Northern Ireland’s bathing waters ranked: See how your local beach scored

Before you head to one of Northern Ireland’s 33 designated bathing sites this summer, find out how each beach has scored in the latest official water quality assessment from DAERA

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As Northern Ireland basks in more gloriously sunny weather this weekend, many will be opting for a trip to the beach.

But before you take a dip in one of NI’s 33 designated bathing sites. to cool down, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re swimming in.

Bathing waters are bodies of water where swimming and other recreational activities are common, and whose quality is monitored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

Northern Ireland’s bathing season begins on June 1 and ends on September 15 each year. DAERA is responsible for making sure that coastal waters are of high enough quality to bathe in. The goal is to ensure safe bathing conditions by providing information on water quality to the public and taking action to address pollution.

The Quality of Bathing Water Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008 sets quality standards for bathing water. Bathing water quality is monitored by DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division. One of its responsibilities is to ensure coastal waters are of high enough quality for the general public to bathe in.

During the bathing season, the water quality is assessed on 20 different occasions. Water samples are collected and analysed by DAERA Marine and Fisheries Division.

The sites’ water quality is ranked on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being excellent, 2 being good, 3 being satisfactory and 4 meaning temporary advice has been issued against bathing due to faecal indication.

Here’s how the 33 identified bathing waters have scored with data from July 8:

Antrim Coast

Ballycastle – Excellent

Waterfoot- Excellent

Carnlough- Excellent

Ballygally- Excellent

Brown’s Bay- Excellent

Cushendall – Excellent

Drain’s Bay – Excellent

Portmuck – Excellent

North Coast

Magilligan Benone – Excellent

Magilligan Downhill – Excellent

Castlerock – Excellent

Portstewart – Excellent

Portrush Mill (West Strand) – Excellent

Portrush Curran (East Strand) – Excellent

Portrush White Rocks – Excellent

Portballintrae Salmon Rock – Excellent

North Down

Helen’s Bay – Excellent

Crawfordsburn – Excellent

Ballyholme – Excellent

Groomsport – Excellent

Millisle – Excellent

Ballywalter – Excellent

Cloughey – Excellent

Brompton – Excellent

Donaghadee – Excellent

South Down

Tyrella – Excellent

Newcastle – Excellent

Murlough (Co Down) – Excellent

Cranfield (Cranfield Bay) – Excellent

Kilclief – Excellent

Ballyhornan – Excellent

Warrenpoint – Excellent

Inland

Rea’s Wood – Temporary advice issued against bathing

You can find up to date information on bathing water quality in Northern Ireland by clicking here.

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