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5 of the best beaches at the Causeway Coast and Glens
Ballycastle Beach
(7.5 miles from The Ferns)
This is a popular beach stretching approximately 1.2 kilometres from the pier at Ballycastle Marina at the western end, to Pans Rock in the east. The beach is mostly sand with some shingle. It backs on to Ballycastle Golf Course and there is a promenade at the western end. It is only 5 minutes from the town centre.
The RNLI Beach Lifeguards provide a seasonal lifeguard service.
Ballycastle beach attained the Seaside Award in 2020.
Facilities include:
Car parking
Child friendly areas,
Visitor Information Centre
Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 11am – 7pm daily)
Dogs are permitted (restrictions apply 1st June – 15th Sept)
Wheelchair access
Disabled toilets and disabled parking
Waterfoot Beach
(17 miles from The Ferns)
Waterfoot Beach is a popular tourist destination at the foot of Glenariff Glen. It is approximately 1 km in length and comprised entirely of sand. The bathing area is backed by dunes which run the length of the beach with Waterfoot village at the northern end. There are no lifeguards on duty at any time.
Waterfoot Beach achieved the Seaside Award in 2019
Facilities include:
Car parking
Toilets
Whitepark Bay
(9.4 miles from The Ferns)
White Park Bay is a stunning, sweeping sandy beach located in the small village of Ballintoy.
Its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is plenty of room for quiet relaxation. The beach is also backed by ancient sand dunes which provide a range of rich habitats for bird and animal life. It is run by the National Trust.
Look out for Elephant Rock – legend claims that this in fact is a woolly mammoth that tried to escape a volcanic eruption.
Cows also wonder onto the beach and sand dunes at certain times of the year and are extensively photographed by passersby.
Facilities:
Car parking
There are no toilets.
The beach is unsafe for swimming due to dangerous rip currents.
Salmon Rock Beach, Portballintrae
(14 miles from The Ferns)
Salmon Rock Beach is a small sandy beach located in the heart of this seaside village. It is mainly a sandy area with a rocky shoreline at either end and enclosed by offshore rocks. This is a very enclosed beach, popular with families and small children.
Swimming is generally not encouraged due to challenging conditions. There is no Lifeguard Service at this beach.
Facilities include:
Car parking
Disabled toilets and disabled parking
Toilets
Shop
Portstewart Strand
(22 miles from The Ferns)
This is a two-mile stretch of golden sand and is one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. It is run by the National Trust. Designated as an area of special scientific interest, the Strand is an important nature conservation area with a variety of plant and wildlife.
Cars are permitted on the beach.
Facilities
Car parking
Toilets
Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (24 June-03 September daily)
Downhill Beach
(24 miles from The Ferns)
Downhill Beach is part of an 11km/7 mile stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out. It frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2019.
Cars are permitted on this beach throughout the year.
Downhill beach and dunes is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the quality of the sand dunes and associated flora and fauna. The prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland offering breath-taking views of the North Coast.
Facilities:
On-beach free car parking (please take note of tidal and soft sand conditions)
Toilets at beach entrance
The Ferns is a spacious self-catering property run by husband-and-wife team Will and Lesley-Ann Gray. It is located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the village of Armoy and is only a 5-minute walk to all the local amenities including shops, restaurants, bars, post office and petrol station.