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Portstewart Strand
Miles of golden sand
118 Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG
Opening times for 28 November 2023
Asset Opening time Beach Dawn - Dusk Car Park Closed Toilet 11:00 - 14:30 Opening times may vary due to weather conditions. Last admission for vehicles is one hour before closing time. Toilets may be open more than stated. Changing Places facilities are open only on Saturday and Sunday up to 1 April.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Car £4.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
For the safety of all visitors and the safety of our team, all cars must leave the beach by time indicated at entrance. After this time the beach will be closed for access. There is no towing service available.
Toilet
Dogs
Dog area open from marker post 10. All dogs must be kept on leads at all times in all other areas.
All dogs welcome, including Assistance Dogs. We ask that dogs are kept on leads between posts one and ten which are marked out on the beach. Variable mobile phone reception. Blue badge parking.
Accessible toilet
Wheelchairs available
Inclusive beach, to book the equipment please follow https://www.maemurrayfoundation.org/projects/inclusive-beaches/
Changing Places
By road
Portstewart Strand is a few minutes drive from the centre of Portstewart. Drive time from Belfast: 1.15 hrs
Parking: You don’t need to book but car parking space on the beach is limited. Contactless card payments only. Members park for free.
By train
Coleraine train station is closest. You'll need to get a bus connection, as it is 5 miles away.
By bus
140 service from Coleraine, alight at Strand Corner (connections from Belfast via route 218)
118 Strand Road, Portstewart, County Londonderry, BT55 7PG
Planning your visit
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Visiting Portstewart Strand with your dog
Dogs are welcome on Portstewart Strand and with two miles of golden sand to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities for walking and splashing along the beach. Portstewart Strand is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Beach
Known locally as 'The Strand', this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches.
Wildlife -rich sand dunes
6,000 year-old sand dunes declared as an Area of Special Scientific Interest.
Inclusive Beach
Portstewart Strand is proud to be an Inclusive Beach. Working in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, Inclusive Beaches provide access, parking, disabled toilets and a beach equipment loan scheme. Toilets offer hoisting and adult sized changing bench facilities – to full Changing Places standard whenever possible. To find out more and book the beach equipment, please visit the Mae Murray Foundation website.
Sauna Experience
New for summer 2023, enjoy a Sauna and Sea experience on Portstewart Strand. This authentic wood-fired Finnish style sauna lets visitors enjoy golden sunsets, chilly mornings, blue skies, and storms all whilst basking in the rejuvenating heat of the sauna. To find out more and book, please visit the Sauna and Sea website.
Things to see and do
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Things to do at Portstewart Strand
Spend the day on one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. Venture out for a walk along the strand, wander through the 6,000-year-old dunes and spot seasonal wildlife.
Trail
Portstewart Strand: dune and estuary walk
Follow a trail through 6,000 year-old sand dunes to the river edge at the Bann Estuary with colourful wild flowers and wildlife to enjoy on the route.
Coast-beaches
Northern Ireland boasts a world-class coastal route. From the rugged headland at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne to the gently rolling dune landscape of Murlough National Nature Reserve, there are world-famous landmarks and hidden gems to discover along the way. With the famous rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant's Causeway, enjoy bucket list adventures on the north coast of Ireland
About Portstewart Strand
Sweeping along the edge of the North Coast, this two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland's finest beaches and affords views of Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple perched on the cliffs above. It is an ideal place for lazy picnics, surfing and long walks into the sand dunes, where wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze and common blue and dark green fritillary butterflies abound.
Its precious habitat is an important nature conservation site with way-marked trails. Nearby, the Bann Estuary is a sanctuary for waterfowl and wading birds like curlew and redshank. Exploring the hide on the west side of the River Bann also provides endless opportunity to witness the spectacle of birds.
Our work
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Our work at Portstewart Strand
Discover how we look after the 6,000-year-old sand dunes at Portstewart Strand which provides a diverse habitat for rare plants and native wildlife.
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Film and TV at Portstewart Strand
From historic castles to wild coastline, follow in the footsteps of the Starks and Lannisters with a visit to some of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Portstewart Strand.