Seaside classics in Northern Ireland include Whiterocks Beach and its dramatic limestone cliffs, White Park Bay with its wild, isolated arc and resident cattle, and Downhill Beach, famous for the clifftop Mussenden Temple overhead
A lesser-trod spot on the Causeway Coast has been named the world’s third most underrated beach.
Along the 115miles of glorious coastline that make up the northern-most reaches of the country, there are plenty of spots that’ll be familiar to anyone who’s spent time heading to the beach.
Portstewart Strand, with its golden miles and drive-on access, is perhaps the most famous. Other classics include Whiterocks Beach and its dramatic limestone cliffs, White Park Bay with its wild, isolated arc and resident cattle, and Downhill Beach, famous for the clifftop Mussenden Temple overhead
But it’s none of these that have been named the third most underrated in the world.
“Along Northern Ireland’s dramatic Causeway Coast, Castlerock Beach offers a kilometre of golden sand backed by sweeping views and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Whether you’re walking the shoreline or simply taking in the Atlantic views, it’s an easy reminder that some of the best beach days happen away from the spotlight,” writes SkyScanner in its Paradise Guide.
For those who have never been, Castlerock is a lovely, low-key alternative to the bigger-name Causeway Coast spots. It has golden sand, dunes, and enough nearby history and golf to fill a day without ever feeling touristy.
The beach itself is slightly less than a mile of golden sand, with fresh air, breathtaking views and a friendly, low-key atmosphere. It’s a genuine Blue Flag/quality beach, having won the Rural Award Beach Seaside Award in 2014 under Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful’s criteria, according to Visit Portrush.
The dunes that run toward the Lower River Bann Estuary are among the oldest in all of Ireland, which gives the landscape a wild, untouched feel. With or without a pair of binoculars, you’ve a decent chance to spot marine life such as porpoises and seals in the water, plus the beach draws rare seabirds.
Although it doesn’t have the same access as Downhill Beach, Mussenden Temple is nearby. The circular stone building sits dramatically on the cliff edge overlooking Downhill Strand, built in 1785 as a library and open to the public year-round via the National Trust, writes Causewaycoast.
Another nearby point of interest is Hezlett House, which is one of Northern Ireland’s oldest buildings, now run by the National Trust, where you can explore a well-preserved late-1600s cottage and grounds.
For those who like to tee off, Castlerock Golf Club has an 18-hole championship links course right behind the beach and dunes, which is considered one of the oldest and most iconic courses in Northern Ireland.
The beach is surprisingly easy to reach. It’s a two-minute walk north from Castlerock railway station, making it one of the more accessible North Coast beaches if you’re not driving.
Essentially, Castlerock is a quieter, more residential seaside village than Portrush or Portstewart, but with beach, dunes, cliff-top history, and golf all within easy walking distance of each other — and it works well as a stop on a wider Causeway Coast route toward the Giant’s Causeway or Downhill Demesne.
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