Blue Flag 2026

Cranfield

Co. Down, 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 Cranfield

Cranfield is a Blue Flag beach at the mouth of Carlingford Lough in south County Down, a sandy strand looking across to the Cooley Mountains and out to the Irish Sea. Lifeguarded in summer with safe family swimming and good facilities, it is one of Northern Ireland's warmest, most popular beaches, in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains near Kilkeel.

Get directions to the car park

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

📍 Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 54.0205, -6.0405. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Surfing — Beginner
Walking — Good walk (1–3km)
Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

Toilets — Yes
Car park — Free
Disabled access — Yes
Lifeguard — Yes
Not yet confirmed: Shower, Café 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 Cranfield

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