Magilligan Point
Magilligan Point guards the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home to Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower.
This short beach walk through a National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for visitors to explore the beach or spot birdlife and sealife.
Please note pedestrian access only to this beach.
County Londonderry
Distance 0.7 miles
OS Map Sheet 4
Terrain Sandy beach backed by duneland
Nearest Town Magilligan
Route Shape Circular
Grid Reference C659386
Route Type Beach, Coastal
Arriving at Magilligan Point follow the road past the Point Bar leading to a car park adjacent to the boundary of Magilligan Nature Reserve. Park on the left hand side of the road and then pass through the kissing gate to view the Martello Tower straight ahead.
Pass to the right of the Tower through the dune land to meet with the beach near a military sangar. Turn left and continue along the beach as you round the Point with Lough Foyle opening up and the Ferry slipway coming into view. Retrace your steps along the beach and then return to the kissing gate via the Martello Tower.
Please be careful when using the steps as they are suffering from coastal erosion and can be uneven in places.
Access to the military firing range is restricted. Retrace your steps along the beach or through the duneland to view the Martello Tower.
Please refer to the downloadable leaflet on this webpage for opening times at Martello Tower.
Martello Tower – built to stop French Invasion
The beach is located at the end of Point Rd. Follow signs from the A2 for Lough Ferry. Use the car park opposite the Ferry Terminal or at Martello Tower. Access beach via steps adjacent to the Point Bar.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Dogs must be kept under close control
Toilets available at the Ferry terminal. Refreshments at Point Bar next to beach.
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.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Magilligan Point
When there is good weather and I am down at Magilligan beach, each morning I go down with bags and gloves and lift the rubbish etc of the beach as there are no bins provided at the beach area or past Martello Tower for beach users. Perhaps some more bins could be provided