Benone Strand forms part of one of Ireland’s longest beaches. A Blue Flag beach, it is popular throughout the year for a variety of outdoor activities and events with great views along the North Coast, to Inishowen in Donegal and to Scotland.
Start : Benone Strand located off the Seacoast Rd (A2), 12 miles north of Limavady and 4 miles west of Castlerock.
(S) From Benone Strand, follow the Seacoast Road North from Limavady signed for Causeway Coastal Route.
(1) Turn right continue Eastwards along beach with views to Downhill Strand and Mussenden.
(2) Retrace your steps to Benone. (E)
Start : Benone Strand is located off the Seacoast Rd (A2), 12 miles north of Limavady and 4 miles west of Castlerock. Follow the Seacoast Road north from Limavady signed for Causeway Coastal Route.
Parking : Park at entrance to Benone Strand (or on beach if area is busy)
Terrain : Sandy beach backed by duneland
Public Transport : Translink
Facilities : Toilets are available at the entrance to the beach at Benone & Downhill and at Benone Tourist Complex. Refreshments available at Benone Tourist Complex.
Dog Policy : Dog walkers please note seasonal dog free zone May – Sept. Boardwalks in duneland may be used for dog walking to reach open beach.
Find more information and walk ideas at Walk NI here.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
Be aware of various acitvities on the beach such as shore angling, kiting, horses etc throughout the year.
Gortmore to Hell's Hole - Bellarena
Tourist office 
3.45 km
+77 m
-76 m
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Limavady
A lovely walk along the cliff top overlooking Benone Beach, Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal
Avish to Eagles Hill TrailTourist office 
4.71 km
+153 m
-155 m
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Limavady
A refreshing walk along the cliff top overlooking Benone Beach, Lough Foyle and the Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal.
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne - CastlerockTourist office 
2.82 km
+27 m
-22 m
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Coleraine
There cannot be a more wild and dramatic headland in Northern Ireland than Downhill Estate. With fabulous views that stretch over the whole of the North Coast of Ireland and open windswept cliff top walks, it is not surprising that the estate is part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a well known icon.
Binevenagh WalkTourist office 
4.89 km
+187 m
-189 m
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Limavady
Short walk along forest road and through coniferous forest with a steep section leading to the summit of Binevenagh with panoramic views over Lough Foyle, the Roe Valley, Inishowen and to the west coast of Scotland.
Mussenden Estate Walk - CastlerockTourist office 
2.33 km
+52 m
-45 m
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Coleraine
Set on a wild and rugged headland with fabulous clifftop walks and views over Ireland’s North Coast is the Downhill Estate, laid out in the late 18th century by the eccentric Earl and Bishop, Frederick Hervey.
Magilligan Point - Dune and beach WalkTourist office 
1.23 km
+5 m
-5 m
0h 20
Easy
Departure from Ireland
Magilligan Point guards the mouth of Lough Foyle and is home to Lough Foyle Ferry and Martello Tower. This short beach walk through a National Nature Reserve provides opportunities for visitors to explore the beach or spot birdlife and sealife.
Portstewart strand - Sand dune and Estuary TrailTourist office 
6.19 km
+6 m
-6 m
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Coleraine
Portstewart Strand, locally known as ‘The Strand’, has long welcomed visitors to its golden sands. It has the European Blue Flag award for its water quality and beach/dune management & is very popular with families in the summer months and with walkers throughout the year.
What is less known about Portstewart Strand, are the towering sand dunes (containing some of Ireland’s tallest dunes) and declared as an Area of Special Scientific Interest, together with the adjoining Bann Estuary. From here the River Bann (N Ireland’s longest river) ends its journey, on entering the North Atlantic. Please note that National Trust entrance pricing applies for this walk.
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