Portstewart Strand and Barmouth
Fee required
Wheelchair accessible
Portstewart Strand is a two-mile golden sand beach and nature reserve on Northern Ireland's North Coast, managed by the National Trust. It holds Blue Flag status, features 6,000-year-old sand dunes as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, and offers diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy surfing, swimming, horse riding, walks, and a wood-fired Finnish style sauna. Cars are permitted on the beach.

šŸ“œ Two-mile golden sand beach and nature reserve, Blue Flag awarded.
šŸ” Managed by the National Trust, an Area of Special Scientific Interest with 6,000-year-old sand dunes and diverse wildlife.

Why Go

šŸŒŠ Enjoy scenic views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple.
šŸ„ā€ā™€ļø Ideal for surfing, swimming, horse riding, and walks in ancient sand dunes.
šŸ¦‹ Discover diverse wildlife, wildflowers, and birds in a nature reserve.
šŸ”„ Experience an authentic wood-fired Finnish style sauna and sea dip.
ā™æ Inclusive beach with accessible facilities and equipment loan scheme.

Why Avoid

šŸ’° Parking fees apply for non-National Trust members.
āš ļø Cars permitted on the beach, some visitors find it unsafe or detracting.
šŸ”‘ Access to bird hides requires obtaining keys from the National Trust office.

Cost

šŸ’° Car charge Ā£8.50 for non-National Trust members.

Hours

šŸ•’ Beach open Dawn-Dusk; Toilets 11:00-15:00 (times vary).

šŸ…æļø Parking

On-site parking available, cars permitted on sand.
National Trust members and blue badge holders park free.
Out-of-hours car park available.

ā™æ Accessibility

Blue badge parking available.
Changing Places facilities (RADAR Key).
Wheelchairs and mobility aids available via Mae Murray Foundation.

šŸš½ Toilets

Toilets available, opening times vary.
Accessible and Changing Places facilities.

šŸ–ļø Facilities

Picnic area, surf school (SUB6) with equipment hire, wood-fired Finnish style sauna, shop.
Bird hides, beach equipment loan scheme.