Down

Tyrella Beach

Downpatrick – County Down

Award winning Tyrella beach and dune conservation area is a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay, Downpatrick, County Down. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long. An ideal destination for water sport enthusiasts.The nearby area offers beachfront accommodation ranging from caravans, bed and breakfasts and self catering accommodation. The beach is open every day of the year. Beach centre and life guards on duty during the summer season.

**Car park charges during summer season**

Millisle Beach Park

Newtownards – County Down

Millisle Beach Park is a rural beach, awarded Green Coast status in 2008 and the Rural Seaside Award in 2014 and is situated off the Ballywalter Road on the coastal Ards Peninsula. The beach park provides a small sandy beach, play and picnic facilities, a jetty and two slip ways. Car parking and public toilets are provided and there is also disabled access.

Ballyholme Beach

Bangor – County Down

Ballyholme Beach is a suburb beach in the seaside town of Bangor. The beach is sandy and is approximately 1.3 km in length. There is a typical rocky shore at each end. The majority of Ballyholme Beach is backed by a seawall and promenade. The far eastern end of the bathing water is backed by a privately owned woodland area.

THERE IS NO LIFEGUARD SERVICE OPERATING AT THIS BEACH

Warrenpoint Beach

Newry – County Down

Warrenpoint Beach is located alongside the Mourne Mountains on the shores of Carlingford Lough, in County Down. A gently sloping shingle beach with well developed facilities that include shopping promenade, from here groups can enjoy a whole host of adventure on Carlingford Lough, from Kayaking, Banana Boating, Jet Skiing, Pier Jumping and canoeing to name just a few. The “Warrenpoint baths” are also equipped with changing rooms, showers, stores and private patio area, not to mention the large salt water swimming pool, which is one of the last remaining in Northern Ireland.

Helen’s Bay Beach

Crawfordsburn Country Park – County Down

Helen’s Bay Beach is one of two excellent beaches found in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These beautiful sandy beaches are by far the best within the Belfast area. The country park provides an excellent back drop to the beach, with wooded headlands, meadows, quality woodland walks and great facilities.

Facilities: Cafe / Restaurant, Car Parking, Dogs Allowed, Picnic Sites, Toilets, Tourist Information / Visitor Centre. There are disabled toilets and disabled parking a short distance from the beach. A path suitable for wheelchair users leads from the car park to a path running adjacent to the beach. For users with limited mobility, the facilities at Crawfordsburn are also available- a Visitor Centre and Café with wheelchair access.

Awards: Green Coast

Ballywalter Beach

Ballywalter – County Down

Ballywalter Beach is a long, sandy beach with a number of rock pools offering warmer waters to bath in. The “Lime Kilns” are a raised area providing great views of the Irish Sea coastline and surrounding beach area.

Ballywalter Beach is open all year round.

Facilities: Car Parking, child friendly areas, dogs allowed, toilets.

Awards: Seaside Award Rural

Newcastle Beach

Newcastle – County Down

Newcastle Beach is a popular tourist destination located on the South Down coast. The Beach comprises of sand, pebbles and larger stones and is approximately 2.5 km in length. The major part of Newcastle Beach is backed by a promenade and the seaside town of Newcastle, which has lots of shops, amusements and other attractions. The beach has a very gentle slope with the Mountains of Mourne in the background.

Facilities: Car Parking, Child Friendly Areas, Dogs Allowed, Lifeguard Service, Shop, Toilets, Tourist Information/Visitor Centre. Disabled car parking and disabled access is available via ramps from the promenade.