The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Kent
Despite being best known as the Garden of England, Kent is still brimming with stunning beaches, many of which...
by Rob Hayes / Day Out Guides
Stretching just over 400 miles in length, Northern Ireland‘s beautiful coastline spans three of its counties and is home to some of the most stunning stretches of golden sands
So, if you’re heading here for your next staycation and plan on spending most of your time by the coast, then you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covering all the best beaches in Northern Ireland will be sure to help you out!
Keep scrolling to uncover all the best Northern Ireland beaches…
• The Best Beaches in County Down
• The Best Beaches in County Antrim
• The Best Beaches in County Derry/Londonderry
• A Map of the Best Beaches in Northern Ireland
First up on our guide to the best beaches in Northern Ireland is actually one of only a handful of south-facing beaches in Northern Ireland. Cranfield Beach sits right at the mouth of Carlingford Lough, just a few miles north of the border with the Republic of Ireland.
Offering stunning views of Haulbowline Lighthouse that lies just a couple of miles offshore, it’s also just a short drive away from the Carlingford Lough Ferry, a trip worth taking if you have the time. Look forward to a relaxing trip across the scenic Carlingford Lough, where you can soak in the unbeatable views of the Irish coast. You can hop of the ferry to explore the charming villages lining the shores of the lough in Ireland or perhaps book onto one of their summer evening music cruises where you can enjoy live music and a sunset alongside drinks and snacks.
It’s also worth noting that this wonderful Northern Irish beach is situated right next to a large holiday park and that this beach is a hit with both locals and holidaymakers. So if you plan on spending a full day or afternoon here, then it’d be wise to head down as early as possible to avoid disappointment!
Type: Sand & Shingle
Parking: Small car park on Ameracam Lane (next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT34 4LN
Dog-Friendly: Ban in place from 1st May – 30th September
Nestled on the northern end of the picturesque Dundrum Bay, Tyrella Beach is arguably one of the best beaches in the UK and a relatively hidden gem compared to many other of the best beaches in Northern Ireland found in this guide.
Situated in an area that’s bursting with natural beauty, visitors have the chance to meander across the pristine dunes that back onto this wonderful beach, from which you’ll get to witness impeccable views of the Mourne Mountains that lie around 10 kilometres away on the southern end of the bay.
A proud holder of both a Blue Flag award and a Green Coast award, given for its water quality and overall cleanliness, this beach also makes for an excellent place to go swimming, kayaking or canoeing. However, due to the shape and size of the bay, it’s worth noting that the waves can get quite strong here, so caution should be taken by anyone planning on entering the water.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT30 8SU
Dog-Friendly: Banned between 10am and 6pm between 1st May – 30th September
Perched on the edge of the picturesque Killard Nature Reserve, Benderg Beach is a well-kept and well-hidden UK beach that can be found right at the mouth of Strangford Lough. Due to its relatively isolated location, the nearest place for visitors to park is along Killard Road. From here, the beach can be accessed by taking one of the footpaths that lead from the main road down towards the golden sands.
Perfect for sea swimming, this beach is well-sheltered from the wind coming from the Irish Sea, which also makes it a great spot to go canoeing or kayaking too. The opportunities are endless at this wonderful Northern Irish beach. This beach is also dog-friendly all year round and with swathes of golden sand for you and your pooch to explore, it’s undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly beaches in the UK.
Then, after spending a day on the beach, we’d recommend heading down the road to the village of Ballyhornan to stop off at The Cable Bar or Kellies Coffee for a drink and a bite to eat.
Type: Sandy
Parking: No designated car park; Spaces available on the Killard Rd layby (~20 minute walk from the beach)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT30 7PH
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)
Found on the eastern side of the Ards Peninsula, Cloughey Bay Beach is a popular stretch of golden sands that draws in both locals and holidaymakers from all over the area.
Best enjoyed during low tide, this beach expands to an unbelievable size, making it the perfect place to go for long coastal walks and other activities like long-cast fishing.
The beach is naturally sheltered by a spit of sand and stone, so whilst Cloughey Bay Beach isn’t usually manned by lifeguards, its natural defence from the sea winds make it a great location for those of you that are feeling brave enough to indulge in a spot of wild swimming in the UK!
