Beaches & Coast
Golden sands beneath ancient mountains — where the Mourne Mountains meet the sea
Where Mountains Meet the Sea
The Mourne coastline offers something extraordinary: Blue Flag beaches backed not by distant horizons, but by the dramatic silhouettes of Northern Ireland's highest peaks. Here, ancient dune systems shelter rare wildlife, strong coastal winds draw surfers and kite enthusiasts, and inclusive facilities ensure everyone can experience the joy of sand between their toes.
Blue Flag Excellence
Three Award-Winning Beaches
Murlough Beach
Five miles of golden sand beneath the Mourne Mountains
A vast five-mile golden sand beach nestled dramatically under the Mourne Mountains. Backed by Murlough National Nature Reserve - a 6,000-year-old dune system - this is where wild Atlantic beauty meets ancient landscape.
- Popular for surfing, kite surfing & windsurfing
- Lifeguard service in summer
- Walk to Newcastle past Royal County Down
- Nature reserve access (parking £5/day)
- Dogs on lead in nature reserve
Cranfield Beach
Award-winning accessibility at Carlingford Lough
A Blue Flag beach at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, Cranfield is Northern Ireland's first Designated Inclusive Beach. In partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, the beach offers all-terrain wheelchairs, mobility aids, accessible parking, and Changing Places toilets.
- All-terrain wheelchairs & mobility aids available
- Changing Places toilet facilities
- Lifeguards, showers & children's play area
Tyrella Beach
Perfect for families with gentle waves
Two kilometres of golden sands with 25 hectares of protected dunes. The flat sands and gentle waves make Tyrella ideal for families, while the car-free zone ensures a safe environment for children to play.
- Flat sands, gentle waves - family perfect
- Car-free zone for safety
- Popular for watersports & fishing
Beaches for Everyone
Cranfield Beach is Northern Ireland's first Designated Inclusive Beach. Through partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, the beach offers:
- All-terrain wheelchairs available to hire
- Mobility aids and beach-accessible equipment
- Changing Places toilet facilities
- Free "Beach Hero" summer activities (July-August)
Book accessibility equipment in advance through the Mae Murray Foundation
More to Explore
Other Coastal Gems
Newcastle Beach
2.5km of sand, pebbles and larger stones with a promenade along the seafront. The Mourne Mountains rise dramatically as your backdrop.
Cranfield West
Sandy beach at the Carlingford Lough entrance, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its unique coastal ecology.
Warrenpoint Beach
Nestled alongside the Mourne Mountains on Carlingford Lough shores, offering sheltered waters and mountain views.
Adventure Awaits
Water Sports & Activities
Surfing & Kite Surfing
Murlough and Tyrella offer consistent waves and strong coastal winds perfect for surf sports. Local schools offer lessons for beginners.
SUP & Kayaking
Explore the coastline from the water. Calm days on Carlingford Lough offer perfect conditions for paddleboarding and sea kayaking.
Sailing & Yacht Club
Newcastle Yacht Club welcomes visitors. Join racing events or simply enjoy a day on the water with Mourne views.
Plan Your Beach Day
Everything you need to know for the perfect coastal visit
Best Time to Visit
June-August for warmest weather. September often brings beautiful calm days with fewer crowds.
Parking
Pay & display at most beaches. Murlough Nature Reserve £5/day. Free parking at some smaller beaches.
Lifeguards
Blue Flag beaches staffed June-August. Always check tide times and weather conditions.
Dog Policies
Restrictions vary by beach and season. Dogs on lead in Murlough Nature Reserve year-round.
Accessibility
Cranfield Beach offers all-terrain wheelchairs and Changing Places facilities - book in advance.
Tides
Large tidal range exposes vast sandy flats at low tide. Check times for best beach experience.
Murlough Nature Reserve
One of Ireland's oldest nature reserves protects a 6,000-year-old sand dune system stretching behind Murlough Beach. This remarkable landscape is home to extraordinary biodiversity:
Keep watch for seals basking on sandbanks, porpoises in the bay, and migrating birds that use the reserve as a vital stopover. The boardwalk trails offer wildlife viewing without disturbing this fragile habitat.
Coastal Stories
Plan Your Visit
Ready-made trip plans to make the most of your visit.
Ready for the Beach?
Explore the scenic Mourne Coastal Route connecting golden beaches, fishing villages, and breathtaking mountain views.