Blue Flag 2026

Benone Strand

Co. Derry, Northern Ireland
Water qualityExcellent NIEA
Blue Flag 2026Yes
Seaside AwardNo
DogsSeasonal
Always verify the car-park location on arrival. Road and access conditions may change.

About Benone Strand

Benone Strand at Magilligan is a vast Blue Flag beach on the Causeway Coast, a seven-mile sweep of golden sand beneath the dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh, where you can drive on the beach. Lifeguarded in summer, it is one of the longest beaches in Ireland, popular for swimming, walking, surfing and watersports, with huge skies and mountain backdrops. A spectacular north-coast strand.

Get directions to the car park

This opens the verified car-park pin β€” never the beach itself or a mid-route point.

πŸ“ Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 55.1705, -6.8925. Always verify the car park on arrival β€” access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

  • Surfing β€” Intermediate
  • Walking β€” Long walk (3km+)
  • Lifeguard (summer) β€” Yes
  • Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

  • Toilets β€” Yes
  • Car park β€” Free
  • Disabled access β€” Yes
  • Lifeguard β€” Yes
  • Not yet confirmed: Shower, CafΓ© nearby

Facilities confirmed from the local council and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Discover Northern Ireland Source.

Water quality

Water quality information is sourced from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland and is updated annually. During the bathing season real-time water quality updates are available at nidirect.gov.uk. Always check nidirect.gov.uk and local signage at the beach before swimming, particularly after heavy rainfall. IrishBeaches.ie accepts no liability for water quality conditions at the time of your visit.

NIEA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check nidirect.gov.uk for the current rating.

Where to stay nearby

Search accommodation near Benone Strand

Verified local listings for Derry are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.

Nearby golf

From the GolfIreland.ie network. Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies), not driving distance.