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RNKI rescue craft, DownhillDownhill Strand, Causeway Coast and Glens District

Northern Ireland beaches

Which Northern Ireland beach is best right now? 22 beaches ranked by live weather, wind, waves and water temperature.

Updated 7:17 am local timeScores from Open-Meteo forecasts, refreshed hourlyColors follow the lifeguard flags

Top 3 right now

It is dark there now, so these are ranked by their best stretch next.

  1. Exposed beach north of Bay View House - geograph.org.uk - 229795314.2Fairlater

    Beach - Costa del Ceanfield

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 4 pm later
    Air
    7°C45°F
    Water
    13°C55°F
    Wind
    26 km/h16 mph
    Waves
    1.0 m3 ft
    Tomorrow, hour by hourBest 6 pm, 1.6
  2. RNKI rescue craft, Downhill23.6Poorlater

    Downhill Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later
    Air
    8°C46°F
    Water
    12°C53°F
    Wind
    11 km/h7 mph
    Waves
    0.7 m2 ft
    Tomorrow, hour by hourBest 4 pm, 1.5
  3. The Big Blue Surf Competition at Benone Beach33.6Poorlater

    Magilligan - Benone Strand

    Northern Ireland

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later
    Air
    8°C46°F
    Water
    12°C53°F
    Wind
    11 km/h7 mph
    Waves
    0.7 m2 ft
    Tomorrow, hour by hourBest 4 pm, 1.5

Northern Ireland today

It is dark across Northern Ireland right now: 0 of 22 scored beaches look good later, water is 12 to 14°C53 to 56°F. Read at 7:17 am; everything below is computed from that reading.

Northern Northern Ireland

10 of 10 beaches scored, 0 good now

2.1PoorAverage Beach ScoreBest: Downhill Strand, 3.6
Water
13°C55°F
Wind
19 km/h12 mph
Waves
1.1 m4 ft
Better right now

Southern Northern Ireland

12 of 12 beaches scored, 0 good now

3.0PoorAverage Beach ScoreBest: Beach - Costa del Ceanfield, 4.2
Water
13°C56°F
Wind
24 km/h15 mph
Waves
0.7 m2 ft

  • Warmest water

    14°C56°F

    Browns bay walk

    Northern Ireland. 0.6°1.1° above the Northern Ireland average. Score 3.3 Poor.

  • Calmest sea

    0.4 m1 ft waves

    Brompton Bay

    Ards and North Down District. Wind 15 km/h9 mph. Level with 1 other beach.

Best hours

The best hour left today is 6 pm (2.6); the weakest is 12 pm (1.1).

No stretch reaches a good score.

7 to 10, green flag4 to 7, yellowUnder 4, redAverage of the scored beaches, each hour

All Northern Ireland beaches

Filter by what you need, sort by what matters today, and hover a row to find it on the map.

22 beaches listed · 22 of 22 scored live

  1. Exposed beach north of Bay View House - geograph.org.uk - 2297953

    Beach - Costa del Ceanfield

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    4.2Fairlater

    Small waves, breezy and 13°C55°F water.

    • Water13°C55°F
    • Air7°C45°F
    • Wind26 km/h16 mph
    • Waves1.0 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 4 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  2. RNKI rescue craft, Downhill

    Downhill Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    3.6Poorlater

    Small waves, light wind and 12°C53°F water.

    • Water12°C53°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind11 km/h7 mph
    • Waves0.7 m2 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  3. The Big Blue Surf Competition at Benone Beach

    Magilligan - Benone Strand

    Northern Ireland

    3.6Poorlater

    Small waves, light wind and 12°C53°F water.

    • Water12°C53°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind11 km/h7 mph
    • Waves0.7 m2 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  4. Brown's Bay, beach - geograph.org.uk - 5847310

    Browns bay walk

    Northern Ireland

    3.3Poorlater

    Small waves, strong wind and 14°C56°F water.

    • Water14°C56°F
    • Air9°C49°F
    • Wind32 km/h20 mph
    • Waves0.5 m2 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  5. Brompton Road, Bangor. The end of the road from 876299 . The North Down Coastal Path and shoreline of Belfast Lough lies beyond the gate.

    Brompton Bay

    Ards and North Down District

    3.1Poorlater

    Flat water, gentle breeze and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air9°C47°F
    • Wind15 km/h9 mph
    • Waves0.4 m1 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet

  6. Skippingstone Beach

    Ards and North Down District

    3.1Poorlater

    Flat water, gentle breeze and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air9°C47°F
    • Wind15 km/h9 mph
    • Waves0.4 m1 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  7. Mourne Mountains, Ireland, the Mourne AONB was designated in 1986.

    Rossglass Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    3.1Poorlater

    Small waves, gentle breeze and 12°C54°F water.

