Located on the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland, near Castlerock. It forms the eastern end of an 11km (7-mile) stretch of sand running westwards from the base of the cliffs below Mussenden Temple to Magilligan Point, incorporating Benone Strand and Magilligan Beach.
Beach Gallery
Location
Access Information
Accessible via Sea Coast Road (A2). Free car parking available directly on the beach near the entrance (tidal/soft sand conditions apply). Driving permitted on designated areas of the beach. Horse riding permitted with time restrictions (before 11am/after 7pm, May-Sept).
Beach Details
Activities
- Swimming
- Walking
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
- Sea Kayaking (part of North Coast Sea Kayak Trail)
- Scenic drives (on beach)
- Horse Riding
- Paddling
- Beach Games
Facilities
- Toilets at beach entrance
- On-beach parking
- Small car park above beach
- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Ice cream van (sometimes present). Facilities may be shared/concentrated towards Benone.
Environment
Situated beneath cliffs topped by Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. A railway line runs nearby, passing through a tunnel in the cliffs. Backed by sand dunes.
Conservation Status
Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) (shared with Benone/Magilligan dunes). Adjacent to National Trust Downhill Demesne.
Views
Atlantic Ocean, Mussenden Temple perched on cliffs, Downhill Demesne cliffs, Donegal hills (to the west), Causeway Coast scenery. Dunne Waterfall visible towards Benone.
Wildlife
Designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for dune flora and fauna, but specific commonly sighted bird or marine species were not detailed in the readily available search results.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Overlooked by the iconic 18th-century Mussenden Temple (inspired by Temple of Vesta, Tivoli) and the ruins of Downhill House (Downhill Demesne), built by the Earl Bishop Frederick Augustus Hervey. Used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, representing the exterior beach scenes of Dragonstone island (Season 2).
Beach Tags
Reviews
Reviews Summary
Rated 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor (72 reviews). Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the stunning scenery, vast expanse of clean sand, views of Mussenden Temple, the convenience of driving onto the beach, and its dog-friendly nature. Some mention lifeguards and a car-free zone.
(Dan, Aug 2024) "Lovely and clean beach with fantastic views. One of the best scenery of the coastline. Beach is tidy and clean and also is dog friendly. Highly recommend if in the area 😀"
(Mr. Guide, Sep 2023) "Great scenery at Downhill beach. Sand lovely and water good for paddling in. You can get food there too. Not only a nice view of sea but mountains and waterfalls too."
(StripeyMiata, Jul 2021) "Stunning beach with lifeguards on duty. Can drive your car onto the beach and there is also a car free zone."
(Tigertribal, Oct 2021) "Park just off the road or drive onto the beach. Walk to the left towards Benone beach & pass the Dunne waterfall. Walk to the right & see Mussenden Temple on the cliffs above you. This is another one of the North Coasts beautiful beaches which includes Benone beach, Castlerock beach, Portstewart Strand, Whitepark Bay etc."
(Sarah G, Aug 2021) "Stunning beach. Lots of space. Lifeguards on duty. You can drive your car onto the beach and there is also a car free zone (unfortunately a couple of cars had ignored this though). Small car park and toilets above the beach."
(alfie50, Jun 2021) "Absolutely stunning beach Lots of open space plenty of room for everyone Miles and Miles of lovely sand Easy access as you can drive onto the beach.sea against stunning cliff A great place to spend the day"
Leave a Review
Related Beaches
Banna Strand
Dunmore East Beaches (Lawlor’s & Councillors)
Leave a Reply