Downhill Beach

Downhill Beach is part of an 11km/7 mile stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out. Downhill Beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025. Cars are permitted on this beach throughout the year. Please heed signage at entrance regarding accumulation of soft wind-blown sand. Downhill beach and dunes, together with Benone and Magilligan beach and dunes, is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the quality of the sand dunes and associated flora and fauna. This special landscape offers opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland. The Temple offers breath-taking views of the North Coast and dramatic 18th century ruins waiting to be explored. It is one of the most scenic strands in Ireland with views to counties Donegal, Antrim and Derry/Londonderry. Facilities include: On-beach free car parking (please take note of tidal and soft sand conditions) Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Serivice (July & August 10am - 6pm daily) Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th September) Horse riding (restrictions apply 1st May – 30th September, permitted before 11am and after 7pm) Toilets at beach entrance Downhill Beach is used in the filming of Game of Thrones® as Dragonstone, where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.” The nearest town to Downhill Beach is Castlerock, a small coastal town offering accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and rail and transport links. Other nearby destinations include the seaside resorts of Portrush and Portstewart.

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Opening times

All year round

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Getting to the start by car

Directions from Town:The nearest town is Castlerock which has excellent road and rail links

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Price from £

Free