    • Water12°C54°F
    • Air7°C44°F
    • Wind18 km/h11 mph
    • Waves1.0 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  8. Tyrella beach near Downpatrick Tyrella beach is a mixture of firm sand pebbles. There are caravan sites close by and it can be a busy spot during the summer. Today it was popular with kite surfers.

    Tyrella Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    2.9Poorlater

    Small waves, breezy and 12°C54°F water.

    • Water12°C54°F
    • Air7°C44°F
    • Wind21 km/h13 mph
    • Waves1.0 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  9. Beach, Ballyhornan - geograph.org.uk - 6580116

    Gilpin Harbour

    Northern Ireland

    2.8Poorlater

    1.1 m3 ft waves, breezy and 13°C55°F water.

    • Water13°C55°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind25 km/h15 mph
    • Waves1.1 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 5 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  10. The Loughshore at Jordanstown (1). See 637976 . The loughshore at Jordanstown (to the north) is similar. There is a path which leaves the shore at top right.

    jordanstown beach

    Northern Ireland

    2.8Poorlater

    Flat water, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind25 km/h16 mph
    • Waves0.4 m1 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  11. The Loughshore, Whiteabbey (7). See 638039 . The view, from Hazelbank, across the shore towards Helen's Bay and Carnalea.

    Newtownabbey Bay (Hazelbank) Beach

    Northern Ireland

    2.8Poorlater

    Flat water, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind25 km/h16 mph
    • Waves0.4 m1 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  12. TimelapseThe Farmhill Road, Holywood A residential road running from the Bangor Road J4179 : The Bangor - Belfast road at Marino to the shore near Seapark J4079 : "Sea Park" sign, Holywood (behind me).

    Seapark Beach

    Ards and North Down District

    2.8Poorlater

    Flat water, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind25 km/h16 mph
    • Waves0.4 m1 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  13. Rocks on the beach at Kilclief

    Kilclief Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    2.7Poorlater

    1.1 m3 ft waves, breezy and 13°C55°F water.

    • Water13°C55°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind28 km/h18 mph
    • Waves1.1 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  14. Soft sandy beach at Mill Quarter Bay

    Mill Quarter Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    2.7Poorlater

    1.1 m3 ft waves, breezy and 13°C55°F water.

    • Water13°C55°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind28 km/h18 mph
    • Waves1.1 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  15. East Strand, Portrush

    East Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    2.1Poorlater

    Small waves, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air9°C48°F
    • Wind21 km/h13 mph
    • Waves0.9 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  16. Portrush - West Strand All the houses at the end of the beach are in the neighbouring squares of C8539 and C8439 . In summer this beach is covered with families.

    West Strand

    Northern Ireland

    2.1Poorlater

    Small waves, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air9°C48°F
    • Wind21 km/h13 mph
    • Waves0.9 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  17. Castlerock beach looking towards Portstewart Never a crowded strand, Castlerock on a warm July day.

    Castlerock Beach

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    1.9Poorlater

    Small waves, breezy and 12°C54°F water.

    • Water12°C54°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind21 km/h13 mph
    • Waves0.9 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • Free parking
  18. Portstewart Strand, Co. Derry / Londonderry This beach belongs to the National Trust

    Portstewart Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    1.9Poorlater

    Small waves, breezy and 12°C54°F water.

    • Water12°C54°F
    • Air8°C46°F
    • Wind21 km/h13 mph
    • Waves0.9 m3 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  19. The western end of Whitepark Strand

    White Park Bay

    Northern Ireland

    1.7Poorlater

    1.5 m5 ft waves, gentle breeze and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind17 km/h11 mph
    • Waves1.5 m5 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  20. Drain, Portballintrae

    Portballintrae Beach

    Northern Ireland

    1.5Poorlater

    1.5 m5 ft waves, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind25 km/h15 mph
    • Waves1.5 m5 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  21. View south-westwards along Bushfoot Strand

    Runkerry Stand (Bushfoot)

    Northern Ireland

    1.5Poorlater

    1.5 m5 ft waves, breezy and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind25 km/h15 mph
    • Waves1.5 m5 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 6 pm to 7 pm later
    • No facility details on OpenStreetMap yet
  22. Along The Coast From Ballycastle. This photo was taken along the coast from Ballycastle and shows Rathlin Island in the background.

    Ballycastle Beach

    Northern Ireland

    1.4Poorlater

    1.5 m5 ft waves, gentle breeze and 13°C56°F water.

    • Water13°C56°F
    • Air8°C47°F
    • Wind14 km/h9 mph
    • Waves1.5 m5 ft
    TodayTomorrowBest 9 am to 12 pm later
    • Paid parking
Map of Northern Ireland beaches with live score pins

Coastlines: Natural Earth, public domain. Pins are live scores.

7 and up4 to 7Under 4No live score hereHover a beach to find it. Click a group to zoom in.

