Downhill Beach

The golden sands at Downhill beach stretch towards Magilligan Point. Mussenden Temple stands on the cliff, from where there are views of counties Donegal Coast, Antrim and Londonderry.

Contact Details:
66 Portstewart Road Coleraine Co Londonderry BT52 1EY

Tel: (028) 7034 7234

Directions:
The nearest town is Castlerock which has excellent road and rail links

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Portrush East Blue Flag Beach

The European Blue Flag was awarded to beach stretches from Portrush to the White Rocks. Backed by extensive dunes and the Royal Portrush golf course, there are superb views over the Skerries to the Scottish Islands. Wheelchair access.
Contact Details:
Causeway Street Portrush Antrim
Tel: (028) 7034 4723
Directions:
Signposted the Causeway Street, Portrush Read more about places to visit in Ireland.

Tyrella Blue Flag Beach

Blue Flag beach.

Tyrella beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area. The beach offers a car free zone, off-beach parking , safe bathing, ranger service, amenities, walks, beach entertainment, shop and tourist information. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily during July and August.

Tyrella Beach has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award and Blue Flag award annually since 1997. Both these awards identify Tyrella as a well managed beach where you can be assured of excellent standards of cleanliness and safety making Tyrella the perfect location for family fun.

Wheelchair access and toilets.

Special parking on request.

Opening times:
The beach is open every day of the year. Beach centre and life guards on duty during the summer season .

Prices:
Car park charge during summer season

Contact Details:
Clanmaghery Road Downpatrick Down BT30 8SU
Tel: (028) 4482 8333

Directions:
Follow the signs for Newcastle A24 passing through Carryduff, Ballynahinch, Seaforde into the village of Clough. At the end of the village turn left onto Blackstaff Road A2 signposted for Tyrella beach. Entrance to Tyrella Beach is approx 8 km from Clough. Read more about places to visit in Ireland.

Portrush Whiterocks Beach

The limestone cliffs of the White Rocks stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. These soft, sedimentary rocks have been carved through centuries into a labyrinth of caves and arches. Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and the Lion’s Paw are headlands of distinguishable forms which rise out of the ocean. Under the road, there are cavernous caves, accessible only from the sea, home to seabirds and the hunting ground for hawks. On the main coast road, you will find pull-in areas and a large car park where you can take in the incredible views of the headlands to the Giant’s Causeway and back to Portrush and Donegal. Along the beach, there are grassy knolls with sea views and ideal for picnics. Car parking and toilet facilities are also located close to the beach.

Contact Details:

Tourist Information Centre Dunluce Centre Sandhill Drive Portrush Antrim BT56 8DF Tel: 028 7082 3333 Read more about places to visit in Ireland

Cranfield West Blue Flag Beach

Blue Flag award winner. Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest. Set in an idyllic location at the mouth of Carlingford Lough this south facing beach boasts the majestic Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. Facilities include parking, children's play area, toilets and showers. Lifeguard supervision July-Aug daily 11 am-6 pm and Sept w/ends only.
Contact Details:
Kilkeel Down
Tel: (028) 4176 2525

Location: ACCESS: The nearest town is Kilkeel, located approximately 4 miles from the beach. Access routes are clearly signposted. Off the main Rostrevor to Kilkeel road. Read more
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Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

The magnificent strand at Portstewart calls to mind sunny summer days, picnics, sandcastles and long walks. The beach is two miles of golden sand. In the sand dunes, enjoy walks among butterflies and wild flowers. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds. The hide on the west side of the River Bann allows birdwatchers good opportunities to see bird spectacles.

First Aid and National Trust wardens on hand
• Designated no car areas and children’s play area
• Designated water sports zone
• Way marked nature trail
• Sand dune system is a haven for wild flowers and butterflies

Visitor facilities:

Retail area and toilets. Coast is suitable for picnics. Access for visitors with disabilities. Only dogs on leads are welcome.

Prices:
Admission charged when facilities open 1st March - 2nd November Car £4.50, Minibus £12.50, Coach £18 National Trust Members Free

Opening times:
Open access all year Facilities open 1 March - 27 April 10am - 6pm 28 April - 31 May 10am - 8pm 1 June - 31 August 10am - 9pm 1- 28 Sept 10am- 8pm 29 Sept - 2 Nov 10am - 6pm
Contact Details: National Trust Portstewart Strand Visitor Centre 118 Strand Road Portstewart Londonderry BT55 7PG

Tel: (028) 7083 6396 Fax: (028) 7083 6396

Directions: Train: Service from Belfast or Londonderry to Coleraine. Bus: Ulsterbus No 218 from Belfast terminates in Portstewart. Cycle: NCN route 93 runs past the Strand. Car: The Strand is a few minutes from the centre of Portstewart. Drive time: Belfast 1.15 hours Read more about places to visit in Ireland