Not Newcastle or Portrush – Northern Ireland’s best seaside town named

The Causeway Coast settlement has been rated Northern Ireland’s top seaside town in the annual Which? reader survey, beating off competition from well-known rivals

Advertisement

Northern Ireland’s top seaside destination has been revealed – and it’s not Ballycastle, Portrush or Newcastle.

This summer has been an absurdly hot one across the UK. Last week, Northern Ireland entered its fourth heatwave of the season. Temperatures exceeded 25C in several spots on Thursday, while Armagh had three consecutive days of 25C or more, meaning it is officially a heatwave.

According to the Met Office, the mean temperature this summer in Northern Ireland is 15.4C, which is 1.38C above the long-term average. The country is on track to record its hottest summer ever.

While this has (and should) make us concerned about the worsening impacts of climate change, it has also presented some good opportunities to head to the beach. And Northern Ireland has one of the best.

Every year, Which? readers cast their votes to determine their preferred coastal location across the UK. England’s Bognor Regis had another year to forget, finishing bottom of the rankings for the second year running, with visitors criticising its high costs and dilapidated appearance.

Fortunately, none of Northern Ireland’s seaside towns featured among the worst 30. In fact, one secured a place on the ‘best’ list.

Several local contenders were in the running. Portrush in County Antrim is arguably the province’s most famous coastal town, sitting on a rugged peninsula with three expansive sandy beaches. Newcastle in County Down is another firm favourite, nestled between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains and offering a fine combination of mountain trails and coastal walks. Then there’s Ballycastle, also in County Antrim — a historic market town that consistently ranks among the finest places to live, with a stunning Blue Flag beach and a thriving traditional harbour.

Yet none of these made the Which? list. That accolade belongs to Portstewart in County Derry.

Portstewart ranks among the most picturesque destinations along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, and its appeal is easy to understand. Portstewart Strand is the headline attraction — a two-mile Blue Flag beach managed by the National Trust and backed by a spectacular dune system. What sets it apart is the rare ability to drive directly onto the sand, making it ideal for families with young children or those travelling with lots of kit. Whether you fancy swimming, surfing, paddleboarding or simply a stroll through the dunes, there is something for everyone.

The town itself has plenty more to offer. The Promenade retains its charming Victorian-era seafront character, lined with cafes, ice cream parlours and sweeping sea views. During the summer months, it becomes the beating heart of the town’s social scene.

Much like Broadstairs in Kent, Portstewart has its own ice cream institution in Morelli’s. A beloved fixture on the Prom, it has been serving locals and visitors alike since the early 1900s.

Golf enthusiasts are equally well catered for at Portstewart Golf Club, which features three courses including a championship links course that hugs the coastline. The world-renowned Royal Portrush is also within easy reach.

For those with a cultural appetite, Flowerfield Arts Centre — housed within a grand Victorian mansion — hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. The town also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider coastline, with convenient access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple. The area has long attracted Game of Thrones fans too, thanks to its proximity to a number of filming locations used in the series.

In contrast to its livelier neighbour Portrush, Portstewart maintains a calmer, more residential atmosphere — making it an ideal base for those who want easy access to the region’s attractions without the bustle of the crowds.

The town itself has plenty more to offer. The Promenade retains its charming Victorian-era seafront character, lined with cafes, ice cream parlours and sweeping sea views.

Much like Broadstairs in Kent, Portstewart boasts its own ice cream institution — Morelli’s. A beloved fixture on the Prom, it has been serving locals and visitors alike since the early 1900s.

For those with a cultural appetite, Flowerfield Arts Centre — Northern Ireland’s first such venue — is housed within a grand Victorian mansion and hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year. The town serves as an excellent starting point for discovering the broader coastline, offering convenient access to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, and Mussenden Temple.