Northern Ireland may be more closely associated with charming cities – such as Belfast or Derry – and natural wonders like the Causeway Coast, but the country also has dozens of pristine, serene beaches to discover.
From well-known seaside resorts to secluded stretches of golden sand, Northern Ireland offers some of the best beaches in the UK to those who want to explore its coast.
With flights from major UK cities – including London, Manchester and Glasgow – and ferries from Liverpool and Cairnryan, getting to the Northern Irish capital has never been easier. From there, the coastal counties of Derry, Antrim and County Down are just a matter of minutes away.
As the temperature rises this summer, there’s never been a better time to explore some of the country’s beaches. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best to help you plan a holiday by the Irish Sea.
Tyrella Beach, County Down
Tyrella Beach at sunset, with the Mourne Mountains in the background
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Located in Downpatrick in the south the country, Tyrella Beach sits in Dundrum Bay, a small enclosed area of beach backed by dunes and overlooked by the Mourne Mountains and the St John’s Point lighthouse on either side. The mile-long stretch is one of the area’s Blue Flag beaches – awarded due to general cleanliness and high water quality – and lies in a conservation area that’s perfect for peaceful walks, water sports or simply admiring the flora and fauna.
Nearby, Downpatrick is reputedly home to the final burial place of St Patrick himself. The town will provide basic amenities (the beach itself only has toilets and nearby parking), but also has a cathedral, church and abbey, as well as the Down County Museum and Saint Patrick Centre for those who might want to learn a little more about the area.
Benone Beach, County Derry
Benone Beach is overlooked by Mussenden Temple
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The longest beach in Northern Ireland, Benone is a seven-mile stretch of sand that reaches from the end of Portstewart Strand to Magilligan Point, with fantastic views over Donegal. Another Blue Flag beach, its golden sands are surrounded by high cliffs and dunes, making the area another particularly scenic area of the coast. It is also an inclusive beach, offering free beach equipment loan schemes that include all-terrain wheelchairs (other…
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