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.

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.

Details of Northern Ireland's 2013 Blue Flag beaches will be available in May 2013.

In 2012, a record eleven of our beaches (plus two marinas) were awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag award.  The beaches had to satisfy 32 criteria, including litter-free sands, safety facilities and guideline bathing water quality as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive.   In addition, eleven beaches were awarded the rural and resort Seaside Award, the criteria of which includes meeting the mandatory EU standards for bathing water.

2012 NI Blue Flag Beaches

 

Co. Londonderry: Magilligan, Benone | Downhill | Castlerock | Portstewart Strand |

 

Co. Antrim: Portrush West | Portrush East | Whiterocks

 

Co. Down: Crawfordsburn | Tyrella | Murlough | Cranfield West

 

2012 NI Blue Flag Marinas

 

Co. Londonderry: Ballyronan Marina

 

Co. Antrim: Ballycastle Marina

 

2012 NI Seaside Award Beaches

 

Co. Londonderry: Portstewart Strand (R)

 

Co. Antrim: Ballycastle (R) | Waterfoot (r) | Carnlough (r) | Ballygally (r) | Brown's Bay (r)

 

Co. Down: Millisle Beach Park (r) | Ballywalter South Beach (r) | Murlough (r) | Tyrella (R) | Cranfield West (R)

 

R= Resort
r= rural

Download information about our award-winning-beaches and marinas 2012 from TIDY Northern Ireland.