best places to swim in northern ireland

Visitors can experience tranquil walks through peaceful meadows and wooded glens. Hundreds of local swimmers, expats and holidaymakers shared their favourite dips, and many had stories to tell, too. We've rounded up the best swimming pools and leisure centres in Belfast in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. Joyce himself lived here for just under a week before setting sail for the continent. 100 of the best places to stay in Ireland Find your ideal break, from campsites to quirky hideaways, blow-the-budget spots to thrifty getaways Sat, Jun 3, 2017, 06:10 Game of Thrones® fans will recognise Ballintoy Harbour as the filming location for Pyke and the Iron Islands. Children leap from the jetty at Derrynane, Co Kerry. Bring a pair of goggles or a snorkel to explore the rich sea life in these deep pools that warm to up to 20C in summer – but be sure to arrive two hours either side of low tide. There are 18 Belfast beaches to pick from. Castlerock has been awarded a Northern Ireland Seaside Award 2016. [email protected]. Awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award again in 2020, Whiterocks Beach has become a favourite with locals and a must see destination for international visitors. A few miles east of Northern Ireland's spectacular Benone Strand, part of one of the island's longest beaches, you'll find near-ideal coasteering conditions … From Ballycastle, a cycle trail will bring you eventually to the quaint village of Cushendun. There are few places in the world that offer such a sumptuous choice of accommodation. The sand from your shoes will sprinkle beneath the table as you eat. Ballintoy. Turn off the N67 at Fintra More for White Strand. Approximately 1.2 kilometres in length, the beach is predominantly sand with some shingle and has a promenade at the western end. Women didn’t join the men for a swim at Blackrock, or in many other parts of Ireland, until the 1970s. With shops, amusements and restaurants nearby, this Blue Flag beach resort is a family favourite throughout the holidays. A well preserved Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, an important historical site in Northern Ireland, built during the Napeolonic Wars marks the entrance to Lough Foyle. You are here: Things to Do > Outdoors, Nature & Wildlife > Beaches. With seven miles of sandy shoreline from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone Beach forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches and one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland. I contend that there are no “best” swimming spots. Map, “We started swimming there in the mid-1960s,” wrote Eva Reilly. 6 years ago. With a wild Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Irish Sea on another, it’s natural that Northern Ireland is home to some of the best and most spectacular beaches in Europe. Tyrella beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. On a clear day visitors can take in the great views of Binevenagh Mountain whilst exploring the sand dunes. But here, the board appears to be safer than the sea stacks. Sand & pebble beach located on the south down coast. #2 of 4 Outdoor Activities in Ballintoy. Take the R313 into Belmullet, turn left into Main Street and left again along Shore Road, watching for the gap in the wall that gives access to the pool. Dublin’s commuter trains run south to this famous swimming spot, below a... Solomon’s Hole, Hook Head, County Wexford. Instead, inspired by one local’s holiday to Sweden, an outdoor tidal pool was built: it’s an uncanny, modernist concrete block that sticks out from the coastline like a tongue. 12 Sea Swimming Spots in Ireland that will Take your Breath Away 1. The rock pool is great. In particular, the residents of Miltown Malbay, a few miles inland, were keen to show us their childhood favourite. With two excellent beaches, spectacular scenery and views across Belfast Lough. This pool is perfect for an early morning swim. On the coastline, the town of Newcastle has a beautiful beach to offer those who want to be near (or in!) “ The Causeway Coast offers an amazing and individual experience of the North Irish coastline - incredible beaches in all weather, amazing geology in the Giants Causeway, and best of … With accommodation available on the Island, April to July is a great time to visit as it’s puffin season: so don’t miss the opportunity to see them along with lots of other sea birds. If you’re very, very lucky you might even see the visiting pod of Orcas that chase bait fish into the lough. The last leg of the journey is an unmarked track through boggy, picturesque landscape. [email protected]. Northern Ireland is a paradise for the budget adventurer, backpacking globetrotter and those who simply like to bump into others from around the world. 