Beaches & Harbours

Beaches & Harbours

Downhill & Magilligan Beaches

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 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 breathtaking views of the North Coast and dramatic 18th century ruins waiting to be explored.

This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry. The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and excellent rail and transport links to Coleraine, Belfast and Dublin. Other nearby destinations includes the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart.

Castlerock Beach

Castlerock 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.

Managed by Coleraine Borough Council, Castlerock beach backs on to the tranquil resort of Castlerock. The dunes to the east of the entrance are home to Castlerock Golf Club and a private caravan park. The dunes extend back upstream of the Bann estuary to Grangemore (some of the oldest dated dunes in Ireland) and a National Trust bird sanctuary. The beach and dunes is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

Portstewart Strand

Make the most of any season and get down on the beach at Portstewart Strand. From wintery walks to summer sand castle competitions there's something for the family to enjoy in all weathers.
People walk along the beach
A great place for walking  
The coast at Portstewart Strand provides the perfect backdrop for a walk. Pick up the long Causeway Coast Way or fill an afternoon on a guided dune walk.

West Strand Portrush

West Strand Beach, also known as West Bay or Millstrand is a popular resort beach in the heart of this busy seaside resort. West Strand Beach is bounded at its northern end by the busy habour and flanked along its eastern boundary by a well used pedestrian/cycle promenade. Easy access to and from the town centre and all associated amenities/services.

East Strand Portrush

East Strand Beach forms a continuum of sand, approx 2.5 miles long, merging into Curran Strand and Whiterocks at its eastern extremity. East Strand Beach is popular for watersports all year round, especially surfing. The beach is bounded by an impressive new pedestrian promenade and an extensive dune system hosting the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Course. Excellent views of The Skerries and the Causeway headlands.

Whiterocks Beach

The beach, situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route, enjoys a stunning natural coastal location, with the limestone cliffs of the White Rocks stretching 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 a hunting ground for hawks.

Portbalintrae & Runkerry Beach

Runkerry Beach, also known locally as Bushfoot Strand, is a geological Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of the most exciting beach systems in Ireland with a combination of very strong waves and currents, attractive scenery and natural history. The beach extends eastwards from the mouth of the River Bush towards Runkerry House and the famous Giant's Causeway.

The beach can be accessed via a footpath from the main car park in Portballintrae, before crossing the 'Threequarter' Footbridge.

White Park Bay

This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. White Park Bay has been in the care of the National Trust since 1938 and it remains one of the most natural coastline sites in N Ireland. The beach is backed by ancient dunes and species rich chalk grasslands, which are carpeted in rare plants, including many orchids. The site is also fossil rich with archaeological evidence everywhere.

Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the Causeway Coast Route on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. Ballycastle Beach is approximately 1.2 kilometres in length and runs from the pier at Ballycastle Marina at the western end to Pans Rock in the east. Ballycastle Beach is comprised of predominately sand with some shingle. It backs on to Ballycastle Golf Course for most of its length. There is a promenade at the western end. The beach is located about 5 minutes from the town centre.
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