About This Place

Crawfordsburn is a pleasant, sandy beach, flanked by rocks and backed by Crawfordsburn Country Park, with views out across Belfast Lough towards Carrickfergus. --> The beach is gently sloped and has excellent water quality, making bathing a popular pastime here. However, there is a safety warning sign that all visitors should take notice of before entering the water. At low tide, there are many opportunities to explore rockpools in search of marine wildlife. The beach is not particularly wide, and the sand almost disappears at high tide. A pathway runs behind the beach, in front of the wooded country park. The Crawfordsburn Country Park offers plenty of wonderful opportunities for walking through the tranquil woods, and features a stunning waterfall. There is free parking at the country park, as well as public toilets and a café. Further facilities, including a golf course, and a railway station with frequent services to Belfast, can be found in the nearby town of Helen’s Bay, and in Crawfordsburn village, about half a mile from the beach. For more extensive facilities, Bangor is just a few miles east of the beach.

💡 Our Take

Looking for a dog-friendly beach in Northern Ireland? We at DogParkUK recommend Crawfordsburn Beach! Your furry friends are welcome year-round, making it paw-fect for off-season adventures. The gently sloping sandy beach is ideal for playful pups. There are car parks nearby, though bathroom facilities are basic. It’s generally safe for swimming (check tide times!). Our tip? Keep a close eye on your dog near the water's edge as currents can be strong. Crawfordsburn is best suited for dogs of all sizes and energy levels who love a good splash. Go explore!