Northern Ireland Beaches

Within Northern Ireland you will find some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe. The naturally stunning formations of the coastline provide long stretches of golden sand and impressive sand dunes.

Several of our beaches have been awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag award. The beaches had to satisfy numerous criteria, including litter-free sands, quality bathing water, safety facilities and cleanliness.

As of 2011, Northern Ireland has seven Blue Flag Beaches, one Blue Flag Marina and ten beaches with the Seaside Award. Beaches that currently have been awarded Blue Flag Status are: Magilligan/Benone, Downhill and Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry; Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand and Whiterocks in County Antrim, and Tyrella in County Down. Ballyronan Marina has recieved the Blue Flag Marina award.

Whether you want a beach with all the amenities including picnic and barbeque facilities for a family day out on a summer's day, activites including watersports or just fancy a brisk walk in the cool winter air, our beaches offer a truly unforgettable experience.

Download information about our award winning beaches and marinas 2011 from TIDY Northern Ireland.

Just Some Ideas

	Northern Ireland Blue Flag Beaches, From golden sands to pebbled shores Northern Ireland boasts some of the most beautiful coastland in Europe.
	Portrush West Strand Beach, Portrush This long sandy beach is close to all amenities of Portrush and offers striking coastal views. During the summer months the waters beckon water sport enthusiasts who can be seen partaking in windsurfing, canoeing and sailing.
	Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick 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.
	Downhill Beach, Castlerock, Coleraine Downhill is an excellent beach of golden sands stretching from Downhill Cliffs towards Magilligan Point. It is overlooked by one of Northern Irelands leading landmarks, the Mussenden Temple and benefits from classic views of Donegal Coast and beyond.
	Portstewart Strand and Barmouth, Portstewart Between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies the golden sands and domineering sand dunes of Portrush Strand Beach. This area of natural beauty and of scientific interest is owned and managed by the National Trust.
	Portrush Whiterocks Beach, Portrush Recently awarded with the prestigious 2009 Blue Flag Award, Portrush Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for International visitors.
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