Overview
Benone Strand is a seven‑mile expanse of soft, golden sand on Northern Ireland’s iconic Causeway Coast. Recognised repeatedly with the European Blue Flag and the Seaside Award, the beach boasts pristine, firm shores framed by the rugged silhouette of Binevenagh mountain to the east and the sweeping waters of Lough Foyle to the west. From the strand you can gaze across to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, spot the dramatic Mussenden Temple perched on a cliff, and watch the ferry glide between Magilligan Point and Greencastle.
History & Background
The strand’s history is woven into the landscape. In 1824 an Ordnance Survey baseline was measured here, laying the groundwork for modern mapping of the British Isles. The nearby Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, built in 1812, reminds visitors of the Napoleonic‑era coastal defences that once guarded the north‑west approaches. In 2017 Benone became the first fully inclusive beach in Northern Ireland, partnering with the Mae Murray Foundation to provide mobility aids and specialist equipment for visitors with limited mobility. The area is also part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation, underscoring its ecological importance.
What to See & Do
- Watersports – The consistent Atlantic swell makes Benone a hotspot for surfing, kite‑surfing, jet‑skiing and power‑kiting. Designated zones keep swimmers safe while thrill‑seekers ride the waves.
- Walking & Wildlife – The Umbra Dune Grasslands, a protected Ulster Wildlife Trust reserve, lies between the Benone Tourist Complex and Downhill Beach. Here dune grasslands, wetter slacks and a small hazel copse host rare orchids, adder‑tongue ferns, moonwort, and a flutter of butterflies, moths and bees. Birdwatchers can spot skylarks, mistle thrushes and occasional seals or porpoises offshore.
- Heritage Sites – A short walk north leads to Downhill Beach and the iconic Mussenden Temple, while the 19th‑century Martello Tower at Magilligan Point offers a glimpse of coastal military history. The Lough Foyle Ferry provides a scenic 15‑minute crossing to Greencastle in County Donegal, linking the Causeway Coastal Route to the Wild Atlantic Way.
- Family Fun – The Benone Tourist Complex delivers tennis courts, an outdoor heated splash pool, a bouncy castle, indoor games, cafés and a shop. The adjacent Benone Holiday & Leisure Park adds glamping lodges, a 9‑hole par‑3 golf course, crazy golf and a putting green.
- Events – During July and August the beach hosts a seasonal events programme, ranging from surf competitions to community festivals, all under the watchful eye of lifeguards.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Car – From Belfast follow the M2 to the A26/A2 Causeway Coastal Route; the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Derry/Londonderry head south on the A6 to Limavady, then continue north on the A2 (Seacoast Road) for 12 miles. Signage for Benone Strand appears near the Benone Holiday & Leisure Park.
- Public Transport – The nearest major rail stop is Coleraine station, served by trains from Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. From Coleraine, Ulsterbus route 124 stops at the Benone Beach entrance. Translink’s Journey Planner (https://journeyplanner.translink.co.uk) provides up‑to‑date timetables.
- Airports – Belfast International (35 mi) and City of Derry (15 mi) are the closest airports.
Parking & Access
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Main car park | Free, located behind the beach entrance near the Tourist Complex. Disabled spaces available. |
| On‑beach parking | Permitted on compacted sand where tide permits; monitor tide times to avoid being cut off. |
| Charges | Occasionally provider‑specific; check signage or the JustPark app for real‑time payment requirements. |
Lifeguard & Seasonal Rules
| Season | Lifeguard presence |
|---|---|
| High season (July – August, early September) | Lifeguards on duty during daylight hours |
| Rest of year | No lifeguard service |
Dogs are allowed on the strand but a seasonal dog‑free zone applies from May to September; lead‑walking is required outside that period.
Accessibility Benone was the first beach in Northern Ireland to offer full inclusivity. Mobility aids and specialist equipment are available on‑site. The Visitor Centre and shop are wheelchair‑accessible, and disabled toilets and parking are provided near the main car park. One of the glamping lodges is specially adapted for guests with disabilities.
Facilities & Services
- Toilets and disabled toilets at the beach entrance and Tourist Complex.
- Refreshments at Waves Bistro, Sea Shed Coffee Shop and the on‑site café.
- Showers (small charge) and washing/drying facilities for campers.
- Electricity supply to caravan and motorhome pitches (no extra charge for touring pitches).
- Free Wi‑Fi throughout the Holiday & Leisure Park.
Admission Entry to the beach is free of charge.
Nearby Attractions
- Mussenden Temple – Cliff‑top folly with panoramic sea views.
- Magelligan Martello Tower – Historic coastal defence.
- Downhill Beach – Adjacent golden sand with its own lifeguard service.
- Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery, Glenarm – All within a short drive along the Causeway Coast.
Contact & Further Information
- Website: https://www.causewaycoast.guide/locations/benone-strand
- Phone: 028 7775 0555 (Benone Holiday & Leisure Park reception)
- Visitor Centre: Provides local tourism literature and maps.
Enjoy the blend of unspoiled nature, adventure sport, and historic charm that makes Benone Strand one of Ireland’s most beloved coastal gems.