Attractions on Northern Ireland's North Coast
Portstewart Strand
Portstewart Strand is a magnificent 3km (1.5 mile) long, gently shelving sandy beach and dune system owned and managed by the National Trust since 1981. The beach is bordered to the west and south by the Lower River Bann, and to the east by Portstewart itself.
The Strand attracts up to 180,000 visitors per year. All activities including watersports, are zoned. In 2000, the acre dune system at Portstewart was included in the Bann Estuary ASSI, for the rare and fragile habitats/wildlife that it supports. In particular many species of butterflies and orchids including the rare bee orchid have been recorded, and can be viewed from the waymarked trails.
Access: Cars and pedestrians can gain access from Strand Head Road past the golf club and pedestrians only from the Port Path from the town. The is a charge for cars in a zoned section during March to October.
Part of the dunes are owned by Portstewart Golf Club and access is restricted. Walkers and anglers can walk out along the concrete pier of the Barmouth (inadvisable in high winds and breaking sea).
Note: Watch out for the occasional fox hunting for rabbits and small birds.
National Trust staff present May to October.
To view the Beach Safety Guide click here...