Family Beaches in Northern Ireland
23 places to explore
Downhill Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Spectacular wide sandy beach stretching beneath the dramatic cliffs of Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple, with miles of space for sandcastles, paddling, beach games and long family walks. Kids can explore the shoreline and dunes while families enjoy incredible views along the Causeway Coast, and it’s easy to combine a beach day with a visit to Mussenden Temple and the estate above.
Benone Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Spectacular seven-mile sandy beach with huge open space for sandcastles, paddling, beach games and long walks, all beneath the dramatic backdrop of Binevenagh Mountain. Families can enjoy the dunes and shoreline, incredible views towards Mussenden Temple and Donegal, and combine a beach visit with the nearby Benone Tourist Complex, where seasonal family facilities and activities make this a brilliant spot for a full summer day out.
Castlerock Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Beautiful wide sandy beach backed by dunes, with plenty of space for sandcastles, paddling, beach games and long family walks. The River Bann and dramatic headland scenery make it particularly picturesque, while nearby coastal paths offer opportunities to extend your adventure towards Downhill and Mussenden Temple. A brilliant beach for a relaxed family day, picnic or sunset walk.
Ballyholme Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Popular sandy beach stretching along the shores of Belfast Lough, with plenty of space for paddling, sandcastles, beach games and family walks. A promenade runs alongside the beach, making it great for buggies, scooters and bikes, with grassy areas for picnics and lovely views across the lough. Its calm, easy-going setting makes it a great spot for a simple seaside family adventure.
Portstewart Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Spectacular two-mile stretch of golden sand backed by 6,000-year-old dunes, with loads of space for paddling, bodyboarding, sandcastles and long family walks. Unusually, families can drive and park directly on the beach, making unloading all the beach gear much easier. Explore the dune and estuary trails, spot wildlife and enjoy views towards Mussenden Temple and Inishowen. It’s also an Inclusive Beach, with accessible facilities and a free beach-mobility equipment loan scheme available to pre-book.
Ballygally Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Beautiful sheltered sandy beach with lovely views across Ballygally Bay towards the Scottish coast, making it a great spot for paddling, sandcastles, beach games and a family walk along the shore. There’s a children’s play park just across the road, plus toilets, baby-changing, parking and a slipway, while the village is close by for ice cream, snacks and refreshments. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming and coastal walks.
Ballycastle Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Ballycastle Beach in Ballycastle, County Antrim, is a free family day out on the Causeway Coast with a wide sandy beach, sea views, paddling and plenty of space to play.
White Park Bay
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A spectacular sweeping sandy beach backed by ancient dunes, perfect for sandcastles, picnics, wildlife spotting and long family walks. Kids will love looking for fossils, exploring the shoreline and perhaps spotting the famous cows wandering along the beach. Access is down a fairly steep, uneven path from the small car park, and there are no toilets on site. Importantly, the National Trust advises that the beach is not safe for swimming due to dangerous rip currents.
Cushendun Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A peaceful sand and shingle beach in a sheltered bay, perfect for paddling, beach exploring and a relaxed family walk. There’s a play park and outdoor gym nearby, plus the harbour and picturesque Cushendun village to explore. Families can also extend the adventure with a walk to the famous Cushendun Caves, while red squirrels can sometimes be spotted around nearby Glenmona woodland. Parking, public toilets and places for refreshments are available nearby.
Cushendall Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Pretty sandy and shingle beach on Red Bay with a children’s play area right beside the beach, grassy areas and a small promenade with paths for an easy family stroll. Kids can paddle, explore the shoreline and play while families enjoy spectacular views across the Sea of Moyle towards Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. There’s parking and toilets by the beach entrance, and the village is only a short walk away for cafés, shops and a treat.
Newcastle Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Popular seaside beach with sand and shingle stretching along the promenade beneath the spectacular Mourne Mountains. Families can paddle, hunt for shells and enjoy beach play before walking or scooting along the promenade, with cafés, ice cream shops and amusements just steps away. The incredible mountain backdrop and easy access to the town make it a great spot to combine a beach visit with a full family day in Newcastle.
Helen's Bay Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Beautiful sandy beach on the shores of Belfast Lough, backed by woodland and coastal paths with plenty of space for paddling, sandcastles and beach play. Families can follow the scenic North Down Coastal Path towards Crawfordsburn Country Park, explore the surrounding woodland and enjoy views across the lough, making it easy to combine a beach visit with a longer family walk.
