Benone Strand

General Beach Description

Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2020, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including watersports, walking, picnic spots and fishing.

The clean, firm, golden sands of Benone Strand are without rocks, shingle or seaweed and are preceded by the glorious natural formations of Benone's sand dunes. Benone is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.

During 2017 Benone Strand was announced as Northern Ireland's first fully inclusive beach, thanks to work carried out by local charity, Mae Murray Foundation, in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (further details below).

Facilities include:

• Free car parking at entrance to beach and on-beach parking
• Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th Sept)
• Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 11am-7pm daily)
• Zoned activity areas for swimming, jet skis, dogs, etc.
• Disabled toilets and disabled parking
• Specialist beach access equipment for limited-mobility users (pre-booking necessary). For further information about booking please email info@maemurrayfoundation.org or visit the website www.maemurrayfoundation.org.” 
• Coffee dock within The Ark building at entrance to beach
• Benone Tourist Complex nearby

Did you know?

Benone beach and dunelands fall within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and they are also protected as part of the Magilligan Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).