UK's best beaches - Northern Ireland

Click on the blue flags to find about the UK's best beaches.

BEACH:	Ballycastle, Antrim
HOW TO GET THERE:	The nearest town is Ballycastle. Access to the beach is from Seafront North Street.

The salmon and trout Margy River flows across the sandy, curved beach, which is next to a golf course and is overlooked by the headlands of Fairhead. Facilities include: cafe/ restaurant; promenade; bowling; street parking; harbour; camping; wildlife reserve; amusement arcade; leisure centre.

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BEACH:	Benone Strand, Londonderry
HOW TO GET THERE:	Benone is 12 miles (19.3km) north of Limavady on the A2 coast road.

Stretch for seven miles (11.2km) from Downhill to Magilligan Point, backed by sand dunes and 750ft (229m) cliffs. Popular area for study of botany, entomology and shells. Sandy beach has facilities including: cafe/ restaurant; entertainers; bowling; dog restricted area; dog exercise area; free parking; camping; wildlife reserve.

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BEACH:	Cranfield West, Co Down
HOW TO GET THERE:	The nearest town is Kilkeel, located approximately 4 miles (6.4km) from the beach. Access routes are clearly signposted.

Located at entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Gently sloping, mainly sandy beach - extensive at low-tide - has facilities including windsurfing; canoeing; sailing; jet skiing; driving range; slipway; lost child centre; dog restricted area; dog exercise area; free parking; street parking; promenade; harbour; campsite.

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BEACH:	Portrush East Strand, Antrim
HOW TO GET THERE:	The nearest town is Portrush. There are excellent rail and road links.

Excellent sandy beach, sheltered with coastal views. Activities include sailing and crazy golf. Facilities include first aid, children's entertainers, a promenade and a lost child centre.

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BEACH:	Portrush, West Strand, Antrim
HOW TO GET THERE:	The nearest town is Portrush. There are excellent rail and road links.

Long sandy beach with excellent coastal views and facilities including: windsurfing; cafe/ restaurant; slipway; lost child centre; entertainers; dog restricted area; promenade; bowling; crazy golf; harbour; free parking; campsite; amusement arcade; leisure centre.

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BEACH:	Portrush, White Rocks, Antrim
HOW TO GET THERE:	On the eastern edge of Portrush on the A2 towards Dunluce Castle.

Two mile long sandy beach with dunes, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Ideal for surfing and canoeing although beware of the two rip tides. Facilities include outdoor showers, free parking, entertainers and a lost child centre.

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BEACH:	Portstewart Strand, Londonderry
HOW TO GET THERE:	Located on the south-eastern edge of Portstewart and four miles north-west of Coleraine. Access roads include A2 or B185. Ulster bus no 218 travels from Belfast to Portstewart. Cycle route (NLN) 93 passes the Strand.

Two miles of magnificent white sandy beach and an important dune system on the Atlantic coast. The site is home to rare birds, insects, butterflies and orchids. Activities include surfing - there is a surfboard hire shop on the beach - windsurfing and jet skis. Dog exercise area. Certain areas are National Trust nature reserve and parking charges are up to £5.00 per car.

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BEACH:	Tyrella, Co Down
HOW TO GET THERE:	Nearest town Newcastle. Beach on A2 Killough to Clough road, 6.8 miles (11km) from Downpatrick and five miles (8km) from Newcastle.

Wide, flat, sandy beach 1.2 miles (2km) long, backed by dunes in a conservation area within Dundrum Bay. Facilities include: wind surfing; surfing; canoeing; dog restricted area; entertainers; leisure centre; wildlife reserve; pay parking.

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SOURCE: Encams (Environmental Campaigns)