Free parking is also available close by, as well as a children’s play area and a small local shop in the village of Cloughey, making it a straightforward option for a wonderful day out, particularly for families.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Cloughey Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT22 1JA
Dog-Friendly: Banned between 1st June & 15th September (10am – 6pm)
Found right in the heart of the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB is the next entry on our guide to the best beaches in Northern Ireland. Cushendall Beach is a small yet beautiful beach that stretches just over 250 metres in length and sits right on the outskirts of the village of Cushendall and backs onto the local golf course.
Perfect for visiting on a sunny day, this beach offers impeccable views across the Sea of Moyle, with the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland visible in the distance. It’s also a great spot for sea swimming, due to the fact that the beach remains well-sheltered from the sea winds for the majority of the year.
Being easily accessible from the village, we’d recommend heading back into Cushendall after a day on the sand to enjoy a delicious bite to eat at Harrys, a well-renowned seafood restaurant found in the heart of the high street.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Seaside & Park Public Car Park (Shore Rd)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT44 0NG
Dog-Friendly: Dogs must be kept on a lead between 1st June – 15th September
West Strand Beach, also known as Mill Strand or West Bay, is a popular well-maintained sandy beach located in the heart of Portrush on Northern Ireland’s beautiful Causeway Coast. Portrush is often considered the best seaside town in Northern Ireland, with people from all over the country flocking to its beautiful shores during the summer or on a warmer day.
Hugging the western edge of Ramore Head, this popular beach in Northern Ireland has long been considered to be one of the country’s best… and it’s not hard to see why!
Proud holder of a Blue Flag Award, this beach is kept absolutely pristine throughout the year, both in terms of its cleanliness and the quality of the water. Not only that, but being such a popular beach, the area caters well to visitors, having a block of public toilets, easy accessibility and even seasonal lifeguard coverage (July & August, 10am – 6pm).
On top of all that, it’s also situated right next to the town and its train station, so even if you’re travelling from afar, getting to-and-from West Strand Beach won’t be an issue.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: West Strand Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT56 8ET
Dog-Friendly: Dogs must be kept on a lead between 1st June – 15th September
Also lying within the picturesque Antrim Coast & Glens AONB is Carnlough Beach, a peaceful stretch of sand and shingle set along the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim.
Overlooking Carnlough Bay and backed by a bustling harbour village, it’s a place that’s long been a hotspot for both locals and visitors during the warmer months of the year. Its relatively sheltered waters also makes it a good spot for swimming and paddleboarding in calm conditions, and there’s even boat tours operating from the local harbour that gives visitors the chance to explore the surrounding coastline.
After a visit to the beach, we’d recommend taking a stroll around the village itself, where you’ll find a whole host of quaint cafés and local independent shops. For example, the Londonderry Arms Hotel offers a good option for food and drink, while those with a bit more time might enjoy a visit to nearby Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens.
Type: Sandy
Parking: View Point Carnlough Car Park (Next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT44 0HR
Dog-Friendly: Yes (No restrictions)
Further north along the Antrim Coast AONB near to the world-famous, Giant’s Causeway you’ll find Ballycastle Strand, a well-kept hidden gem on Northern Ireland’s coastline that makes for an excellent place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Offering amazing views of Rathlin Island and the nearby Fair Head, this beach stretches just over a kilometre in length and is well-suited for watersports due to its shape and size. So, if you’re looking for a place where you can safely go surfing, kayaking or even sea swimming, then Ballycastle Strand is the place to go, as this beach is also manned by RNLI lifeguards throughout July and August every year.
After a day at the beach, be sure to head into the town of Ballycastle for a bit of exploration! Home to a handful of lovely cafés, restaurants and shops, the nearby Ballycastle Golf Club also makes for a great place to consider visiting, offer an amazing 18-hole course with views of the coastline.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Pans Rock Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT54 6QS
Dog-Friendly: Dogs must be kept on a lead between 1st June – 15th September
Owned and managed by the National Trust, as well as being a proud holder of a Blue Flag Award, Portstewart Strand lies on the westernmost section of Northern Ireland’s world-famous Causeway Coast.
Popular for swimming, surfing and paddleboarding, this Northern Ireland beach is manned by lifeguards throughout the summer, providing visitors with a clean and safe place to enjoy all kinds of thrilling watersports.
