Overview
Benone Strand is one of the most expansive and accessible stretches of coastline in Northern Ireland. Running along the north coast of County Londonderry, this seven-mile ribbon of firm, rock-free sand forms a central highlight of the Causeway Coast. To the east, the dramatic silhouette of Binevenagh Mountain frames the horizon, while to the west, the calm waters of Lough Foyle offer sweeping views across to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula. The beach carries both the European Blue Flag and the Seaside Award, reflecting its high standards for water quality, safety, and environmental management. It also sits within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation, protecting the rare dune ecosystems that rise behind the shoreline.
A Beach Built for Everyone
Benone holds a significant place in the UK’s accessibility landscape. In 2017, a partnership between the Mae Murray Foundation and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council transformed it into Northern Ireland’s first fully inclusive beach. During the peak season (July–August), visitors with limited mobility can borrow specialist all-terrain wheelchairs, track chairs, and beach wheelchairs at no cost. Pre-booking is recommended via info@maemurrayfoundation.org. The site also features accessible toilets, dedicated disabled parking bays close to the entrance, and a wheelchair-friendly glamping lodge, making it a practical and welcoming destination for multi-generational groups and families.
What to Do & See
Watersports & Beach Leisure
The Atlantic swell rolling into Lough Foyle creates reliable conditions for a range of watersports. Long Line Surf School operates on-site, offering lessons and equipment hire for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and power-kiting. Jet-skiing and kite-surfing are also popular, with clearly marked zones that keep thrill-seekers separate from swimmers and families. For a quieter day, the sand is ideal for sunbathing, beachcombing, or packing a picnic. A seasonal RNLI lifeguard service runs daily from 10 am to 6 pm during July and August, ensuring monitored swimming areas.
Walking the Dunes & Cliffs
The coastal path from Benone to Magilligan Point is a favourite among walkers. Covering roughly 8.8 kilometres, the route is graded as easy and typically takes around three hours. It winds through grassy dunes, crosses the Umbra Burn, and passes vantage points with clear views of Downhill Strand and the iconic Mussenden Temple perched on a cliff edge. Longer routes branch off toward Binevenagh Mountain and the historic Martello Tower, rewarding hikers with panoramic coastal vistas.
Wildlife & Nature Reserves
Behind the main strand lies the Umbra Dune Grasslands, a protected Ulster Wildlife Trust reserve. The area supports a surprising variety of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, adder’s-tongue fern, moonwort, and specialist pollinators like butterflies and native bees. Birdwatchers frequently spot skylarks and mistle thrushes nesting in the dune grasses, while offshore, seals and porpoises occasionally break the surface. The Lough Foyle ferry, which runs between Magilligan Point and Greencastle, offers another vantage point for marine wildlife spotting.
History & Heritage
Benone’s shoreline has long served practical and strategic purposes. In 1824, surveyors laid an Ordnance Survey baseline directly on the beach. This pioneering measurement formed the mathematical foundation for the modern mapping of the British Isles, marking the strand as an unintended piece of cartographic history. A few miles east, the 1812 Martello Tower at Magilligan Point stands as a reminder of Napoleonic-era coastal defences. Today, the area’s historical significance is layered with its ecological protections, including its designation as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
Facilities & Visitor Tips
The Benone Tourist Complex provides a solid base for visitors. An outdoor heated splash pool, indoor games room, bouncy castle, and children’s play area operate from June to August. Food and drink are available at Waves Bistro and the Sea Shed café near the entrance. Dogs are welcome on the strand outside designated swimming zones, though keeping them on a lead during the busy summer months is appreciated. The free on-site car park holds around 300 vehicles, with disabled bays positioned close to the beach access point. Arriving early on weekends or bank holiday Mondays helps secure a spot.
Getting There
By car, Benone is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Belfast. Take the M2 to the A26/A2 Causeway Coastal Route, following signs for Limavady and Benone. From Derry/Londonderry, head south on the A6 to Limavady, then continue north on the A2 (Seacoast Road) for about 12 miles. Clear signage directs you to the tourist complex and car park. For those using public transport, Ulsterbus routes connect Derry/Londonderry and Limavady, with a stop at the Benone Tourist Complex.
Check the local tide tables before planning a beach walk or dune exploration. Low tide reveals extensive sand flats perfect for photography and shell collecting, while high tide pushes the Atlantic right to the dune grasses. Booking mobility aids in advance during July and August ensures a smooth arrival, and the visitor centre desk can provide up-to-date weather and swell forecasts for watersports.