3. level 2. munkijuice. With its amazing waves, this Blue Flag beach is a regular hotspot for surfers and bodyboarders riding the surf. With the majestic Mourne Mountains offering a dramatic backdrop, it is a picture perfect beach and was awarded Blue Flag status again in 2016. We have reviews of the best places to see in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to cover the country and have at least one location in each of the 32 counties.The simple aim of this site is to compile an outdoor swimming directory where all the best swimming places in the country can be shared, listed and discussed. So instead I give you 10 “great’ Irish swims. A small pier sits directly below an 18th-century fort in Lough Swilly. He was in his 70s then and used to swim there himself. Hundreds of local swimmers, expats and holidaymakers shared their favourite dips, and many had stories to tell, too. This is a local swimming spot with a warm welcome for visitors and also a traditional music session in the town every night of the week. Breweries, Distilleries & Cider Producers. Causeway Coastal Route. #9 Best Value in Northern Ireland that matches your filters. Give Inch Beach a visit, it could be the best beach in Ireland. Every beach is different, and every beach offers something different, but on all of them you’ll find that same Northern Ireland sense of inspiration and exhilaration. Kerin’s Hole, County Clare. Map, At Swim: a Book About the Sea, by Brendan Mac Evilly with Michael O’Reilly, is published by Collins Press, price £17.99. The pier is plenty deep for diving, with access to a narrow gully beneath the drawbridge and a pristine, horse-shoe beach on the opposite side of the fort. This is not the place to swim, leave it to the seals. The new cliff access opened last summer. Sign up for the Discover Northern Ireland newsletter for inspiration and travel tips. It is here that you’ll find the beloved sculpture of ‘Johann’ the goat – a famous Cushendun resident. The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast. From Galway City, head west along the R336 and you won’t miss it. Originally designed in 1912 as a village of only seven houses, this designated conservation area is home to charming craft shops and tea rooms. From its sandy shoreline, visitors are rewarded with breath-taking views of the Causeway Coast and can enjoy many of the walks the Island has to offer. We know our own city’s swim spots well. From Wild Swimming in Ireland – Discover 50 Places to Swim in Rivers, Lakes and the Sea, The Collins Press. View what Northern Ireland has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit. Dog's Bay, Connemara: Just a couple of kilometres from the village of Roundstone on the Ballyconneely Peninsula you'll find two of the sweetest beaches on … Swimmers should head to the elegant 18th century village of Mountshannon, County Clare with its picturesque marina and Blue Flag beach. Discover The Antrim Coast Dunseverick, County Antrim – Places to visit in Northern Ireland. Take a tour of Portaferry Castle’s historical grounds, or simply walk along the marina and take in the views all round. Banagher outdoor pool is one of Irelands most unusual pools. Ireland~ A Swimmer's ParadiseWe now have over 200 locations on this site. Popular award winning rural beach positioned in a delightful sandy bay, at the northern tip of Islandmagee, just off the Causeway Coastal Route. Pull on a wetsuit and learn how to surf, body board or stand up paddle board at one of Northern Ireland’s great surf schools, such as Portrush Surf School which you’ll find at Portrush Yacht Club, or the legendary Troggs surf shop and school. A t Harry's Shack, a grey wooden hut on Portstewart beach in Northern Ireland, with colourful light-bulb signs and handsome red-haired waiters, sand keeps blowing in the door but no one seems to mind.The crowd is here for the seafood (huge pots of fat briny mussels; flaky hake with spiced couscous) and the laid-back BYOB attitude. Map, We had more emails about this swimming spot than any other. After a day of adrenaline-fuelled fun you’ll need to chill out and eat and you’re spoiled for choice here, so check out The Quays, Kiwi’s Brew Bar and Ocho Tapas for light bites and brews. But we wanted get to know the rest of the Irish coast better, so put out a call to the country’s sea swimming community through radio and newspapers. The writer of a new book about great places for a seaside dip in Ireland had the help of a keen community of wild swimmers across the country, who shared secrets, tips and stories, Last modified on Thu 22 Dec 2016 07.17 EST. Beautiful sandy beach with excellent facilities, all within twenty minutes drive of Belfast. Barleycove, Co. Cork – crowned with beautiful sand dunes But the deep, crystal blue waters made it well worth the journey. From Ballycastle to Dundrum, we do like to be beside the seaside in a province that’s hard to beat for value, scenery and the warmth of the welcome There are 8 Belfast swimming pools and leisure centres to pick from.Alternatively, why not explore some other sightseeing days out nearby, including beaches.Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! “Just back from a relaxing 2 night break at Glenavon House, large family room plenty of space, very clean with a large well-appointed bathroom, swimming pool is absolutely fantastic.”. All Rights Reserved. At the mouth of Galway bay, between Casla Bay and Greatman’s Bay, lies one of … The Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Northern Ireland 1. 2,114 reviews. Counties all across Ireland and Northern Ireland are home to breathtaking views. Walking south from Slade harbour, keep your eyes peeled for a bridge of rock that overhangs a fairy pool. The Mournes is an area of outstanding beauty in Northern Ireland, and really is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland. As you can see, there’s a beach for everyone and everything here in Northern Ireland – and this is only a handful - each offering a unique perspective on our spectacular seascapes and the adventures to be had here. It’s also got one of the last remaining springboards in Ireland, most were pulled up by councils frightened of litigation. The forthright Bishop Michael Browne of Galway was known to patrol the area, making sure men and women swam separately. This was the childhood playground of actor Richard Harris, where he performed death-defying handstands and cycling tricks on the cliffside walls when not showboating by the sea. At Ballytoohy More, turn right and head north-east on the muddy track. Map, Just north of Bundoran is a cliff walk to a pair of sea stacks. The Forty Foot, Dublin. The Antrim coast is one of the most scenic places in Northern Ireland, and in all of Ireland if you ask me. The beach and dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI). There is an undeniable exuberance about the place that embraces youth and what it brings to the table. The naturally stunning formations of the coastline provide long stretches of golden sand and impressive sand dunes, with a backdrop of mountains, cliffs, caves and even temples. Places to Visit in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom: See Tripadvisor's 8,79,153 traveller reviews and photos of Northern Ireland tourist attractions. Rathlin Island is the most northerly inhabited island off the Irish coast and is one of Northern Ireland’s Special Areas of Conservation due to its large bird colony. This is one of these everything goes beaches where people from all walks of life come together to swim, surf, bodyboard, paddleboard, walk, build sandcastles, sunbathe and even pony trek on the clear sands. In this secluded location, even on a busy day there is a refuge for quiet relaxation. With the walk done, make for The Point Bar and Restaurant to replenish the energy levels, or venture a little further to Frank Owens Bar in Limavady and catch one of the iconic Doors of Thrones while you’re at it. Designed by a local engineer, it was built by a local company, blessed by the local priest and opened in 1954 – to men only. But we wanted get to know the rest of the Irish coast better, so put out a call to the country’s sea swimming community through radio and newspapers. A Blue Flag beach, Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. Crawfordsburn Country Park provides the ultimate and relaxing natural retreat. Skip to secondary content. Beware that to fish from the pier, or from the sandbanks further out, you will need a DCAL Angling License, but those … I contend that there are no “best” swimming spots. Map. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes. If the going is rough, it’s only a 20-metre walk to the more protected Sandycove beach. With stunning natural beauty and a raw quality to its wilderness and waterways, County Monaghan makes for a fantastic weekend trip away, or a stop en route to or from the North. This time last year, I set off on a tour of the Irish coast for my book, At Swim: A Book about the Sea, which lists the best places to swim around the country, and explores Ireland’s sea swimming culture. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. It’s an old-fashioned concrete design which in our opinion adds to its charm. On the day we arrived, Mike Doyle, a Galway native, was executing fabulous dives from the top platform. Hop on board the ferry and sail across the lough to Portaferry. You’ll find Roark’s Kitchen right on the harbour and a little away from the harbour is the ever-popular Red Door Cottage Tea Room & Bistro. If it’s surfing you’re after, you’re certainly in the right place here. Dunamoy Cottages & Spa provides a laundry service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Head down Marine Parade to Sandycove Avenue and James Joyce Tower. The sunny south-east has a near mythic micro-climate: I … #16 in Best Places to Visit in Ireland Situated just northwest of Ireland's border with Northern Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula is the country's largest peninsula. West Strand Beach is flanked on either side by the busy harbour port of Portrush and a pedestrian and cycle promenade