Benone Strand: Seven Miles of Sand on the North Derry Coast
Benone Strand is seven miles of flat, hard, golden sand on the north Derry coast, backed by dunes and with Mussenden Temple visible on the cliff above. It holds Blue Flag status, has lifeguards in summer, and is rarely crowded - the north coast tourism traffic concentrates further east around Portrush and the Giant's Causeway, leaving Benone to the people who know about it. This is one of the best beaches in Ireland and one of the least visited by international tourists. If you are visiting County Derry in summer, rearrange your plans to include it.
What to Expect
The main access is from the car park at the eastern end of the beach, near Downhill. From here the sand stretches west for seven miles towards Magilligan Point. The sand is hard and flat - you can walk for miles without sinking, and when the tide is out the beach feels vast.
Looking back east from the beach, Mussenden Temple is visible perched on the cliff above. Looking north across the water, Donegal's Inishowen peninsula is visible. On clear days Scotland appears on the horizon. The combination of scale, light, and relatively empty sand makes this one of the most photogenic beaches in Ireland.
In summer, the eastern section near the car park is lifeguarded and has Blue Flag status. The water is clean but cold - even in August, expect 13-15 degrees. Wetsuits are recommended for anything beyond a quick dip. Surfing conditions can be good when the swell is right.
The dunes behind the beach are an important habitat - stay on marked paths to protect them.
The honest negatives: the water is genuinely cold. If you are from North America and expect swimmable ocean, adjust expectations - this is the North Atlantic. Strong currents exist outside the lifeguarded zone. Facilities are seasonal only - visit in October and there are no toilets, no cafe, no lifeguards, nothing. Jellyfish appear in late summer. And the beach is remote - you need a car to get here, there is no public transport, and the nearest town with shops or restaurants is Limavady (15 minutes drive).
How to Get There
Benone Strand is on the A2 coast road between Coleraine and Limavady. From Derry city, about 30-35 minutes east. From Limavady, about 15 minutes north. From Belfast, about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The beach car park is well signposted from the A2. Parking is GBP 5 in summer (free in winter).
There is no public transport to the beach. Downhill station on the Belfast-Derry rail line is about 2 km from the eastern end - walkable but not convenient with beach gear.
Combine with Mussenden Temple (5 minutes drive, directly above the beach) for a full coast morning.
Where to Stay Nearby
Limavady (15 min) is the nearest town with hotels. Derry city (35 min) has the widest range. See the County Derry hub for options.
Near Limavady, 15 minutes from the beach. One of the best hotels in the north with spa and golf. My pick for a north coast base.
Check availability →What Else is Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
