The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Northern Ireland. So if you are in Northern Ireland, I recommend visiting the following:
Benone Beach, Limavady
Address – Benone Beach, Limavady, Northern Ireland
Google Maps Link – 55°10’06.3″N 6°52’34.5″W
Benone Beach is located in Limavady, in the County Londonderry of Northern Ireland. Soft sand stretches as far as the eye can see in this dog-friendly beach, a favorite among families. With shallow waters and lifeguards on duty, the beach is safe for everyone to swim. However, the waves are perfect for surfing, and there is a surf school nearby where you can get your first lessons. There are small cafes along the beach, as well as an ice cream truck in the area usually on weekends; however, you can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the sand.
Castlerock Beach, Coleraine
Address – Castlerock Beach, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Google Maps Link – 55°10’05.3″N 6°47’07.3″W
Castlerock Beach is located in Coleraine, in the County Londonderry of Northern Ireland. This wide sandy beach with bright blue waters, offers amazing views over far-off mountains, and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or walking your dog. The beach is a favorite for surfing and bodyboarding; for this reason, it can get crowded on weekends and during the summer months. There are areas with rock pools, where small kids can safely swim, and with lifeguards on duty, the beach is safe for everyone. Nearby, you can find bars, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream stores; besides, golf lovers can happily visit the golf club near the beach.
Ballycastle Beach, Ballycastle
Address – Ballycastle Beach, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Google Maps Link – 55°12’23.5″N 6°13’14.0″W
Ballycastle Beach is located in Ballycastle, in the County Antrim of Northern Ireland. Both sandy and pebbly, this long and beautiful beach, with clear waters and stunning views, is a great vacation spot for everyone. It can be windy, which creates great waves making the beach a favorite surfing spot. Nearby, you can find a tennis club and a golf club, a gym, and many small cafes and bars that are worth exploring. The beach is so long that, even during busy days, you can find a quiet spot; and on sunny days, it is perfect to sunbathe and relax.
Downhill Beach, Corelaine
Address – Downhill Beach, corelaine, northern ireland
Google maps link – 55°10’02.7″N 6°49’26.6″W
Downhill Beach is located in Coleraine, in the County Londonderry of Northern Ireland. Standing right next to Castlerock Beach, this beautiful stretch of sand, with small waves and shallow waters, is a safe and fun spot for swimming and relaxing. The beach is long and wide enough to allow space for everyone, and there is always a quiet spot even during busy days. There are scarce places to eat, make sure to bring your own food and water. Since it is allowed to park in the sand, be careful of passing cars, especially if you bring children or dogs with you.
Cranfield Beach, Greencastle
Address – Cranfield Beach, Greencastle, Northern Ireland
Google Maps Link – 54°01’48.3″N 6°04’16.8″W
Cranfield Beach is located in Greencastle, in the County Down of Northern Ireland. A small dog-friendly beach, sandy, quiet and peaceful, offering stunning scenic views and a relaxing time. With shallow waters and calm waves, the beach is safe for everyone. Besides, there is a playground in the area, making it a favorite beach among families with small kids. Being such a wide beach, some people choose to play beach soccer or volleyball in the sand. There are no restaurants of food stalls nearby; make sure to bring your own food if you plan on staying for long.
West Strand Beach, Portrush
Address – West Strand Beach, W Strand Rd, Portrush BT56 8ET, Northern Ireland
Google maps link – 55°12’03.5″N 6°39’23.6″W
West Strand Beach is located in Portrush, on the northern coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This picturesque beach offers a long stretch of white sand, surrounded by green fields and giving off stunning sunset views. The water is shallow and clear, with strong waves for surfing and bodyboarding; there are lifeguards on duty, making it safe for swimming as well. You can find plenty of restaurants, cafes and accommodation nearby, just a short walk away from the coast. Even during the busiest days, the beach is extensive enough to allow space for everyone to relax.
Portstewart Strand, Coleraine
Address – Portstewart Strand, Northern Ireland
Google maps link – 55°10’09.4″N 6°44’51.1″W
Portstewart Strand is located in Portstewart, in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Extensive and unspoiled, this unique beach offers breathtaking views with sand dunes and green fields, and unforgettable sunsets. The water is clear with waves for surfing and bodyboarding, and shallow and safe for swimming; dogs are allowed, and taking a long walk along the shore is a must. To the eastern end of the beach, there is a restaurant, with stores and accommodation nearby. This is not a touristy spot, and it never gets crowded; however, during sunny days, it tends to get busy.
Cushendun Beach, Ballymena
Address – Cushendun Beach, 4 Maud Cottages, Cushendun, Ballymena BT44 0PJ, Northern Ireland
Google maps link – 55°07’37.7″N 6°02’31.7″W
Cushendun Beach is located in Cushendun, on the eastern coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This lovely beach offers a long stretch of golden sand, with a quiet atmosphere and verdant surroundings, unspoiled and perfect for nature lovers. The water is rather cold, and the shore is pebbly; dogs are allowed, and the long coast is great for walking and jogging. To the right end of the beach, there are a few restaurants and stores, and you can find accommodation in the area. Cushendun Beach is mostly frequented by local families, it never gets crowded or busy, but most visitors arrive during weekend afternoons.
Carnlough Beach, Larne
Address – Carnlough Beach, Larne BT44 0HR, Northern Ireland
Google maps link – 54°58’52.6″N 5°59’11.2″W
Carnlough Beach is located in Larne, a town on the east coast of County Antrim, in Northern Ireland. A picturesque stretch of white sand and rocks, enclosed by hills on both sides, and backdropped by verdant fields; Carnlough Beach is a favorite spot among local families, with a serene atmosphere to relax and disconnect. The water is shallow and safe for swimming, great for kids and dogs to play, and the long coast is perfect for walking or jogging. There is a children’s playground at the beach, and even though there are no restaurants in the area, there are picnic tables along the coast; make sure you bring your own food! The beach is mostly frequented by locals, and it never gets crowded or busy.
Browns Bay Beach, Larne
Address – Browns Bay, 23 Browns Bay Rd, Islandmagee, Larne BT40 3RX, Northern Ireland
Google maps link – 54°51’09.5″N 5°45’50.8″W
Browns Bay Beach is located in the Islandmagee Peninsula, on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This stunning beach is surrounded by verdant hills and lawns, giving off an unspoiled feel and unforgettable views, perfect to visit with family, friends and loved ones. The water is calm with small waves, shallow and safe for everyone to swim, and even for dogs to play; you can try kayaking, or rent a paddleboat to explore the bay. There is accommodation to the left end of the beach, and a food truck is frequently serving snacks and drinks in the parking lot. It is usually quiet and peaceful, but it tends to be busy during weekend afternoons; visit early in the morning if you want to avoid this.