Overview
Benone lies on the north‑coast of County Londonderry, forming a highlight of the iconic Causeway Coast. Its flagship attraction, Benone Strand, stretches for seven miles of firm, rock‑free golden sand, framed by the dramatic silhouette of Binevenagh Mountain to the east and the shimmering waters of Lough Foyle to the west. The beach holds the European Blue Flag and the Seaside Award (most recent in 2025) and sits within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation, and an Area of Special Scientific Interest. From the strand visitors can gaze across to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, spot the iconic Mussenden Temple perched on a cliff, and watch the Lough Foyle ferry glide between Magilligan Point and Greencastle.
History & Background
- 1824 – An Ordnance Survey baseline was measured on the beach, a pioneering effort that underpinned the modern mapping of the British Isles.
- 1812 – The nearby Martello Tower at Magilligan Point was erected as part of Napoleonic‑era coastal defences.
- 2017 – Benone became Northern Ireland’s first fully inclusive beach, a partnership between the Mae Murray Foundation and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council that provides free mobility‑aid equipment and specialist access for visitors with limited mobility.
- The strand is protected as part of the Binevenagh AONB, the Magilligan SAC, and an AONSI, recognising its ecological importance and the rare dune habitats it supports.
What to See & Do
Beach leisure
- Sun‑bathing, picnics and swimming in designated zones.
- Seasonal RNLI lifeguards (July–August, 10 am‑6 pm).
Watersports
- Jet‑skiing, kite‑surfing, power‑kiting, stand‑up paddle‑boarding and surfing (Long Line Surf School operates on‑site).
- Designated zones keep swimmers safe while thrill‑seekers ride the Atlantic swell.
Nature & wildlife
- Umbra Dune Grasslands – a protected Ulster Wildlife Trust reserve home to rare orchids, adder‑tongue fern, moonwort, butterflies, moths and bees.
- Birdwatchers can spot skylarks, mistle thrushes and occasional seabirds; seals and porpoises are sometimes seen offshore.
Walking & hiking
- Benone‑to‑Magilligan coastal walk – 8.79 km, easy, about 3 hours, passing dunes, the Umbra Burn and offering vistas of Downhill Strand, Mussenden Temple and Donegal.
- Longer cliff‑top routes lead to Binevenagh, Magilligan Point and the historic Mussenden Temple.
Golf & sport
- 9‑hole par‑3 Benone Golf Club with practice range, plus a putting green, crazy golf and seasonal tennis courts.
Family facilities
- Outdoor heated splash pool (June‑August), indoor games room, bouncy castle and children’s play area.
- Cafés and a shop at the beach entrance – Waves Bistro and Sea Shed.
Cultural & heritage sites
- Mussenden Temple, Downhill Strand, Magilligan Point Martello Tower and the Lough Foyle Ferry to Greencastle (Donegal).
Inclusive Beach Services
- Free membership for users of limited mobility.
- Loan of all‑terrain wheelchairs and other mobility aids (available July‑August, pre‑booking required – email info@maemurrayfoundation.org).
- Accessible toilets and dedicated disabled‑friendly pathways.
Nearby attractions
- Binevenagh – The mountain backdrop offers panoramic walks and a visitor centre; reachable via the coastal path.
- Magilligan Point – Home to the historic Martello Tower and a popular launch point for the Lough Foyle ferry.
- Downhill – Adjacent beach and the striking Mussenden Temple, ideal for a short detour.
- Ballymacran Coastal Walk – A scenic route along Lough Foyle that links to Benone’s dunes and provides further bird‑watching opportunities.
Visitor tips
- Best time to visit – July and August give lifeguard cover, full water‑sports programmes and the inclusive‑beach mobility‑aid service. Early summer and early autumn are quieter but still offer excellent walking conditions.
- Dog‑friendly – Dogs are permitted on the strand outside the designated swimming zones; keep them on a lead during the busy season.
- Parking – A free on‑site car park (approximately 300 spaces) includes disabled bays close to the beach entrance. No charge is applied, but peak‑season may be busy.
- Public transport – Ulsterbus routes connect Derry/Londonderry and Limavady with a stop at the Benone Tourist Complex.
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 is clear.
- Public transport – Regular Ulsterbus services run between Derry/Londonderry and Limavady, with a stop at the Benone Tourist Complex.
Facilities & opening times
- Tourist complex open year‑round; splash pool, bouncy castle and indoor games room operate June‑August.
- Lifeguard service: July–August, 10 am‑6 pm.
- Parking: free on‑site car park (capacity ~300 vehicles) with disabled bays close to the beach entrance.
Contact & further info
- Tourist complex: 028 7775 0555
- Inclusive beach enquiries: info@maemurrayfoundation.org
- Official website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/benone-strand-p675611
Benone’s blend of golden sands, sweeping dunes, award‑winning accessibility and a wealth of activities makes it a standout stop on any Causeway Coast itinerary.