides an excellent backdrop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality walks and good facilities.
Another highlight here is the coastal path. This is a winding path that hugs the whole coast line to Bangor. It's a beautiful walk and genuinely feels like a hidden gem. The path has numerous benches and rocky outcrops and is the perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ.

Downhill Strand

When recommending beaches in NI there are a couple you just can't avoid mentioning, one of those is Downhill Strand.
The Castlerock beach, Co Londonderry, has been locally famous for many years thanks to the beauty of the seven mile stretch of beautiful sandy beach and the historic Mussendum Temple. The secret is now out though as Downhill Strand was used as the location for Dragonstone in the Game of Thrones.
Thankfully this beach has enough space for everyone. It is described as "one of the most scenic in Ireland" and offers not just sand and sea, which is extremely popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts, but scenic walks, many sand dunes and a waterfall – in short it's Instagram-tastic.
Downhill is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) offering opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life. Mussenden Temple is also said to be one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.
It is also one of we think two beaches in NI that you're allowed to drive right onto.

Portstewart Strand

One of the other beaches we can't not mention is Portstewart Strand. This National Trust owned and managed beach offers two miles of golden sand, backed by nature-packed dunes.
Recently ranked the 99th best beach in the world by CNN, visitors can enjoy views of Inishowen headland and the famous Mussendun Temple.
Visitors are also able to drive straight onto the sand, which makes transporting those surfboards and wetsuits easier.
A beach side shop, stocking supplies and souvenirs, uses all its proceeds to support the conservation of the area.

Tyrella Beach

Switching from the vast swathes of the North Coasts prized beaches, Clough is home to a small, enclosed beach and dune complex of Tyrella Beach.
A definite car free zone, the beach is kept meticulously clean and is described as a haven for families. It is also an ideal spot for swimming thanks to the clean waters. Dogs are not permitted between 10am and 6pm during the summer swimming season.
Shop and toilet facilities are also available nearby.

Cranford Beach

Depending on who you speak to this beach is called Cranford, Cranford West and/or Nicholsons Strand Beach, but whatever your chosen name, you'll find it at the mouth of Carlingford Lough in County Down.
Designated an area of Special Scientific Interest, it offers gently sloping, mainly sandy beach in an idyllic location at the mouth of Carlingford Lough with the majestic Mourne Mountains as a backdrop.
This beach is a little wilder than others on our list, with a more isolated feel, however it is more than worth the slightly extra effort.