When it comes to a summer holiday many people’s first thought is a beach somewhere. Golden sand as far as the eye can see. A gentle off-shore breeze. The roll and hiss of waves on the shore.
You’ll find all that and a whole lot more right here in Northern Ireland where we have some of the best beaches in Western Europe and our seaside towns offer far more than a scoop of ice-cream and somewhere to buy a beach ball or two.
Bring your bucket and spade to the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is famous for an awful lot of things. Long before Game of Thrones® led a whole new generation of fans to these rocky, castle-strewn shores, generation after generation of visitors flocked to the immense beaches at Portrush and Portstewart. Alongside these landmark beaches are simply dozens of other inlets, coves and bays just waiting for you to discover.
All the sand and space you need at Portstewart
At the two-mile-long, Blue-Flag Portstewart Strand it’s all going on. This is one of the places where it seems that the whole of Northern Ireland comes to play when the sun comes out from behind the clouds. Yet with such a vast expanse of strand, there’s more than enough room for everyone to settle in and stretch out in the sun. Watersports, from bodyboarding and surfing to kite surfing and jet skiing, are all welcome and safely-segregated here which means there’s always something to keep everyone happy..
The Portstewart Strand Visitor Centre offers a fascinating insight into the nature and wildlife to be found on the strand itself and the dunes which embrace it.
The town of Portstewart is just minutes away. Developed in the nineteenth century as a Victorian seaside town for the middle-classes, today it still manages to retain a genteel air about its mannered streets and lanes. The extensive promenade is the focus of attention for many locals and visitors, but a little exploration will see you uncover an eclectic mix of artisan shops selling everything from the afore-mentioned beach balls to locally baked bread from the award-wining Amazin’ Grazin’ bakery and the finest of Irish whiskey from the nearby Old Bushmills Distillery.
Get your energy rush at Portrush
If Portstewart is made for long walks and lazy summer days, then nearby Portrush is made for watery thrills and spills. With three amazing Blue Flag beaches to choose from – West Strand, East Strand and White Rocks - you’re bound to find just the spot for you, whether that’s a spot of sunbathing, strolling or surfing.
Speaking of surfing, Portrush is the epicentre of Northern Ireland’s vibrant and growing surfing scene and you’ll find loads of surf schools, stores and shacks here. Many surfers prefer the long rolling waves of the East and West strands, leaving families and others to flock to White Rocks, but to be honest, there’s so much sand and waves here that everyone just mingles and enjoys it all together.
The town of Portrush itself is always buzzing with visitors from all walks of life. Surf dudes of course, but also other adrenalin-junkies here for the other water sports and adventures on offer, and families who love it for its more traditional attractions like amusement arcade, donkey rides and fairground attractions, not to mention sandcastle building. All across this busy, friendly town you’ll find a wide range of places to stay, from hotels to guesthouses and B&Bs to campsites, and places to eat and drink that serve everything from fish and chips to modern Asian fusion.
Fall asleep and wake to the sound of waves
Amongst the best known places to stay here are the Royal Court Hotel (3*) with its dramatic views over the sea and Royal Portrush links, family friendly Portrush Atlantic (4*), Adelphi Guesthouse (4*) or Blackrock House B&B (5*) (Winner Best B&B/Guest House at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022) which is an immaculately restored Edwardian terraced house offering a stylish, boutique experience.
World class golf
Another activity round these parts is golf and Portrush is home to Royal Portrush Golf Club, host to The 148th Open Championship in 2019. This challenging links course attracts players and visitors from around the world, just like the world’s greats who regularly play here.
Take a beach break in Ballycastle
Another beach worth exploring can be found at Ballycastle, a long and mostly sandy beach on the Antrim coast which looks out towards Rathlin Island. It attracts the usual mix of swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders and picnickers, attracted by the sand, clean seas and dune, but also by its proximity to the town itself.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to stay a little longer then there’s all sorts of places to consider, including The Salthouse hotel, a luxury eco hotel with 24 bedrooms and suites, a spa and high-end dining experiences with dramatic sea and cliff views. While couples might gravitate towards the Salthouse’s refined luxuries, families will find themselves equally well looked after at both the Ocean View Chalets (4*) and the Marine Hotel (3*).
Miles and miles at Downhill and Benone
With seven miles of sandy shoreline from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone Beach forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches. This special landscape offers opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple. Water sports, scenic walks and family-friendly facilities, make this Blue Flag beach an ideal place to explore.
Near perfect sea and sand in Newcastle
If there’s a premier spot for seaside holidays on the Irish Sea in Northern Ireland, then it just has to be Newcastle, County Down. This place has it all in buckets, and spades! From its Mourne mountains backdrop, to its sweeping curve of strand and seafront, to its internationally famous golf championship course, it’s all here. Throw in a landmark hotel overlooking everything, and it’s hard to look elsewhere for the best place to be when the sun is shining and the waves glittering into the distance.
There are campsites, glamping sites and caravan parks aplenty, most within easy reach of the golden sands. There are also lots of self-catering options, with the luxury three- and four-bedroom Hillyard Mews (4*) and Waterfoot Apartments (4*), right on the water’s edge, just a couple to consider. But no stay here would be complete without even a drink or a meal in the stunning Slieve Donard Resort & Spa Hotel (4*). It sits right between the beach and the golf course and offers numerous bars and restaurants, as well as 180 bedrooms and suites, 6 acres of private grounds, and a luxury spa experience.
Nearby Murlough National Nature Reserve is a fragile 6,000 year old sand dune system owned by the National Trust and is an excellent area for walking and birdwatching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. With its shingle beach and four mile Blue Flag strand, there are nature trails to explore, activities for kids, and wildlife to discover.
On the beach and off the beach, Northern Ireland’s seaside strands and towns always offer something active, something relaxing, something fun and something truly memorable for everyone.
