Beaches on Northern Ireland

Beaches in Northern Ireland

Although summer has passed, I want to discuss my favourite beaches I have visited in Northern Ireland. These beach days hold some of my favourite memories as a kid and adult. Any families reading this should definitely take a trip if they haven't already, who knows maybe the whole family will enjoy the day. They aren't just for kids though, any teenagers or adults who want to relax or take an evening stroll these are for you too!

The first beach I want to review is Newcastle beach, no not Murlough beach. This beach is soo overlooked, with many scoffing at the idea of me even calling it a  beach, but it has sand (I promise its there under those rocks) and an ocean, it's a beach. Is this the best beach ever? No. But can it still be fun to go on and enjoy a hot summer's day. YES! This beach can be wonderful with a towel down, and the hot sun beating down on you. Although it is small and has many rocks, it makes up for in convenience. This beach is right in the heart of Newcastle, and after a joyful swim and a bit of sunbathing, you can dry off and walk over to a ice cream shop or a restaurant and sit down and enjoy your food while staring out at such a beautiful view.

Murlough beach! now we are talking. This beach is quite well known and very very popular in the rare summer days we get. It has good parking, although a long walk to the beach can definitely put you off. Once you get there however, this beach is stunning! its long enough that you can have some privacy and only a short drive from Newcastle town, so although here are no shops nearby you can be sure you aren't going to starve very long. This beach holds some of my favourite memories!

My next destination is Tyrella beach. It's not far off from Murlough beach, with only about a 20 minute drive separating the two. This beach is one of my favourites! The drive isn't too bad getting there, and the walk from the car park to the beach isn't far at all so unlike Murlough, you can start enjoying the sunny weather immediately. One drawback is the carpark does cost money as the beach is maintained by the national trust and unlike Murlough, it doesn't have an extra car park to use. The pricing isn't that dear though, and the price is worth the beach in my opinion. I spent my last summer here a lot and it was the best! one of my favourite beaches, and the short walk is definitely a factor in this.

I hadn't visited The Strand in a long time until this summer when I drove up to Newcastle and was able to explore the area. This beach is amazing! One thing that sets it a part from the others is the fact they allow you to drive your car onto the beach!!! This means no more carrying chairs, buckets, towels, bags and more, instead you can leave it all in the car and just drive to where you want to sit. It also affords you more privacy if you have windbreakers as well. This beach again like the others is maintained by the national trust and costs a small fee to drive onto, however it is free to walk onto if you park outside. This beach also has the luxury of changing rooms and even a restaurant, which looked very fancy, but alas I couldn't enjoy as I was exhausted and wet from the ocean and just wanted to dry off and relax in my car, but maybe another day.

The last beach on my list is Helen's Bay! The first time I visited this beach was this summer, and before that I never even knew it existed. This beach has some great memories from me. The beach is fortunate enough to be close to public transport such as trains so you can hop on the train and enjoy a wonderful beach day! Parking is tough here and many people just park along a street as the parking lot is quite small. When I was on the beach there where many people lighting fires and enjoying the night, which was getting quite cold so that probably explains the fires. This beach is small but clean and very fun and close to the city!