Portstewart Strand - Northern Ireland
A beautiful, 2-mile stretch of beach offering golden sands backed by grassland dunes. Glorious for a winter walk with views of Mussenden temple, a National Trust site, atop the cliffs in the distance, which you will find is a popular site for local artists to paint and locals and tourists to visit.
The Barmouth ends the walk where the River Bann, the longest river in Northern Ireland, enters the sea.
During spring and summer, the strand is an excellent beach for body boarding. You can hire boards locally at Ocean Warriors in Portstewart or during peak season; there is usually a pop-up on the beach to hire wet suits, boards and more.
There’s a lifeguard present during peak season, and as a National Trust site, you will be assured that the beach is always kept clean.
There are toilets as you enter the Strand and a restaurant, Harry’s shack, for those that want to enjoy the view with some food and drink.
During the warmer months, you can park your car all along the beach when the tide is further out, making it perfect for pitching up and enjoying a picnic whilst listening to the waves crash.
National Trust members can park for free, and for non-members, it is £8 per car.
During the colder months, you can only park on the sand at the entrance of this beach, but either way, you will find this a popular beach whether it’s to sunbathe, swim or for a dog walk.
Harry’s Shack
A seafood restaurant as you enter Portstewart strand beach; serves lunch and dinner. There is seating outside on their covered patio to embrace the sea breeze and a cocktail or cuppa looking out onto the Atlantic ocean.
Portstewart Golf Club
Located a short walk away, overlooking the beach, and its towering dunes. Keep an eye out on your drive down for groups of golfers teeing off.