Northern Ireland by area

Every area we score, with its own read of today and its best beaches ranked. Filters above apply to the list, not to these.

Newry, Mourne and Down District

It is dark in Newry, Mourne and Down District: 0 of 5 scored beaches look good later. Water is 12 to 13°C54 to 55°F. Rossglass Beach is the calmest, with 18 km/h11 mph of wind and 1.0 m3 ft waves.

Dark now. 0 of 5 look good later

Each square is one beach, colored by its live flag.

  • Exposed beach north of Bay View House - geograph.org.uk - 22979534.2Fairlater

    Beach - Costa del Ceanfield

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 4 pm later

  • Mourne Mountains, Ireland, the Mourne AONB was designated in 1986.3.1Poorlater

    Rossglass Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • Tyrella beach near Downpatrick Tyrella beach is a mixture of firm sand pebbles. There are caravan sites close by and it can be a busy spot during the summer. Today it was popular with kite surfers.2.9Poorlater

    Tyrella Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • Rocks on the beach at Kilclief2.7Poorlater

    Kilclief Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • Soft sandy beach at Mill Quarter Bay2.7Poorlater

    Mill Quarter Beach

    Newry, Mourne and Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

See all 5 beaches in Newry, Mourne and Down District

Causeway Coast and Glens District

It is dark in Causeway Coast and Glens District: 0 of 4 scored beaches look good later. Water is 12 to 13°C53 to 56°F. Downhill Strand is the calmest, with 11 km/h7 mph of wind and 0.7 m2 ft waves.

Dark now. 0 of 4 look good later

Each square is one beach, colored by its live flag.

  • RNKI rescue craft, Downhill3.6Poorlater

    Downhill Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • East Strand, Portrush2.1Poorlater

    East Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • Castlerock beach looking towards Portstewart Never a crowded strand, Castlerock on a warm July day.1.9Poorlater

    Castlerock Beach

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • Portstewart Strand, Co. Derry / Londonderry This beach belongs to the National Trust1.9Poorlater

    Portstewart Strand

    Causeway Coast and Glens District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

See all 4 beaches in Causeway Coast and Glens District

Ards and North Down District

It is dark in Ards and North Down District: 0 of 3 scored beaches look good later. Water is 13°C56°F. Brompton Bay is the calmest, with 15 km/h9 mph of wind and 0.4 m1 ft waves.

Dark now. 0 of 3 look good later

Each square is one beach, colored by its live flag.

  • Brompton Road, Bangor. The end of the road from 876299 . The North Down Coastal Path and shoreline of Belfast Lough lies beyond the gate.3.1Poorlater

    Brompton Bay

    Ards and North Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • 3.1Poorlater

    Skippingstone Beach

    Ards and North Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

  • The Farmhill Road, Holywood A residential road running from the Bangor Road J4179 : The Bangor - Belfast road at Marino to the shore near Seapark J4079 : "Sea Park" sign, Holywood (behind me).2.8Poorlater

    Seapark Beach

    Ards and North Down District

    Dark there now. Best 6 pm later

See all 3 beaches in Ards and North Down District

Sub-areas of Northern Ireland

Each square is one beach, colored by its live flag. Outlined squares are in the dark.

Stays near Northern Ireland’s best beaches today

Compare hotels and apartments near the beaches that score best today.

Partner links

Hotel results come from our stays partner. We may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you, and it never changes the beach score.

Northern Ireland beach questions

Answered from today’s data. Numbers change as the forecast does.

What is the best beach in Northern Ireland right now?

Beach - Costa del Ceanfield has the top Beach Score later: 4.2 Fair, with 26 km/h (16 mph) of wind. Scores are ranked from live forecasts, so the order changes through the day.

What is the water temperature in Northern Ireland today?

Sea water is 12 to 14°C (53 to 56°F) across the 22 scored beaches. The warmest is Browns bay walk, at 14°C (56°F).

Where is the sea calmest in Northern Ireland right now?

Brompton Bay has the smallest waves, at 0.4 m (1 ft) with 15 km/h (9 mph) of wind. 1 other beach is level with it.

Which Northern Ireland beaches have lifeguards?

None of the listed beaches carry a lifeguard tag on OpenStreetMap yet. That means we do not know, not that there are none. Follow posted flags and local advice.

What is the best time to go to the beach in Northern Ireland today?

Averaged across the scored beaches, the best hour today is 6 pm, at 2.6 Poor. Each beach page has its own hour-by-hour forecast.

Are there live beach cams in Northern Ireland?

No live cams are listed for Northern Ireland yet. If you run one, you can list it free.

How many beaches does Check the Beach cover in Northern Ireland?

All 22 beaches in our data for Northern Ireland are scored live on this page.

Sources: Open-Meteo weather and marine forecasts; facilities from OpenStreetMap. All sources.

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