which follows the coastline. Find what to do today, this weekend or in March. The western beach, with a tiny jetty from which children and toddlers leap, is completely protected – and was once a smuggler’s cove. We know our own city’s swim spots well. The town wanted an indoor pool, but the council coffers were empty. Monart Spa. Although some of the beaches on the list are around an hour’s drive from the city, the scenic beauty of the country would make up for it and the drive is an added bonus. Head north from Buncrana on the R238. His seven-year-old daughter was jumping from the top for the first time, too. The island of Ireland is surrounded by over 1,450km (901mi) of coastline. More recently, it was named the Best Kept Large Town in Northern Ireland in the TidyTowns competition. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! Back on dry land, the pretty conservation village of Strangford is the perfect stop-off point for a relaxing lunch or stroll around the harbour. Also we used to go to Maggie's leap just outside Newcastle (towards Kilkeel) to swim when we were younger, but no idea about Antrim, sorry! Whether you’re looking for a city break, a country escape or a combination of both, Here are the best coastal destinations on the island. One of the best known and most popular on our list, The Forty Foot draws crowds all year... 2. Have a browse through the site and begin to add things you're interested in. Turn left for Glebe and continue to Dunree. Dublin is surrounded by great places for a dip, from deep rocky dives by Georgian dwellings to further-flung cliffside beaches and pier walls. The way the coastline constantly changes here is of particular interest and is one of the main reasons the site has been declared a nature reserve. If you really want to immerse yourself in the beachside experience, then this is the place for a long barefoot walk as the waves tickle your ankles and seabirds call out from the cliffs above. Currently nothing planned yet in your itinerary. Carrick-A-Rede, Causeway Coast, Co Antrim. Official tourism website for Northern Ireland. ILDSA for facilitating Couch to 5k Swimmers and Swim Ireland for providing swim caps to the participants. Map, The last place on our coastal odyssey is known more for its history than its swimming heritage. This rocky outcrop sees hundreds of visitors daily, in good weather and bad, and thousands of swimmers on Christmas Day. Awarded the prestigious Seaside Award annually since 1997, it has also maintained the Blue Flag award since 2011. Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead ans is approximately 1.2 kilometres in length. Situated in Ballyclare, 20 km from Ballymena, Dunamoy Cottages & Spa features views of the garden, an indoor swimming pool, a spa centre and free WiFi. The award-winning Tyrella beach and dune conservation area is a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay, Downpatrick, County Down. Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo 10 of the best coastal swimming spots in Ireland The Forty Foot, Glenageary, near Dublin. So instead I give you 10 “great’ Irish swims. From the beach car park in Bundoran, walk north on to Rougey Walk, then take the steps towards the sea stacks. 6 years ago. The closest town to Kerin’s Hole is Milton Malbay and it … So if you’re entertaining kids or entertaining your child-like self this is the place to fly those colourful kites as high as you like. Not only that, but it’s filled with amazing spots to visit. The mile long crescent of sandy beach curving along Ballyholme bay has been a favourite sea bathing spot for generations. Map, The sunny south-east has a near mythic micro-climate: I can remember the distinct smell of porridge and jam wafting through our car window as we drove by strawberry farms. This 5 mile stretch of golden sands is still the essence of the resort and is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation. There's an outdoor pool beside the beach in Newcastle, its mainly for children though. 505 reviews. With breath-taking sea views, this cool and laidback beach side eatery majors on locally caught fresh fish and produce from the owner’s farm. This Blue Flag beach is a firm favourite throughout the year for families, activity … It really has a bit of everything! With seven miles of sandy shoreline from Downhill to where it meets Magilligan Point, Benone Beach forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches and one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland. It really is an everything beach for everyone – sandcastle builders, wave-riders, dog walkers, sun-bathers and sand-walkers. Tyler Koivisto won last year's NI Open at Galgorm Castle Cairndhu Golf Club has been named as the venue for the 2021 Northern Ireland Open. Downhill Beach is situated within the Bineveagh area of outstanding natural beauty and is set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, towering sand dunes and the stunning Mussenden Temple. #1 Best Value