Family Beaches in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's coastline is packed with family-friendly beaches, from the golden sands of the north coast to sheltered bays along the Ards Peninsula. Here's a selection of beaches to explore with the family, with details on parking and facilities. Check the full directory for more coastal days out and use the map view to plan your route.
Explore all Family Days Out21 places to explore
Groomsport Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Groomsport for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Murlough Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Backed by dunes and nature reserve, Murlough is a beautiful stretch of sand for family walks, paddling and beach exploring. It’s a great free choice when you want sea air, space and impressive views towards the Mournes.
Downhill Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A huge stretch of sand backed by dramatic coastal scenery, Downhill is ideal for a beach walk, sandcastle building and plenty of room to run. It’s a brilliant free family option when you want a simple day beside the sea.
Portstewart Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Portstewart for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Helen's Bay Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A popular sandy beach with a sheltered feel and coastal walks nearby, Helen’s Bay is a lovely choice for a family beach day. Pack the buckets and spades and enjoy a simple free day beside the sea.
Ballyholme Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Bangor for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Castlerock Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Castlerock for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Benone Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Limavady for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Cushendall Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Cushendall for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Portrush East Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
This long sandy beach beside Portrush is perfect for paddling, sandcastles and a good run along the shore. It’s a simple free family day out with the town close by when you want to add food or another activity.
Ballycastle Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Enjoy a wide sandy beach with lovely views along the Causeway Coast and plenty of space for children to play. It’s an easy free family stop for paddling, beach walks and a slower day by the sea.
White Park Bay
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Ballintoy for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Cushendun Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Cushendun for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Ballygally Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Ballygally for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Newcastle Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Newcastle for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Portrush West Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Portrush for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Whiterocks Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely coastal stop in Portrush for paddling, sandcastle building and a walk by the sea. It’s a simple free family day out when you want fresh air, open space and an easy adventure without overplanning.
Millisle Lagoon Park
Ages: Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A seaside park in Millisle with lagoon-side surroundings, green space and children’s play, making it an easy family stop close to the coast.
Tyrella Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A sandy County Down beach for a relaxed family day outdoors.
Glenarm Beach & Park
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A family-friendly coastal stop combining beach and outdoor space.
Ballintoy Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A scenic family beach stop on the Causeway Coast.