Groomsport Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Small sheltered beach beside the harbour, perfect for paddling, rock pooling and watching the boats, with coastal paths and grassy areas nearby for a family wander or picnic. Just beside the beach is the popular seasonal splash pad, where kids can run through fountains and water jets on warmer days, making it a brilliant little seaside stop for combining beach play, water fun and a walk around the harbour.
Murlough Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Beautiful sandy beach backed by a vast ancient dune system, with wooden boardwalks and nature trails leading through the reserve and down towards the shore. Families can explore the dunes, spot butterflies, birds and other wildlife, enjoy paddling and beach play, and take in spectacular views towards the Mourne Mountains. A brilliant choice for combining a beach day with an easy nature walk and plenty of outdoor exploring.
Whiterocks Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Stunning golden sandy beach backed by dramatic white limestone cliffs, caves and natural rock formations, including the famous Wishing Arch and Elephant Rock. Families can enjoy sandcastles, paddling, bodyboarding and long beach walks, or follow the boardwalk and coastal paths for incredible views. With free parking, toilets, showers and seasonal lifeguards, it’s a brilliant spot for a full family beach adventure.
Portrush West Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Sheltered sandy beach close to the heart of Portrush, with plenty of space for paddling, sandcastles, swimming, surfing and family beach games. A long pedestrian and cycle promenade runs alongside the sand, perfect for bikes and scooters, with grassy areas for picnics and views towards the harbour. Families also have cafés, shops and amusements within easy walking distance, and you might even spot the resident harbour porpoises offshore.
Portrush East Strand
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Beautiful long sandy beach stretching from the Arcadia towards Whiterocks, with loads of space for sandcastles, paddling, bodyboarding, surfing and long family walks. A promenade runs alongside part of the beach, while the dunes and wide shoreline are perfect for exploring. It’s also an Inclusive Beach during the summer, with pre-bookable beach wheelchairs and mobility equipment, accessible beach ramps and Changing Places facilities at the Watersports Centre. Seasonal lifeguards, toilets, showers and a large car park make it a great base for a full Portrush beach day.
Warrenpoint Seafront
Ages: Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13)
A lovely free family stop overlooking Carlingford Lough, with a wide promenade perfect for walking, bikes and scooters and plenty of green space to enjoy the views. Kids can burn off some energy in the seafront play park, while families can wander along the waterfront, watch the boats and enjoy a picnic by the lough. With cafés, ice cream and the town centre close by, it’s an easy spot to combine outdoor play with a seaside stroll.
Donaghadee Seafront & Lemons Wharf
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A brilliant free seaside day out in Donaghadee with a nautical-themed playpark, seasonal paddling pool, rocky shore and promenade, all beside the historic harbour and lighthouse. Perfect for combining some play and paddling with a walk along the seafront and a bite to eat or ice cream in town.
Millisle Lagoon Park
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely seaside family spot with a large outdoor play park, open green space and direct access to the beach and lagoon. Kids can enjoy the climbing frames, slides, swings and other play equipment before heading down to the shore for paddling, rock pooling and beach exploring. With picnic space and coastal paths for a walk or scooter ride, it’s a great free stop for combining the playground with some time by the sea.
Glenarm Beach & Park
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A lovely family stop combining a pebbly beach, riverside walks and a children’s play park with beautiful views along the Antrim Coast. Kids can explore the shoreline, watch the boats around Glenarm Marina and enjoy the playground, while families can follow the paths beside the river or wander into the picturesque village. With Glenarm Castle, cafés and ice cream nearby, it’s an easy place to spend a relaxed few hours.
Tyrella Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
Wide, sandy Blue Flag beach backed by dunes, with plenty of space for sandcastles, paddling, beach games and family walks along the shore. The gently shelving beach makes it a popular family spot, with seasonal lifeguard cover, toilets and parking available, plus beautiful views across Dundrum Bay towards the Mourne Mountains.
Ballintoy Beach
Ages: Babies (0–1) • Toddlers (1–3) • Preschool (3–5) • Primary (5–11) • Tweens (11–13) • Teens (13–17)
A small, scenic beach beside Ballintoy Harbour, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, rocky coves and incredible Causeway Coast scenery. Kids can explore the rock pools, paddle along the shoreline and scramble over the rocks, while the harbour is great for watching boats and spotting seabirds. There are lovely coastal walks nearby, and the harbour’s famous Game of Thrones filming locations add another interesting feature to explore.