10 Great NI Beaches to Visit with the Family
The summer holidays are in full swing, but with every passing day September draws closer and with that comes the end of school holidays. We recently looked at some top family day trips in Northern Ireland, and with the summer holidays and bright evenings (well, at least we can hope) still upon us, here are 10 stunning beaches in Northern Ireland to visit with your family before the end of the summer.
10 Stunning Northern Ireland Beaches to Visit This Summer with Family
1) Murlough Beach
With wonderful views of the Mourne Mountains, and stunning dunes to explore, Murlough Beach is a popular spot for many families looking for a day out by the seaside. Part of Murlough Nature Reserve, this Blue Flag beach has lots of walking trails for the family, and four miles of golden sand to soak up.
2) Ballycastle Beach
One of the most picturesque beaches along the Causeway Coastal Route, the one mile stretch of Ballycastle Beach is among the most popular in Northern Ireland, and great for a family day out. A short walk from the bustling town centre and with Ballycastle Golf Course providing the backdrop, there’s plenty of space to enjoy a family day by the sea. If you plan your day well, you can continue north towards the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Bridge.
3) Cranfield Beach
A hidden gem just outside Kilkeel, Cranfield Beach is a Blue Flag beach with great views over the Mourne Mountains and Carlingford Lough. One of the quieter Northern Ireland beaches during the summer months, a trip to Cranfield could be just what you need. The seaside towns of Warrenpoint and Newcastle are also only a short-drive away, providing lots of places to enjoy refreshments.
4) Castlerock Beach
A popular holiday resort, Castlerock Beach lies to the east of the stunning Downhill Strand, and is a short drive from the popular seaside resorts of Benone, Portrush and Portstewart. With a nice promenade to walk along and the iconic Mussenden Temple a stone’s throw away, a day trip to Castlerock Beach is sure to be one that all the family will enjoy.
5) Portrush Whiterocks
One of Northern Ireland’s most popular seaside resorts, Portrush has a number of beaches to visit, including the Blue Flag Whiterocks, a favourite with locals and visitors alike. After a day of fun at Whiterocks, be sure to stop by Portrush or Portstewart for an ice-cream!
6) Downhill Strand (Benone)
Downhill Strand has been hitting the big screen of late, appearing in the latest season of Game of Thrones. This 11km stretch of sand is one of the longest in Northern Ireland and is a popular beach stop for water sports. Check out Long Line Surf School if you want to try your hand at surfing, or alternatively there are some stunning walking and cycling routes along the Downhill Demesne.
7) Tyrella Beach
Another stunning County Down beach to consider visiting this summer is Tyrella Beach, which is located just outside Downpatrick, and forms part of the Mourne Coastal Route. This Blue Flag beach offers wonderful views over the Mourne Mountains and Dundrum Bay, with the clean waters providing perfect opportunities to enjoy some water sports with the family.
Tyrella Beach is also a popular spot for many seeking a great vantage point for the Red Arrows and Festival of Flight event that takes place every August (this year Saturday 5th August).
8) Helen’s Bay
A great day trip for those of you looking to escape to Belfast for the day, Helen’s Bay is one of two beaches located in Crawfordsburn Country Park (the other is Crawfordsburn Beach). This quaint beach is a great place to get away from it all, and once you’ve finished taking a dip in the clear waters, make your way to Crawfordsburn Park where you can explore several scenic trails. The park also boasts a visitor centre, café, aplay area and geology garden, making it a perfect location for young families.
9) Waterfoot Beach
Located in the Glens of Antrim, Waterfoot Beach offers a tranquil escape for anyone looking for a quieter beach trip in Northern Ireland. The backdrop of Glenariff just adds to the beauty of this location, while Glenariff Forest Park and the stunning Glenariff Waterfall are just a short distance away.
10) Ballintoy Harbour Beach
Ballintoy Harbour has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years thanks to its Game of Thrones fame. With stunning cliff views, a café and a quiet beach, a day trip to Ballintoy could be just what you need this summer, especially if you are a Game of Thrones fan. Leaving Ballintoy, you are well placed to continue exploring the rest of the Causeway Coastal Route.
What is your Favourite Northern Ireland Beach?
A trip to the seaside can do so much to helping you relax and unwind, and if the weather is good, there are few places that rival a day at the beach. These are just a selection of some of the finest Northern Ireland beaches. Have another one to add?
If your favourite NI beach didn’t make our list, be sure to share it with us over on our Facebook page.
Images copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board