Shore to have a good time
Here, we profile five spectacular beaches to visit
1BALLINTOY HARBOUR BEACH
WHERE? Alongside the B15 coast road, 17 miles north-east of Coleraine and five miles west of Ballycastle. WHYVISIT? Game of Thrones® fans will recognise Ballintoy Harbour as the filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands. Known as the ‘raised beach’, it sits near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the picturesque village of Ballintoy, with its charming array of small shops, churches and restaurants.
2 BENONE BEACH
WHERE? Located off the Causeway Coastal Route on the Seacoast Road (A2), 12 miles north of Limavady and four miles west of Castlerock, Co Derry. WHYVISIT? With seven miles of golden soft sandy beach from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches. This Blue Flag beach is a firm favourite throughout the year for families, activity enthusiasts (there’s jet skiing and surfing), and those looking for a leisurely stroll. On a clear day, visitors can take in the great views of Binevenagh Mountain while exploring the sand dunes.
3 MURLOUGH BEACH
WHERE? On the coast of Co Down, situated approximately 5km from both Newcastle and Clough. WHYVISIT? The beautiful Murlough Beach is backed by a 6,000-year-old sand dune system throughout its 6km length. A large area of the dunes is designated as a National Nature Reserve. It is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. Explore the woodland and discover butterflies, wild flowers and wildlife.
4 BALLYHOLME BEACH
WHERE? In the seaside town of Bangor, Co Down and approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Belfast WHYVISIT? Ballyholme Beach has a very interesting history. The wide and flat beach was a training ground for the troops of US battleships in preparation for the D Day landings that would shortly follow. The mile-long crescent of sandy beach curving along the shore of Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for
generations. Nowadays, it is used all year round by windsurfers and a long-time favourite for families to build sandcastles and take a dip!
5 DOWNHILL BEACH
WHERE? Located off the Seacoast Road, 12 miles north of Limavidy and two miles west of Castlerock. WHY VISIT? Downhill Beach is situated within the Bineveagh area of outstanding natural beauty and is set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes and the stunning Mussenden Temple. The temple, which was built back in 1785 and forms part of the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol (or the Earl Bishop), offers breathtaking views of the North Coast, Donegal and Scottish Isles. This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Derry. Downhill – part of an 11km stretch of sand and surf – offers a wealth of activities including water sports, deep-sea fishing, surfing and scenic walks. The Blue Flag beach is an ideal place to explore. Downhill Beach is also used in the filming of Game of Thrones® as Dragonstone, where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”