Excellent Beaches

Six of the eight Blue Flag beaches in Northern Ireland are found on the Causeway Coast, a testament to their beauty, pristine water and conservation quality.

The Blue Flag beaches are Portstewart Strand, Portrush East Strand, Portrush West Strand, The Whiterocks, Downhill and Benone Strand at Magilligan.

One of the only two Marinas to achieve this prestigious status is also on the Causeway coast, Ballycastle Marina.

Surfing and Swimming Beaches on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland

There are several kinds of beaches along the coast. Some great for swimming, some only for surfing. Here's a list of the swimming and surfing beaches:

Surfing Beaches

There are many epic surfing beaches in Northern Ireland, and some of the best are along the north coast. This part of the Irish Coastline is said to be the most surfed! There are 9 well surfed beaches around the Causeway Coast, Portrush is the hub of Surfing for the area. Visit Surfing Beaches

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Beaches on the North Coast of Northern Ireland:

Is there a list of the beaches along the Causeway Coast?

The Giants Causeway

Welcome to one of the most amazing places on the planet... The Giants Causeway. The Causeway comprises of thousands of mostly hexagonal stones laid bare by the sea. The landscape of the Causeway is like a magical set of stepping stones gently leading into the sea. They were formed either by the geological processes within an ancient volcano... or... the giants of legend who stomped and battled along the Irish coast. Visit The Giants Causeway

Ballycastle Strand

Ballycastle Strand is magnificent. Enjoy great views of Rathlin Island from the Blue Flag Ballycastle Strand. It is just under a mile in length and is a great beach for surfing and swimming. It is also close to town which makes it popular with locals and visitors. Visit Ballycastle Strand

Benone Strand

Benone Strand is one of the most popular beaches of the Causeway Coast not only for visitors but for locals alike. The Benone Strand is seven miles of golden soft sandy beach with spectacular views of Benevenagh mountain and Donegal. There is Lough Foyle and Magilligan Point in one direction with Downhill and Mussenden Temple in the opposite. Visit Benone Strand

Castlerock Beach

The award winning, just under a mile long, golden sands of Castlerock Beach are located north east of the Castlerock Promenade stretching east towards the heathland all the way to the River Bann. Castlerock Beach is long and wide perfect for playing and beach walking and won the Rural Award beach Seaside Award in 2014. Visit Castlerock Beach

Downhill Beach

Downhill Beach is the start of a 7 mile beach which stretches from the base of the cliffs below Mussenden Temple to the far western point of the Causeway Coast at Magilligan Point including Benone Strand. Watch out for trains heading along the coast and through the tunnel in the cliffside. Visit Downhill Beach

Portballintrae / Salmon Rock Beach

Portballintrae Beach is a small sand and shingle beach, less than 200 metres long, sheltered on both ends by rocks protruding out into the Atlantic Ocean. The rocks are filled with intriguing pools popular with locals and visitors alike for climbing and exploring. There is a a large free car park, picnic tables and toilets. It is one of three beaches near Portballintrae. Visit Portballintrae / Salmon Rock Beach

Portrush East Strand

Portrush East Strand starts at the Arcadia and borders the Whiterocks. Over 2 miles of golden sand, backed by sand dunes and the Royal Portrush Golf Course. Curvaceous walkways, landscaped gardens, seating and play areas help you soak up the atmosphere of the East Strand. Visit Portrush East Strand

Portrush West Strand

The West Strand, or Mill Strand, starts at South Pier Portrush Harbour and stretches to the black rocks at West Strand Road, heading out of town towards Portstewart. Having this gorgeous beach so close to all the town action is truly a benefit giving a great holiday feel all year long. Visit Portrush West Strand

Portstewart Strand

Known as one of the most visited spectacular and pristine beaches in Northern Ireland the two miles of golden sand Portstewart Strand is protected by the National Trust in honour of its historical significance and inherent beauty as well as to protect the native wildlife, wild flora, fauna, grasslands and dunes. Visit Portstewart Strand

Runkerry Bushfoot Strand

Runkerry Strand is a spectacular 500m long 80m wide sandy beach facing north west. This gloriously positioned beach is located beyond Bushfoot Golf Club and is easily accessible via the Portballintrae end of the beach. A beautiful walking path along the tramway offers spectacular views of the north Atlantic. Visit Runkerry Bushfoot Strand

Whiterocks Portrush

The Whiterocks Blue Flag beach is divinely located contiguous with East Strand, forming between them, a 3 mile beach, just outside Portrush town. Sweeping golden sands, long wide beach, crashing ocean waves and giant sand dunes makes this beach truly natures playground. Visit Whiterocks Portrush