Northern Ireland secret beaches
You may have thought that secluded beaches with fine sand, crystal clear water and just the cry of the gulls for company were long gone, but they're not. Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the Northern Ireland coast are any number of unspoilt hidden gems where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Here at the Beach Guide we have compiled a list of your favourite hidden beaches in Northern Ireland that are just far enough off the beaten track to never get too busy.
Of course escaping the crowds may not be your only reason for visiting these little known spots. Not only are they a little tricky to find and get to, they are also some of the loveliest beaches in Northern Ireland.
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1. Murlough Beach
Newcastle, County Down
Murlough is a vast, five-mile long, golden sand beach, nestling under the beautiful Mourne Mountains. The winds along this stretch of the coast can be strong, making it a popular place for surfing,…
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2. Carnlough Beach
Carnlough, County Antrim
The quiet fishing village of Carnlough is set at the foot of the Antrim Glens. As well as a pretty harbour Carnlough has a pleasant sandy beach that stretches around the bay.Towards the village end the…
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3. Waterfoot Beach
Waterfoot, County Antrim
This long strip of sand at the foot of the Antrim Glens is one of the most popular on this stretch of the Co Antrim coast. Despite its relative popularity Waterfoot beach still manages to retain a fairly…
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4. Rossglass Beach
Killough, County Down
A large sandy beach extending for over a mile. Sandy shingle at high tide with rocks beyond the shoreline
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5. Brown's Bay
Larne, County Antrim
Brown's Bay is a sandy, crescent-shaped beach sitting at the northern end of County Antrim's Islandmagee Peninsula.The beach is slightly over 300 metres in length with a crossable stream running down…
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6. Knockinelder Bay
County Down
Knockinelder Bay is a good-sized crescent of sand and shingle towards the southern end of the Ards Peninsula. The beach here is sometimes referred to as Kearney after the 18th-century fishing village…
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7. Rathlin Island Beach
County Antrim
Less than 10 kilometres off Ballycastle, on the north coast of County Antrim, is the "L" shaped Rathlin Island. Measuring a modest 9.7km in length this rugged little island is home to a couple of sandy…
Please note: we would have preferred it if these beaches could have remained secret forever and would like to make it clear that the Beach Guide would never be the first to publish the details of any hidden beach.