A vast stretch of golden sand along County Londonderry, offering stunning scenery and rich biodiversity.
Benone Beach is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, as it is a public beach. It is easily reached via the B201 between Limavady and Coleraine; there is a large car park right next to it with space for caravans. Check the map on Discover Northern Ireland for precise directions.
Access to the beach is completely free. However, parking costs around 5–10 pounds during the high season (April–September), and it is free outside that period. Check updated rates on NiDirect.
It is recommended to allow at least 1–2 hours to walk along the beach and dunes, but you can easily spend a full day if you go surfing or have a picnic. It is ideal for short visits or half-day trips combined with other nearby attractions.
Benone is a Blue Flag beach famous for its 7 km of golden sand and protected dunes, part of the Causeway Coastal Route. It has ecological importance as a bird habitat and was historically used by pilgrims on Bishop's Road; its proximity to Mussenden Temple adds cultural value.
The best time is in summer (June–August) to enjoy the sun and swimming, preferably at sunset for spectacular Atlantic views. Avoid strong winds in winter, but it is great year-round for walks; check the tides on apps such as Tide Times.
Yes, there are ramps from the car park to the beach and paved paths across the main dunes, suitable for wheelchairs. Not all of the sand is accessible, but it is one of the most inclusive beaches in Northern Ireland; contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board for specific details.
Nearby you will find Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne (5 km away), Magilligan Point with its historic forts, and the Causeway Coastal Route leading toward Giant's Causeway. Explore more at Causeway Coastal Route.
Bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for the dunes; check the tides to avoid strong currents if you plan to swim. In summer, arrive early for parking; dogs are allowed on a lead out of season. Download the Discover NI app for offline guides.
¿Prefieres escuchar en español?
🇪🇸 Escucha la audioguía de Benone Beach en español