Benone Strand

(4 reviews)

Benone Strand forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches. A Blue Flag beach, it is popular throughout the year for a variety of outdoor activities and events with great views along the North Coast, to Inishowen in Donegal and to Scotland.

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Benone Strand



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  • Brilliant coastal walk. Plenty of space to park alongside the coffee hut or on the beach. Shower and toilet facilities available and in peak times ice cream vans too. You can walk this stretch towards Castlerock until the tide near mussenden temple causes you to stop. The scenery is fantastic, time it correctly and you can watch the train go through the tunnel. The views of mussenden with the changing light is stunning. On occasion albeit rare the northern lights have been spotted here too.
    Great beach for a day out, caters for most. Leave no trace

    Rhonda V at 9:04 pm
  • Fantastic beach to go walking with my dog. The views are spectacular!

    Jayne at 11:36 pm
  • Walked yesterday from Downhill to the point and back. It’s a good distance (approx 13 miles) but easy enough as it’s all flat. Takes around 4hrs. There’s a coffee shack near the beach about half way along.

    Paul at 1:17 pm
  • County Londonderry

    Distance 2.9 miles

    OS Map 4 or Causeway Coast & Rathlin Activity Map

    Terrain Sandy beach backed by duneland

    Nearest Town Bellarena & Magilligan

    Route Shape Linear

    Grid Reference C717363

    Route Type Beach, Coastal

    Route Description

    Park at entrance to Benone Strand (or on beach if area is busy), continue eastwards along beach with views to Downhill and Mussenden.

    Retrace your steps to Benone for a longer walk.

    Dog walkers please note seasonal dog free zone May – Sept. Boardwalks in duneland may be used for dog walking to reach open beach.

    There is a military firing range to west of beach entrance which has restricted access.

    Be aware of various acitvities on the beach such as shore angling, kiting, horses etc throughout the year.

    Point of Interest

    Look out for seals, porpoises and bird life

    Getting to the start

    Benone Strand is located off the Seacoast Rd (A2), 12 miles north of Limavady and 4 miles west of Castlerock.

    Follow the Seacoast Road north from Limavady signed for Causeway Coastal Route.

    Public transport

    Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

    Dog Policy

    Please note seasonal dog free zone.

    Facilities

    Toilets are available at the entrance to the beach at Benone & Downhill and at Benone Tourist Complex. Refreshments available at Benone Tourist Complex, Magilligan & Castlerock. The following facilities are available for users with limited mobility: – Shop (wheelchair accessible) – (at Benone Tourist Complex March-October) – Disabled toilets – Disabled parking.

    Accessibility Grade

    Grade 5

    • There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
    • Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
    • Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
    • Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.