County Derry in the Northern Ireland is home to some of the amazing beaches that one must visit when in Derry.
One of the most popular beach here is the Downhill beach. This beach is around 11kms or 7 miles long. It is a sandy beach having golden sand. It has achieved Blue Flag owing to its contributing in maintaining the cleanliness levels of the beach. The said beach is situated near the town of Castlerock. From this beach, one can get a glimpse of some portion of County Derry and other counties like Antrim and Donegal (which lies in the region of Ireland). Facilities like car parking and toilets are available here. Normally, dogs are also permitted on the beach. However, between 1st May to 30th September dogs are forbidden from entering into certain areas on the beach. Activities like cycling and walking are often indulged in by the visitors. The location of the beach is such that one feels close to nature.
Benone beach is another famous beach here. The beach is 11kms long. It is a sandy beach having golden sand and is surrounded by sand dunes. This beach is considered to be the longest beach in Northern Ireland. Benone beach has earned the status of Blue Flag for meeting with the desired standards of cleanliness. The location of the beach is such that mountains and other counties like Donegal are within eye-sight. The ambience is such that it gives a feeling of being nature’s haven. Watersports like surfing, jet-skiing, swimming are popular. Dogs are permitted here barring the months of May to September. Lifeguard services are also available except the months of July and August. Car parking is available. Caravan Park is situated nearby.
Castlerock beach is surrounded by sand dunes. It is a sandy beach having golden sand. This beach lies in the village of Castlerock. It has a lovely promenade where walkers can be seen enjoying their walk. The beach is 1km long and offers car parking. Dogs and horses are allowed. Horses are used for the purpose of horse riding. However, restriction has been imposed on the movement of dogs between the months of May to September. Lifeguard services are available during the months of July and August. Activities like surfing, canoeing, fishing, swimming are popular here. It is a beautiful clean beach and is not very crowded. It is a good place to bring your children. Towards its west lies the River Bann estuary. Like other beaches in Derry, this beach too has earned the status of Blue Flag. There are basalt cliffs that also lie towards its west. Castlerock Golf course is situated on the sand dunes that lie on its east.
Portstewart Strand beach is another famous beach in this region. The beach has sand dunes in the background making the location picture perfect. Café, car parking, shop, and toilets are available here. Also available are changing rooms. Dogs owners can bring their favourite pet alongwith them. Lifeguard services can be availed for the months of July and August. The beach is owned and looked after by the National Trust. Sand dunes are home to variety of flaura which in turn attracts lots of butterflies and other birds. Horse riding can also be done here. The beach is the recipient of the Blue Flag. This beach is also known as ‘The Strand’ and lies close to the town of Portstewart. It is an ideal place to spend good time with family. The beach does not provide with lifeguard services.