What’s unique about this Northern Ireland beach is the fact that it’s one of only a handful where visitors can actually park right on the beach, so even on busy days, you won’t need to worry about securing a parking space here!
After a day on the beach, we’d recommend stopping by Harry’s Shack, a popular beach café located directly on the strand, known for its fresh seafood and buzzing atmosphere.
For those interested in exploring further, the nearby sand dunes offer a scenic walking trail leading to the Bann Estuary, an Area of Special Scientific Interest rich in wildlife . The town of Portstewart itself is also home a charming promenade with a variety of shops and restaurants, making it a pleasant spot to head to after a visit to Portstewart Strand.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Portstewart Strand Car Park (Strand Rd)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT55 7QF
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead between posts 1 and 10
Moving further west along the Causeway Coast in County Derry/Londonderry is Castlerock Beach, a wide and sandy beach nestled right next to the quaint village of the same name.
Backed by sand dunes and bordered by the mouth of the River Bann, it is a popular spot for walking, swimming, surfing and family days out. Like many of its counterparts along this stunning stretch of Northern Ireland’s coastline, Castlerock Beach is a proud holder of a Blue Flag award and has regular RNLI lifeguard patrols during the height of summer (July-August).
After enjoying an afternoon on Castlerock’s golden sands, we’d recommend exploring the local area, starting with a walk through the nearby Castlerock dunes or a visit to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne, both of which are just a short drive or a scenic walk away.
For food and drink, Crusoe’s Coffee Shop in the village is a popular choice, offering casual dining in a relaxed setting. Castlerock itself has a peaceful charm that makes it a welcome break from busier seaside destinations in the region.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available along the promenade
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT51 4RB
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but only on the right-hand side of the beach (from the entrance)
Right in the heart of the Causeway Coast is the next entry on our guide to the best Northern Irish beaches. Downhill Beach is a long and open stretch of golden sands also situated in County Derry/Londonderry, running west from the base of the iconic Mussenden Temple.
Known for the dramatic coastal cliffs and headlands that surround it, this beach features a striking backdrop. Suitable for a range of activities including surfing, bodyboarding, horse riding and even sea swimming, Downhill is, like many of its neighbours, a proud holder of a Blue Flag award. Not only that, lifeguards also patrol the beach during the summer months, ensuring beachgoers have a safe environment to swim and enjoy then sun.
After spending the afternoon on Downhill Beach, we’d highly recommend visiting the nearby Mussenden Temple, managed by the National Trust and offering impressive coastal views and walking routes.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Small Car Park available along Seacoast/Mussenden Rd (next to the beach)
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT51 4RP
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must stay on the western side of the beach (from the entrance)
Last but certainly not least on this list of the best beaches in Northern Ireland is Benone Beach. Making up the westernmost part of the Causeway Coast, this beach stretches from Downhill to the east to Magilligan Point to the west, near to the border with Ireland.
Considered by many to be the best of Northern Ireland’s beaches, Benone Strand boasts a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, and is a hotspot for all kinds of watersports, including swimming, kayaking and more. Many even consider it one of the best surfing beaches in the UK, making it perfect for anyone looking to catch the best waves! Similar to other beaches along this coastline, visitors can also park right on the beach itself, so don’t worry about not being able to grab a spot here, even on busy days!
After spending the day on the sand or in the sea, we’d recommend stopping by the Benone Tourist Complex, which has facilities including a café, play areas and a fantastic 9-hole golf course.
Type: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available on the beach itself
Parking Charge: Free
Postcode: BT49 0LQ
Dog-Friendly: Banned in the Blue Flag-designated area of the beach between 1st May – 30th September
Looking for even more sunny hotspots to enjoy this summer? If so, then take a look at our guide covering the best beaches in Ireland, or even this guide covering the best beach bars in the UK. If you’re feeling inspired to book your next adventure then browse this selection of beach cottages in Northern Ireland. And for more ideas on what to see and do here, check out our Northern Ireland Travel Guide!
Image Credits: Keith Ruffles – (CC BY 3.0); Raymond McSherry – (CC-BY-SA 2.0); Caoilinn259 – (CC-BY-SA 4.0); Eric Jones – (CC-BY-SA 2.0)
by Rob Hayes / Day Out Guides
I'm Rob and I joined the Sykes team in February 2024. I am a passionate writer and have always enjoyed holidays in the UK, especia...
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