IrishBeaches.ie
Blue Flag 2026

Downhill 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 Downhill Strand

Downhill Strand is a dramatic Blue Flag beach on the Causeway Coast, a long sweep of golden sand beneath the cliffs of Downhill Demesne and the iconic Mussenden Temple in County Londonderry. Lifeguarded in summer, it is a wild, scenic surf beach where you can drive on the sand, with a waterfall tumbling onto the beach and views along one of Ireland's most spectacular coastlines.

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 55.1665, -6.8125. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Activity suitability

  • Swimming — Supervised only
  • Surfing — Intermediate
  • Walking — Long walk (3km+)
  • Lifeguard (summer) — Yes

Facilities

  • Toilets — Yes
  • Car park — Free
  • Disabled access — Partial
  • Lifeguard — Yes
  • 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.

Coming soon

Where to stay nearby

Accommodation near this beach coming soon — we are building our Derry guide now.

Coming soon

Where to eat & drink

The nearest pub or café from TopPubs.ie will appear here as the Derry guide is built.

Coming soon

Nearby walks

Coastal walking routes from IrishWalks.ie will appear here soon.

Coming soon

Audio story

A 60–90 second audio story of this beach is coming to AudioToursIreland.ie.

Coming soon

Nearby golf

Coastal golf courses within 15km from GolfIreland.ie will appear here.