Approximate Location Map
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Port Stewart Strand is a sandy two-mile beach backed by sand dunes and the River Bann. The beach is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, making it an important nature conservation area with a variety of plant and wildlife.
The beach is widely regarded as one of the best in Northern Ireland, perfect for sand castles, beach games, and picnicking. It is popular with walkers, surfers, horse-riders, and bird watchers. The views from the beach are stunning, including the Mussenden Temple, high on one of the nearby cliffs. This beach is the start – or end – of the Causeway Coast Way. Items dating back to the Neolithic age have been found in the area, as well as Roman and Bronze Age artefacts.
The beach is a haven for bees, butterflies, and wildflowers, including the rare bee orchid. The impressive sand dunes, some of which are owned by Portstewart Golf Club, are some of the oldest and tallest in Ireland, with some reaching as high as 100 feet.
Facilities are quite basic, although there is a food outlet right on the beach and public toilets are available. There is no lifeguard at this location. Dogs must be kept on leads between zones 1 to 10 to avoid spooking the cattle which graze within the dunes; dogs are allowed off lead past zone 10. Cars are allowed on the sand, with a charge of around £7 as of 2021 (free for National Trust members). A pedestrian-only path leads from the town.
The beach has regularly been awarded Blue Flag Status, making it a firm favourite with holidaymakers. There is plenty to do, from picnics and exploring the dunes to swimming and water sports. Nature lovers can take in the abundant wildlife as the area is home to rare birds, insects, and butterflies.
The beach is owned and managed by the National Trust, and features a children's play area.
Sand
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 48% |
| Min temperature | 9°C |
| feels like | 7°C |
| Wind 10mph |  |
| Tomorrow |
 |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 71% |
| Max temperature | 12°C |
| feels like | 10°C |
| Wind 20mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
The tide at Portstewart Strand Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 11:43 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 5:24 AM tomorrow.
Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low
Campsite
Food available
Toilets
Shops
Access to the beach is ideal for wheelchairs and prams with car parking available on the beach itself.
Dog restrictions apply.
Daily - 18th June - 4th September
Weekends - 30th April - 12th June; 10th - 25th September
Easter Bank Holiday - 25th - 28th March
around 2 miles west as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 3 miles west as the seagull flies, around 12 miles by road.
around 4 miles northeast as the seagull flies, around 5 miles by road.
around 4 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 5 miles west as the seagull flies, around 15 miles by road.
around 6 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 9 miles by road.
around 8 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 20 miles east as the seagull flies, around 24 miles by road.
around 28 miles east as the seagull flies, around 36 miles by road.
around 28 miles east-southeast as the seagull flies, around 34 miles by road.
Coordinates: 55°10'13"N 6°44'20"W
Mapcode: IRL Q3.FYRZ
What 3 Words: regulator.chair.usual
Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.
County: Londonderry
Country: Northern Ireland
Local Authority: Coleraine
Nearest postcode: BT55 7PG
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
