Castlerock Beach

General Beach Description

Castlerock is a 1km (0.7 mile) long stretch of beach between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the Lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east.  Castlerock Beach frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2024.  Castlerock beach backs onto the tranquil resort of Castlerock. The dunes to the east of the entrance are home to Castlerock Golf Club.

Visitors can access the beach on foot via boardwalks through the dunes connecting the promenade with the beach. Cars are permitted on the eastern portion of the beach all year round (cars are not permitted to the left hand side of the row of wooden posts at the beach entrance), although access may be difficult due to accumulation of soft wind-blown sand (please heed signage at entrance).

Walkers and anglers can walk along the concrete pier of the Barmouth but should exercise extreme caution at all times (inadvisable in high winds and breaking sea).

Facilities include:

• free car parking on promenade
• boardwalks access to beach
• dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th Sept)
• horse riding (restrictions apply 1st May – 30th Sept, permitted before 11am and after 7pm)
• seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 10am-6pm daily)
• disabled toilets and disabled parking

Did you know?

The dunes here extend back upstream of the Bann estuary to Grangemore and are some of the oldest dated dunes in Ireland. There is a National Trust bird sanctuary at Grangemore. The beach and dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

Watch out for the appearance of small harbour porpoises or seals feeding in the estuary at the Barmouth.