of 21 Family Resorts in Ireland “We had a really nice weekend stay at the Skelligs,a really wonderful location, the children in our family enjoyed the pool and the adults enjoyed the gym facilities.” Make a meal out of this full-on beach experience by heading for Harry’s Shack for a bite or two. We've rounded up the best beaches in Belfast in our quest to discover brilliant family attractions and places to visit near you. You’re likely to be the only soul swimming in this tiny cove, with staggering views back towards islet-pocked Clew Bay. Well, Northern Ireland is home to some of the most wonderful beaches in Europe. BenFailsAgain. This swimming spot needs little introduction. A five star, adult-only spa, Monart is a one-stop relaxation shop - guests are encouraged to wear bathrobes and slippers all day, for the ultimate spa break experience. Golden sandy beach with views of The Skerries and Causeway headlands. At the tip is 2km of black, rocky coast great for walking, coasteering or swimming (in places). Once you've cleared the cobwebs with a swim, walk up to local favourite The Snug and warm yourself up with pizza and tapas. It’s located in the River Shannon, with Galway on one side and Offaly on the other. The Forty Foot, Sandycove, Co Dublin. You’ll also find Ballycastle beach backing onto Ballycastle Golf Club, five minutes from the town centre. They lean out over a narrow, deep inlet, making perfect diving platforms. Rathlin Island can be reached by ferry from the pretty harbour town of Ballycastle, worth a few hours in its own right as there is plenty of interest here, not least watching out for the goats that roam the flanks of Fair Head beyond the harbour mouth. The town is also one of the main stopping points on the way to the Giant’s Causeway. Map, On our short ferry journey from Roonah Point on the mainland to this small inhabited island, we were joined by a pod of dolphins. Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. Maintained by the National Trust, Portstewart Strand is an area of stunning natural beauty and of scientific interest. I was joined by actor, comedian and fellow Dubliner Michael O’Reilly. Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. (parking available, National Trust charges apply). Skip to primary content. Often it is a very long breakfast table in one of Northern Ireland’s many hostels. Monaghan is a county on the east coast of Ireland. This award winning beach is located in Ballygally, 10km north of Larne town on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route and is perfect for a short walk to blow the cobwebs away or to build sand castles with the kids or to even enjoy a quick swim! With the temperatures in our lakes and seas rising, there’s no better time to take the plunge 1. A dawn walk here will have the sun rising over the cupola of Mussenden Temple behind you. [email protected]. To buy a copy for £14.39, including UK p&p, go to bookshop.theguardian.com. Posts about Northern Ireland written by wildswims. Known as the ‘raised beach’, it sits near Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Recognised as one of the Ireland's leading spa destinations, Monart is the perfect place for some serious pampering. It is also a favourite for visitors wishing to take part in activities such as surfing, swimming and horse riding. This seaside suburb has a holiday atmosphere thanks to the arcades and promenade that lead towards Blackrock, where a diving platform stretches out into the Atlantic. Generations of teenagers have gathered here in summer to test their nerve by jumping from ever-higher ledges. Each of the 50-odd swims in my book is somebody’s favourite – home of a childhood memory or a deep psychic connection. Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquility and beauty that is so unexpected. But decades of the raging Atlantic seas had washed away safe access to the natural pool at the base of the cliff. “The parish priest, Archdeacon Feeney, complained about us from the altar, but we were brazen and chose to ignore him. The Atlantic could easily be mistaken for the Med at Keem Bay, where the horseshoe of white sands is flanked by velveteen green cliffs.It’s worth the steep drive up and over the clifftops to reach this Blue Flag strand. It holds the prestigious Blue Flag award and is perfect for family fun holidays and picnics. And believe us, that is not all! A natural rock pool, best known as "the Bogey Hole," Giles Baths is just one of many amazing swimming spots found along the coast near Sydney. A long sandy beach which offers enjoyment for all. ... for providing a fantastic venue, friendly and helpful staff. Dublin’s commuter trains run south to this famous swimming spot, below a Martello tower in which the opening chapter of Ulysses is set. You can get up close to the seals and, if you’re lucky, porpoises and dolphins. 9. Kerin’s Hole is reached along the cliff walk on the right side of the beach.

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