Your Ultimate Guide to exploring off-the-beaten track beaches scattered across Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland is home to some of the best natural wonders the UK has to offer, and among them are some of the most gorgeous hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in remote coasts, these hidden gems offer a tranquil escape from all the crowds, allowing you to collect Vitamin D in peace!
In this article, we share 5 of the best beaches in Northern Ireland which you need to add to your Northern Ireland bucket list this year. We hope you enjoy!
1) Ballyholme Bay
Having been to a few beaches in Northern Ireland over the summer, we realise that Ballyholme Bay is definitely one of the best! We highly recommend this place for a walk along the beach and over to Groomsport.
Overall, it's a great beach especially for those with children as it's well maintained and safe, as well as the sea being shallow with plenty of sea swimmers.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Ballyholme Bay
1) Where is Ballyholme Bay located?
Ballyholme Bay is located in Bangor, a town in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is situated on the southern shore of Belfast Lough, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding coastline. The bay is easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot, with parking available nearby.
2) What activities can I enjoy at Ballyholme Bay?
Ballyholme Bay is popular for a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing. The bay's shallow waters and sandy beach make it ideal for families with children, and there are designated areas for water sports enthusiasts.
Additionally, the nearby Ballyholme Yacht Club offers sailing lessons and equipment rental for visitors.
3) Are there facilities available at Ballyholme Bay?
Yes, Ballyholme Bay provides several facilities to enhance visitors' experiences. These include public toilets, picnic areas, and a promenade perfect for leisurely strolls along the waterfront. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby where visitors can grab refreshments or enjoy a meal with stunning views of the bay.
2) Dunseverick Cove
Dunseverick Cove is a great place to visit for a day, and you'll be surprised at how many of the locals don't even know this place exists!
There's a good walk with lovely views which visitors can do or you can go down and swim in some of the rock pools which look amazing.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Dunseverick Cove
1) Where is Dunseverick Cove located?
Dunseverick Cove is situated on the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is approximately 5 miles east of the popular tourist attraction, the Giant's Causeway, making it easily accessible by car or public transportation.
2) What makes Dunseverick Cove a hidden gem?
Dunseverick Cove is known for its rugged beauty, with towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and a picturesque pebble beach. It offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by scenic coastal walks, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers and photographers alike.
3) What activities can I enjoy at Dunseverick Cove?
Visitors to Dunseverick Cove can enjoy a variety of activities, including coastal walks, birdwatching, and rock pooling. The cove is also a popular spot for wild swimming and snorkeling during the warmer months. Additionally, the nearby ruins of Dunseverick Castle add historical interest to the area.
3) White Park Bay
Whitepark Bay beach is backed by ancient dunes that provide a range of rich habitats, a haven for wildlife, with diverse habitats that house butterflies, orchids, birds, otters and sea life.
Did you know there are cows on the beach? They are some of the most photographed cows in Northern Ireland!
FAQs/Things to know before visiting White Park Bay
1) Where is White Park Bay located?
White Park Bay is situated on the scenic Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located near the town of Bushmills and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
2) What makes White Park Bay a hidden gem?
White Park Bay is renowned for its pristine sandy beach, backed by rolling sand dunes and dramatic cliffs. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a haven for wildlife, including seabirds and seals. Its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a hidden gem for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
3) What activities can I enjoy at White Park Bay?
Visitors to White Park Bay can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, picnicking, and beachcombing. The beach is also ideal for walking and hiking, with scenic trails leading along the coastline and through the surrounding countryside.
Additionally, the nearby Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge are popular attractions worth exploring.
4) Murlough Bay
The road down to this hidden gem is narrow and in places steep but it is quiet and there is parking. With low numbers of people it feels as if you have this whole bay to yourself. It's a peaceful, quiet and stunning coastline, and if you make it all the way you'll be surprised to discover an idyllic sandy beach.
Visitors can enjoy a long walk around the coast but we recommend wearing proper footwear, as it's not suitable for anyone in a wheelchair or those who can’t climb up uneven surfaces.
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Murlough Bay
1) Where is Murlough Bay located?
Murlough Bay is situated on the rugged North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, near the village of Ballycastle. It is part of the Causeway Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes.
2) What makes Murlough Bay a hidden gem?
Murlough Bay is prized for its remote and unspoiled beauty, with dramatic cliffs, rocky shores, and panoramic views of the North Atlantic Ocean. It offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking solitude in nature.
3) What activities can I enjoy at Murlough Bay?
Visitors to Murlough Bay can enjoy a range of activities, including scenic walks along the cliff-top trails, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The bay is also popular for picnics, beachcombing, and photography, with opportunities to capture breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
5) Benone Beach
The signs around the north coast say, "You are now entering an area of outstanding natural beauty". When you stand on a beach like Benone Beach on a sunny day, you just have to agree!
Those in Northern Ireland regard this as the most beautiful beach in Northern Ireland; and with white sand 7 km long and 200 meters wide, it's clear to see why!
FAQs/Things to know before visiting Murlough Bay
1) Where is Benone Beach located?
Benone Beach is situated on the northern coast of County Londonderry in Northern Ireland, near the town of Limavady. It stretches for approximately 7 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, making it one of the longest beaches on the island of Ireland.
2) What makes Benone Beach a hidden gem?
Benone Beach boasts stunning natural beauty with its vast expanse of golden sands, backed by rolling dunes and framed by dramatic cliffs. Its remote location and pristine surroundings make it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking coastal scenery.
3) What activities can I enjoy at Benone Beach?
Visitors to Benone Beach can partake in a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and sandcastle building. The beach is also popular for water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, and kite flying.
Additionally, there are designated areas for picnics and scenic coastal walks, providing opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
We hoped you enjoyed discovering the local finds and less known waterfalls which are scattered around Northern Ireland. We are confident that visiting some of these hidden gems will make your Northern Ireland trip even more memorable!
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