Portstewart Strand and Barmouth
Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
Fee required
Parking available
Wheelchair accessible
Sweeping along the North Coast, Portstewart Strand is a two-mile stretch of golden sand, recognized as one of Northern Ireland's finest Blue Flag beaches and a haven for wildlife.

šŸ–ļø A two-mile stretch of golden sand, Portstewart Strand is one of Northern Ireland's finest Blue Flag beaches.
šŸ¦… Adjacent Barmouth is a vital nature and wildlife reserve, providing habitat for various birds and offering picturesque views.

Why Go

🌊 Enjoy picturesque views of Inishowen headland and the iconic Mussenden Temple.
šŸ„ā€ā™€ļø Ideal for surfing, swimming, horse riding, and long walks into the 6,000-year-old sand dunes.
šŸ¦‹ Discover wildflowers like wild pansy and various butterflies, or spot waterfowl and wading birds.
♿ Benefit from free beach equipment loan schemes, including all-terrain wheelchairs, via Mae Murray Foundation.
šŸš— Experience one of the few remaining beaches in Ireland where cars are permitted on the sand.
šŸ† Relax on a Blue Flag awarded beach, recognized for its management, cleanliness, and water quality.
šŸŽ¬ Known Game of Thrones filming location.
šŸ”„ Enjoy a wood-fired Finnish style sauna experience.

Why Avoid

šŸ’° Parking fees apply for non-National Trust members.
šŸ”‘ Access to bird hides requires obtaining keys from The National Trust North Coast Office.
āš ļø Some visitors find cars on the beach unsafe or detracting from the natural experience.

ā° Hours

šŸ–ļø Beach: Dawn - Dusk
🚽 Toilets: 11:00 - 15:00 (times may vary)
āš ļø Beach may close earlier in inclement weather.

šŸ…æļø Parking

On-site parking is available.
A car charge of £8.50 applies when facilities are open (payment by card only).
National Trust Members and blue badge holders can park for free.
Cars are permitted on the sand, but must leave by indicated closing time.

♿ Accessibility

Blue badge parking available.
All dogs welcome, but must be kept on leads between posts one and ten on the beach.
Changing Places facilities are available (accessible by RADAR Key, check specific opening days).
Wheelchairs available for booking via Mae Murray Foundation.

šŸ›ļø Managed By

Owned and managed by the National Trust.
Accessibility initiatives are run in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation.

Tags
beachnature reservewildlifefamily-friendlyoutdooraccessiblehikingsurfingswimminghorse ridingbirdwatchingnational trustblue flag