ENJOY THE BEACH LIFE IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging people to pack their buckets and spades and take advantage of some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe on a short break or day trip.

Northern Ireland’s beaches have been recognised for achieving the numerous criteria set by the Blue Flag and in 2014, eight beaches and two marinas have been given the prestigious title.

Our beaches and coastline feature everything from natural formations to picturesque backdrops meaning there is something to suit every mood and activity.  If you like walking amongst the sand dunes with the family, lazing on the white sands with a loved one or exploring rock pools with the kids, Northern Ireland’s glorious and unique beaches have it covered.

Ruth Burns, NITBs Destination PR Unit Manager said: “Northern Ireland boasts a fantastic selection of beautiful beaches, including eight with the celebrated Blue Flag title. We’ve been experiencing some fantastic weather lately and if it keeps up people can look forward to lots of fun in the sun in beautiful surroundings when they visit any of these beaches and explore the towns and villages around them.

“We would encourage everyone to enjoy a day trip or short break in Northern Ireland and what better excuse do you need than a visit to one of these wonderful beaches for a day of fun with the kids or to read a book in the sun,” Ruth added.

Northern Ireland boasts eight beautiful Blue Flag Beaches, four are located along the North Coast which is the ideal starting point for a short break with stunning coastline, top rated hotels and exciting activities to try out.

Portstewart Strand is owned and maintained by the National Trust and is one of Northern Ireland’s busiest beaches with well over 100,000 visitors annually.

The magnificent beach and sand dunes are located between the popular seaside resort of Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann. Not only does this glorious retreat play host to a wide range of leisure activities including surfing, jet skiing and horse riding but it is also a nature conservation site and is officially designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a proposed Special Area of Conservation.

Holidaymakers can make the most of the stunning beach and scenery by staying for a long weekend in a local hotel such as the The York which is known for its 4 star accommodation, excellent cuisine and friendly public bar.

Not to be missed: whilst in Portstewart, holidaymakers should visit Barmouth nature and wildlife reserve; buzzing towns Portrush and Coleraine; attractions such as the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Portrush West Strand, also known as Mill Strand, is immediately south of the picturesque harbour. The entire length of the beautiful sandy beach is flanked along its eastern boundary by a promenade boasting beautiful panoramic views towards Portstewart and beyond to Donegal’s Inishowen penninsula. The Causeway walking route passes the beach and it is also a favourite spot for surfers and bodyboarders.

Places to stay nearby include the Ramada Hotel which is situated in a stunning location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Ramada hosts 69 en suite bedrooms that are perfect for holidaymakers who would like to enjoy a longer break.

Not to be missed: choose from a range of tourist destinations and places of interest such as the Portrush Nature Reserve, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Castle or the Stables Gallery which specialises in Fine Contemporary paintings and sculptures by leading Irish Artists.

Portrush East Strand is popular for watersports all year round, especially surfing. The beach is surrounded by an impressive new pedestrian promenade and an extensive dune system hosting the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Course and you can enjoy excellent views of The Skerries and the Causeway headlands.

Portrush Whiterocks offers holidaymakers something a little different with its limestone cliffs that stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle and cliffs that have been carved through centuries into a labyrinth of caves and arches. Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and Lion’s Paw are all headlands of distinguishable forms which rise out of the ocean.

Holidaymakers should try out The Adelphi, a boutique four star hotel situated in the heart of Portrush.

Not to be missed:  adventurous visitors can enjoy surfing or body boarding at the Portrush Whiterocks or enjoy a picnic on the grassy knolls along the beach.

Two Blue Flag Beaches are located in Co Down. Murlough Beach in Newcastle is five miles of glorious sand which makes this town one of the most sought after seaside destinations in Northern Ireland.

Hotels available in the area include the 4 star Burrendale Hotel, Country Club and Spa as well as the 4 star Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.

Not to be missed:  Newcastle town is the perfect place to enjoy some family fun after a day of splashing in the sea.  Visitors can walk along the promenade, explore the Mourne Mountains or have a ‘funbelievable’ time at Coco’s Adventure Playground. There is a host of things to see and explore in the Newcastle area including Tollymore Forest Park, Murlough National Nature Reserve and Castlewellan Forest Park and Peace Maze.

Tyrella Beach in Downpatrick offers miles of sandy beaches, sparkling clean water and walks through sand dunes making Tyrella Beach and Dune Conservation Area a firm favourite with holidaymakers.

Nearby accommodation options include The Briers Country House which is in close proximity to nearby tourism spot St Patrick’s Heritage Centre, amongst others, and is an ideal location for walkers and sightseers.

Not to be missed: Nearby Ardglass is a stunning town with a magnificent harbour offering lots to do including water sports, angling, sailing and stunning coastal path walks. Alternatively, travel in the opposite direction for Delamount Country Park, situated on the shores of the stunning Strangford Lough. Other activities tourist spots include the Murlough National Nature Reserve and the Downpatrick & County Down Railway.

The remaining two Blue Flag Beaches are located in Co. Derry ~ Londonderry. Benone Beach in Limavady, boasts seven miles of golden sand combined with a breathtaking back drop of mountain scenery with a panoramic view that stretches as far as Donegal. The beach offers a perfect day out for even the most discerning of nature lovers as visitors can delve into a host of scientific studies including botany, entomology and shells.

Enjoy a short breat at the Roe Park Resort which is renowned for being one of Northern Ireland’s premiere golf and spa resorts.

Not to be missed:  If you’re searching for something less scientific, visitors can enjoy watersports, fishing or a family picnic at one of the many scenic picnic parks.

Downhill Beach at Castlerock offers one of the most breathtaking scenes in Ireland, with miles of sandy beaches against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes and the prominent Mussenden Temple.

Castlerock is a twenty minute drive from Portstewart which features range of accommodation to choose from including the 4 star Anchorage Inn.

Not to be missed: Explore the stunning landscape of Downhill Demesne, with its beautiful gardens and magnificent cliff top walks affording rugged headland views across the awe-inspiring north coast. As an extra treat you can learn about the reality of life in the rural 17th-century cottage of Hezlett House, told through the people who once lived in one of Northern Ireland’s oldest surviving buildings.  In Co Derry ~Londonderry you can visit Magilligan Point Nature Reserve, the Broighter Gold Economusee, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.

For information on hundreds of great places to stay visit www.discovernorthernireland.com and for further details on Northern Ireland’s blue flag beaches go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/Northern-Ireland-Blue-Flag-Beaches.