This seaside resort town features a long golden beach and plenty of adventure.
Portstewart offers a 2-mile-long beach backed by sand dunes set amid birdlife and wildflowers. The surrounding area is full of activities and amenities, from amusements to surfing, watersports, and hiking. It’s also a great base for exploring the Causeway Coast, including the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. Head outside of Portstewart for the best camping sites and to see some Game of Thrones filming sites like Downhill Beach and Ballintoy Harbour.
Portstewart is a typical seaside town with a long promenade, but one of its best features is the long golden strand which stretches for two miles and is perfect for a walk, picnic, or family day out. Surfing spots and watersports centres dot the area, as well as camping options that are available on the coast and slightly inland. Check out the neighbouring holiday town of Portrush for golfing and more seaside fun.
The Causeway Coastal Route is full of adventure—walk the cliff-top ruins of the 16th-century Dunluce Castle, or explore the basalt rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway. Game of Thrones fans can check out filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour (The Iron Islands), or Downhill Beach (Dragonstone). Holiday parks and camping accommodations can be found all along the coastal route.
Ballycastle is another resort town with a harbour and beach, from where campers can take a ferry to Rathlin Island, six miles out to sea. The island is a renowned bird sanctuary and ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle to learn about the thousands of birds that visit the island, including puffins. You can make your visit a day trip or stay overnight—you just need permission from a landowner to camp, and both tent camping and glamping options are available.
Summer is the busiest season in this region, when kids are on school holiday and campsites book up far in advance.