The Sunday Times’ top four beaches in Northern Ireland have been revealed.
The annual Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK’s 50 best beaches. The 2024 guide is the 16th edition and only features beaches rated ‘excellent’ for water quality by national government agencies.
Ballycastle Beach in County Antrim has been named Northern Ireland’s Beach of the Year by award-winning Times and Sunday Times editor Chris Haslam.
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In his description of Ballycastle, Chris said: “Ballycastle is like a man-made seaside resort. There’s a river that flows onto a flat sandy beach; the best fish and chips on the coast (Morton’s on the harbour); kayaking; guided nature swims; boat trips to Rathlin Island just offshore; and a new high-speed passenger ferry service to Islay and Campbeltown on Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula, which is visible from the beach.”
Chris Haslam has personally visited and inspected all 50 beaches included in the guide over the last eight weeks. The guide showcases the unparalleled beauty of Britain’s coastline, assessed using a rigorous 11-point checklist.
Criteria include water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, parking facilities, presence of lifeguards, hygiene levels in toilets and showers and dog friendliness. The guide only covers beaches on the mainland.
The four best beaches in Northern Ireland according to the Sunday Times:
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BEACH OF THE YEAR IN NORTHERN IRELAND: Ballycastle, County Antrim
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White Park Bay, County Antrim
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Benone, County Londonderry
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Murlough, County Down
Chris Haslam said: “My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog and I have travelled 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. The 50 beaches on our list boast outstanding natural beauty, superb facilities and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work and play there.
“I am always amazed by the beauty of the British coastline. From Kynance to Caithness, and from Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on the planet.”
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