With the summer holidays approaching, we've decided to put together a list of our favourite beaches within (around) an hour's drive from Derry City.
While most, perhaps unsurprisingly, can be found just over the border in nearby Co Donegal, a few Co Derry beaches do manage to make the list.
In no particular order, here's our top ten picks:
Kinnagoe
Kinnagoe Bay in Co Donegal, around 45 minutes drive from Derry City and found on the western coast of the Inishowen peninsula, is a stunning beach sheltered by steep, tree lined hills.
Just off the coast lies the wreck of the Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera. The beach can be accessed via a winding road from the top of the hill, with a small carpark at the bottom.
The cove shape of the beach adds to its privacy and beauty. It can be reached from Derry by driving to Greencastle and turning left on the road to Stroove.
Benone and Downhill
Right here in Co Derry, we've lumped the Benone and Downhill beaches in together because they form an uninterrupted miles long stretch of golden sands divided only by a small stream. The spectacular view of Mussendun Temple atop the cliff edge at Benevenagh, the wide, flat open spaces and the excellent nearby facilities at Benone Tourist Complex and the cafe places Benone and Downhill firmly on our list as one of the top beaches to visit from Derry city. The decision to allow cars onto the beach can either detract from or add to the experience. It should be noted, however, that it is in the general vicinity of a military firing range.
Culdaff
Culdaff is home to multiple beaches separated by rock formations protruding into the water. There's the main strand - known to locals as the 'big beach', a smaller and more sheltered beach accessible via stone steps known as the 'wee beach', and just across some rocks are a further two beaches. The main strand has a car park and a well-maintained children's play park built into the sand dunes. The village is around 40 minutes' drive from Derry City, past Carndonagh.
Buncrana
Buncrana is another Donegal town surrounded by multiple scenic beaches, so much so that we've lumped them all in together in this article. There's the main strand known simply as Buncrana beach, there's Lisfannon strand which is the first one you'll spot on the road from Derry, there's Dunree Bay, Porthaw beach near Ned's Point and there's Stragill. There's lots to do in Buncrana itself and the range of beaches, including the historic naval fort at Ned's Point and Fr Hegarty's rock - named after a priest beheaded under penal laws - gives Buncrana a well deserved place on our list.
Portstewart
Another beach right here in Co Derry, Portstewart Strand can be reached in just under an hour from Derry City. On the far side of Benevenagh from Benone, Downhill and Castlerock beaches, Portstewart Strand is another beach with wide, flat sandy stretches with a great view of the iconic Mussendun temple in the distance. Maintained by the National Trust - who charge a small fee to park your vehicle on the beach itself - a day out at the beach in Portstewart can also include the picturesque cliff walk to the Promenade, where a children's playpark can be found along with a multitude of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes - including Morelli's where their famous ice cream is a huge favourite.
Ballymastocker (Portsalon)
This one is amongst the farthest geographically from Derry on our list with a drive time of just over an hour, but it's worth a bit of time spent in the car. On the western shore of the Lough Swilly, it was once named the second most beautiful beach in the world by the Observer. Sometimes known as Portsalon, the spectacular expanse of sand and sea is around 30 minutes from Letterkenny on the north east of the Fanad pensinsula. Pop star Taylor Swift is a fan, having posted a photograph in 2021 with the famous footbridge in the background.
Marble Hill, Dunfanaghy
Another beach that sits just over an hour's drive from Derry City, Marble Hill in Dunfanaghy features miles of clean, golden sand and spectacular Atlantic views. It is the closest beach to Dunfanaghy and is surrounded by trees. Again, it's around 30 minutes away once you reach Letterkenny if driving from Derry city.
Five Fingers Strand, Malin
Found to the north and west of the town of Malin is the scenic Five Fingers Strand, named for the five narrow sea stacks that protrude from the water. While not a beach for swimming due to the strong currents, it is amongst the most stunning in Ireland with its unique geography. Featuring some of the highest Miram grass dunes in Europe, it was used as the backdrop for the iconic scene when Hamleth and Olga arrive in Iceland in the smash hit film The Northman.
Stroove
Stroove, also known as Dunagree Point and found on a straight road beyond Greencastle, is the smallest beach on this list. A tiny, sheltered beach surrounded by small cliffs and lush greenery, it is overlooked by a picturesque lighthouse. A firm favourite summer destination for people from Derry.
