About This Place

Widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland, Portstewart Strand is a long sandy beach perfect for sand castles, beach games, and picnicking. It stretches for two miles and is popular with walkers, surfers, horse-riders and bird watchers. --> The views from this 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. This National Trust-owned beach is in an Area of Special Scientific Interest, making it 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, some as high as 100 feet. 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. Facilities are quite basic, although there is a food outlet right on the beach. Public toilets are also available. There is no lifeguard at this location. Cars are allowed on the sand: there is a charge of around £7 as of 2021 (free for National Trust members). A pedestrian only path leads from the town.

💡 Our Take

Nestled in the picturesque town of Portstewart, The Strand Beach in County Londonderry offers a delightful escape for dog lovers. This expansive beach is a canine paradise, allowing dogs to frolic freely year-round on its soft, golden sands. Perfect for big dogs needing room to roam and puppies eager to explore, its gentle waves ensure safe, playful swims. Ample parking close by makes accessibility a breeze. While no restrictions dampen the fun, be mindful of strong tides further out. DogParkUK wholeheartedly recommends The Strand for a joyous day of paws and play, keeping your furry friends' tails wagging with delight!