Portstewart Strand, also referred to as “The Strand,” is one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches, known for its golden sand, tall dunes, and panoramic views of the north coast.
The two-mile-long beach in Portstewart, on the northern ocean coast of the island of Ireland, is a popular destination for families and walking enthusiasts. Portstewart Strand sits between the seaside resort of Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann, and was bought by the National Trust in 1981. It holds European Blue Flag status for its water quality and management.
Walking at Portstewart Strand
Beach walks: enjoy a leisurely walk along the sandy beach, with views of the Inishowen headland and Mussenden Temple on the cliffs above.
Dune walks: explore 6,000-year-old sand dunes reaching heights of up to 98 feet (30m).
Causeway Coast Way: Portstewart Strand marks the beginning of the Causeway Coast Way, a 33-mile trail to Ballycastle, passing the Whiterocks outside Portrush, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge along the way.
Inclusive Beach
Portstewart Strand is an Inclusive Beach, working with the Mae Murray Foundation to provide access, parking, disabled toilets, and a beach equipment loan scheme. The toilets have hoisting and adult-sized changing bench facilities, meeting the full Changing Places standard where possible. Visit the Mae Murray Foundation website to learn more and book equipment.
Sauna Experience
Sauna & Sea offers a wood-fired Finnish sauna experience on Portstewart Strand, in partnership with the National Trust - an ongoing seasonal offering, still running as of 2026, not a one-off. Alternate between the sauna’s heat and a sea dip, in any weather. Visit the Sauna and Sea website for current availability and bookings.
Opening Times
Opening times can change depending on weather, tide, and time of year. Vehicles can enter up until one hour before closing time.
History
The dune system is around 6,000 years old, covers 180 acres, and reaches heights of up to 100ft - among the tallest in Ireland. It’s officially recognised as part of the Bann Estuary Area of Special Scientific Interest, designated in 2000, home to various butterflies and orchids including the rare bee orchid.
A new visitors’ facility opened at the beach on 28 April 2008, funded in part by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (£450,000).
Access
Both cars and pedestrians can access the beach from Strand Head Road, just beyond the golf club. Pedestrians can also access the beach from Port Path in the town.
Life and Legend
The river Bann once flowed into the sea at the beach entrance; since the last ice age, sand movement has shifted the river’s mouth about 2 miles west, now contained by two sea walls. A holy well, Tubber Patrick, sits on the basalt cliff above the beach - traditionally a source of fresh water with a legendary reputation for healing. A Celtic legend also credits this stretch of coast as the birthplace of the first Irish harp. In 1992, a whale washed ashore on the strand.
Dogs on Portstewart Strand
Dogs are welcome, on a lead, and can go off-lead beyond post 10 (cattle graze in the dunes and ground-nesting birds are present, so leads are required up to that point). Water for dogs is available near the entrance and at Harry’s Shack, which is also dog-friendly.
